Scandal: Ten Things I’m Thankful For 

There are so many reasons I am thankful for Scandal, especially in season four. It’s been a game-changing season for sure. It’s had to deal with a lot like Harrison’s death, the separation of Pope & Associates and the aftermath of losing a child. We can’t forget about Olivia and her struggle between the sun…and Vermont. The show manages to do a great job of exploiting the weaknesses of strong characters…without destroying or ruining them. In fact, it makes us care even more about them. Scandal does the impossible. It manages to keep its identity and keep it fresh as it advances its stories to new, unexpected places. I actually feel sorry for people who aren’t watching it. So let’s break it down:

#10 The twisted love triangle that is Fitz/Olivia/Jake

It must be such hard work for Kerry Washington to have to work with two guys that are not only great actors but are that good looking.

What I love about this is not only is the writing good but the acting just elevates it to a whole new level. You can feel all the painful nuance that happens in any scene that involves these three and any combination.

Get Olivia/Fitz, Olivia/Jake, Jake/Fitz, or all three in a room at the same time — and you feel everything. It’s emotionally exhausting and emotionally satisfying.

#9 Abby

Abby is always a bad ass but now she’s working in the White House. The season started with her being so angry with Olivia for leaving but when the chips were down they came together. Also, we finally got to meet her abusive ex-husband and saw how it really affected her. It broke my heart when we heard for the first time exactly what he did to her. I’m still sad she and David aren’t together but how cool is it that because of what this character went through we saw the good side of Leo Bergen (Paul Adelstein)?

#8 The aftermath of Teddy’s death on Mellie

Could you imagine the First Lady wearing a robe and eating and drinking everything in sight? Mellie was always the strong one no matter what happened and watching her completely not care about appearances was sad, entertaining and brilliant. Losing a child must be the most horrific thing a parent could go through. So seeing what happens when the most stoic person goes through this is pure genius.

#7 The brilliance of Joe Morton

Every cast member is super talented on this show but there is something about Joe Morton that is so mesmerizing. It’s like we’re watching him perform Shakespeare whenever Rowan is a part of the action. Perfect example is when he realized Olivia “shot” him in the mid-season finale. That scene alone should earn him another Emmy Award next year.

#6 The addition of Portia de Rossi as a hard core Republican

I always knew Portia was a good actress but somehow this character has elevated her in my mind. Yes, she often plays bitchy in other roles, but there is something about the way she plays Elizabeth North. Elizabeth is layered and I feel like there are so many more things we are going to learn about her.

#5 Cyrus

Ever since James died Cyrus has been broken. So it’s understandable why he became involved with Michael. Cyrus let his guard down when he began an affair with the guy who spied for Elizabeth North. He was lonely. He missed his husband. We watched as this man who always knew what is what, get burned the same way he had burned others. Was it karmic retribution? Jeff Perry, actually makes you feel sorry for Cyrus. How does that happen with everything his character has done? Great acting and writing.

#4 Quinn is the glue that keeps the Gladiators connected

Quinn tracked down Olivia. She’s the one that tried to keep in touch with everyone. This is the girl that was so messed up because of what Pope and Associates did to her (Well, let’s be honest, she’s still messed up. Way messed up). And now she has realized that no matter what, this is her family.

#3 Quinn and Charlie relationship

I don’t know what to think of Charlie and Quinn. It is totally messed up yet entertaining all at the same time. These trained killers somehow found each other, in an insane world. Emphasis on insane. But we can’t forget about Quinn and Huck. Do they belong together? I don’t know but it’s fun to watch.

#2 The acting

Not one actor on this show is a weak link. It is a true ensemble cast and what is interesting is all of them deserve awards, accolades, praise, etc. Not only does the level of acting on this show surpass most others, but the chemistry with this diverse group of people is unparalleled to other dramas, comedies, etc.

#1 The writing

Shonda Rhimes continually proves why she is one of the best showrunners/writers out there today. With Scandal, every thing on every level is top notch. Every episode keeps you on your toes. As a viewer, you are never disappointed. And it all begins and ends with the words. They somehow manage to come up with exciting dialogue that’s highly hashtaggable (new word). They also somehow manage to send the story to dramatic, awkward and unpredictable places. And we love them for it. Kudos to Rhimes and her writing crew.

Now we have to wait to the end of January to find out one thing: Where is Olivia Pope? For people who haven’t been watching this show, they don’t know what they are missing.

Scandal season four continues Thursday, Jan. 29 on ABC.