So, TV? You need to hook me. Making the cut: SCANDAL. Here’s why:
1. You really don’t need to catch up.
Sure, watching Season 1 is probably fun. I wouldn’t know: I jumped on this train in Season 2 and didn’t feel lost. Watch whatever free eps you can of Season 2 on Hulu.
It helps that it’s technically a procedural, in that the lead character (Olivia) gets a new case each episode in which some political VIP has royally screwed themselves (or in most cases, someone they shouldn’t). Unlike most procedurals, however, there are some seriously juicy story arcs that are fast becoming the real reason to watch.
Since Season 2 kicked it up a few hundred notches, much has been written about the show. To hear more of what the show is actually about (with some spoilers), I recommend Vulture’s recent praise.
2. The fashion is bananas.
Boss lady Olivia Pope (main character, fixer, Washington power player) has a closet TO DIE FOR. I mean, her Armani power suits make me want to get a career just for the wardrobe: one where I climb a human staircase of male employees and take a pickaxe to the glass ceiling… I’m sorry, where were we? Oh, right: Valentino.
See? Even when she’s laying down the law or pounding her fists on the presidential motorcade, she looks like an angel dressed in orchid petals. Powerful stuff.
3. Olivia Pope is a badass bitch lady.
Those suits don’t mean a thing without the diva inside them, and Kerry Washington knows how to strut. I’m not only talking about the Sorkin-esque walk and talk scenes. She has a way of carrying herself at all times that declares, “They coined the term HBIC after ME.” It’s predatory and glorious.
She is incredibly smart and unafraid (for better or worse) of powerful political foes. Sound familiar? I am a sucker for strong independent female characters, and Olivia Pope has eclipsed Carrie Mathison for me. Yep, I said it. Let’s fight it out.
Also, can we just call it now: Kerry Washington for Best Skin? Baby butts wish they looked that good.
5. The cast & Twitter.
The Scandal-watching experience is enhanced by Twitter. This is one of those shows that makes you GASP and YELL and HASHTAG. Plus, the cast is doing it too. I know, I know: a lot of shows make their stars use twitter to promote episodes. Maybe I’m naïve, but the Scandal cast’s love for the show seems real! A lot of them live-tweet each episode and talk to the fans. I tip my hat in particular to cast member Josh Malina (David Rosen on Scandal, formerly on The West Wing) whose twitter gives me life on a daily basis.
*THE FOLLOWING INCLUDE SPOILERS, SO SKIP TO THE END IF YOU WANT TO REMAIN PURE*
6. All those conspiracy theories are entertained.
It is just so lovely to have a fictional place where conspiracies aren’t just theories, and they go deeper than you could have imagined. Election rigging! Assassination plots! Spies at every turn! All of the above and more.
7. It’s saucy.
People are gettin some, on the reg. Olivia and the POTUS (can we agree this is the least sexy acronym ever?) are/were a thing. A serious, I-live-for-you thing. Take a look:
Is it just me, or was there some Mr. Darcy realness happening there? Wait a second… POTUS’ name is Fitz. GET OUT. I just fell in love with the show even more.
And it’s not just them! Abby and David, secret lovers, had a fairly weird, silent sex scene on a recent episode. There’s electric energy all over the place on this show.
8. It has the balls to GO THERE.
Again, spoiler alert…
The POTUS and Olivia have sex in the Oval Office! On the Resolute Desk!!
This season, they SHOT the PRESIDENT! In the final seconds of the episode!!
You really never know what is next, because nearly nothing is sacred. And that makes the stakes SO much higher.
*END SPOILER ALERT*
Alright, I’ve made my case. Join me on Thursday nights as I yell at the TV and pray Scandal doesn’t fall to Grey’s Anatomy levels of cray…you hear me, Shonda Rhimes? I’m off to work on my power strut: I’ve got stilettos and a sharp tongue; anyone have an Armani suit I can borrow?
Are you watching Scandal? Can you believe HE is being framed for doing THAT? Does anyone know Kerry Washington’s skincare regimen? What shows are making the cut for you this year?
Scandal airs Thursday nights at 10pm on ABC
*Scandal image source: tvrage.com
