“Scandal” creator Shonda Rhimes does it again — the new winter premiere of the TV show last Thursday was a full of twists and turns.
If you are a dedicated gladiator like myself, you were screaming TGIT — thank God it’s Thursday — when the new episode aired. The show picked up right where it ended in season four with a fresh take on the main characters, especially Olivia (Kerry Washington).
In case you are a tad behind in the series, Olivia was kidnapped at the end of season four. The new winter premiere episode titled “Run” follows up on this plot line, detailing where she is, who took her and why.
In “Run” Olivia is placed in a situation even the best gladiator would struggle with. Shonda leaves us destitute, worried that Olivia may not have as much power and clout as she says, leaving the audience without a scrap of hope for a daring rescue by either Fitz (Tony Goldwyn) or Jake (Scott Foley) — preferably Jake.
In a moment of despair, Olivia says “My name is Olivia Pope...It’s funny, because it’s useless.” This moment showed many fans the remainder of season four has the potential to be present a new plot line.
Maybe Fitz will halt his annoying pleas about living in his utopian, unrealistic world in Vermont — not likely. But “Run” gives us hope.
With its strange, yet refreshing plot, “Run” reminds us whom the show is really about. The past four seasons, episodes have centered around the vindictive Cyrus, indecisive Fitz, demented Huck, wavering Abby, secluded Jake and irritating Quinn — not to mention smelly Mellie.
Shonda could use this unusual damsel-in-distress Olivia to the show’s advantage. If she allows Olivia to escape, struggling through her turmoil alone, it may make the character stronger.
In turn, Olivia will no longer need to depend on a man, whether that man is Fitz, Jake or even her psychotic and manipulative father, Rowan. Olivia as a character can demand the spotlight again and remind the audience why she is the heart of the show — no more pity parties with wine and popcorn.
“Run” leaves the audience pondering multitude of possibilities for the upcoming season. The premiere was highly effective, drawing loyal and straggling gladiators alike back into the show — not that anything less should be expected from Rhimes.
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