Scandal - S3E13 - No Sun on the Horizon

Previously on Scandal, ‘We Do Not Touch the First Ladies’

I cannot write a typical recap where I basically tell you what you watched last night, in chronological order, with my own take on it and a few funny GIFs. Frankly, after watching last night’s episode of Scandal, I had to let it sit and try to wrap my mind around it. If you want to hear me talk about it scene-by-scene, make sure you listen to tonight’s podcast. Until then…

We learned last night that Olivia Pope is God. Sally Langston was ready to confess her sins before God and country, taking down not just herself, but the whole Grant administration. Disappointed in her, God had stopped speaking to her and Sally had convinced herself that a confession was the only to get back into His good graces.

Just as God denied Jesus a sign of hope the night before his crucification, Sally believed that God had forsaken her. And if Jesus still went to his death with faith, who is she to walk away from her crimes? If the Lord works in mysterious ways, then Olivia Pope’s methods are downright puzzling. She convinces Fitz to throw the presidential debate he was poised to win.

Less confusing is Olivia’s relationship with Jake. She selfishly uses him, his position, and his feelings for her to get him to do whatever it takes to protect Fitz. She pulls him close with takeout and sex, and then pushes him away when she realizes that she will continue to walk in the shadows with Fitz. She’s just doing her job, after all. So is it any wonder that, finally fed up with being manipulated, Jake realizes it’s time for him to start doing his job?

B613 is all about protecting the republic. And that means the people with the information and ability to crumble this centuries-long experiment in democracy have to go: the woman who made the software used by the NSA; Vanessa, the reporter contacted by Publius, David Rosen; and Publius himself, James. Were the final 30 seconds as shocking as the show promised they would be? Yes and no. Certainly it’s surprising to think that the show would get rid of two regular cast members who have recently became a large part of the fabric of the show, but Jake’s actions are not shocking to those of us paying attention.

Scandal has always been a show about people who do bad things. No one has clean hands. Except maybe the children. But everyone else? Pffft.