When I first heard about the crossover event between “Scandal” and “How to Get Away with Murder,” like every other gladiator I was excited beyond belief. I was thrilled to see these two acting powerhouses in the same shows. Both women are exceptional actresses and play powerful and strong women. That is where the similarities end. Anna Mae aka Analise was raised in poverty and Olivia was privileged and was no stranger to luxury and power.
Somehow for both of them, it all went wrong. Kerry Washington and Viola Davis are two of the most prolific actresses of our time. Viola has shown that age is not a barrier and inspired me as an older actress when she won the Oscar last year for “Fences.” Kerry has become an icon for black and all women everywhere with her portrayal of Olivia Pope as well as a fashion icon as well.
They have made these television characters a fiber of prime time.
Shonda Rhimes is no stranger to the crossover. She had an easy outlet when she crossed over “Private Practice” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” Surgeons could travel between the two shows for impossible surgeries that had to be performed. Also beloved characters could be enjoyed by their fans and possibly gain some new viewers.
I think that Shonda should have done this before this final season. Taking an impossible class action suit case and then having two brilliant minds working together was a brilliant move and all should be commended. Special mention should go to Aja Naomi King and Cornelius Smith Jr as well. These two actors worked well together and added a little sexual tension as well. Credit should also be given to the two directors for each show, Zetna Fuentes and Tony Goldwyn (his last directing for the show Scandal).
Oh how the mighty have fallen. Liv no longer has the White House and her gladiators have abandoned her. She is teaching at universities and one of her fans is Michaela . Michaela has told Analise about her encounter with Olivia and reminds her this is what she needs. Olivia sits in on one of these lectures and introduces herself to Ms Pope. The case needs to go to the Supreme Court, but Liv has no clout. She takes the suit to the Grant Foundation and the former POTUS.
Fitz is still mad at her and waits for his Liv to return. He takes the case and then the group heads for the Oval and Mellie. Mellie refuses to help and points out that the only reason she agreed to meet with them was Fitz. She threatens her if she continues her crusade. There is no stopping her , so Mellie enlists Jake and QPA to leak the story of the real reason she left the White House. Quinn is filled with revenge and agrees to leak the story for Jake.
The episode is not without humor as the two divas wage a war in a DC hair salon. Insults like “bougie” black woman and “broken down ass got on a Mega Bus” flew between the two powerhouses.
Meanwhile the gladiators try to sway the judges against Liv and the case. They almost succeed until Quinn has a change of heart and remembers that QPA is about justice. Abby reminds her that they are indeed gladiators. Everyone is convinced that Liv is just using this to get her power back. She is also defeated until she is given a pep talk by none other than her cheerleader, Fitz. He still believes in her, now she has to show the world that she is the Liv he loves as well.
Isaac overdoses and the Keating gang prepare to watch their teacher in front of the highest court in the land. Michaela helps Marcus as the two are on a stakeout where they give into their passion. Marcus admits that there was someone, but doesn’t say her name. “She went on to do great things and I couldn’t stand in her way.” Is how he describes his relationship with Mellie. Micahela also steals the credit from Connor to get to meet her idol.
Despite this setback, the Keating gang are headed to Washington. Bonnie would have loved to come to watch as well, but she is deeply involved in finding about the mysterious funds that Lauren’s mother paid Wes. (Liza Weil could not be involved with this storyline because of her role in the first season as Amanda Tanner, Presidential whore) Analise’s parents arrive and then the games begin.
Sharon Lawrence also shines as the defense attorney against Analise. Cicely Tyson is the bright spot in the episode as she spins wisdom and makes stew. This would be a foreign concept to Ms Pope since her parents are assassins and terrorists. The elderly woman also has advice for Liv after she spills soup on her designer duds. She tells her that she needs to take care of herself as well. Jacqueline calls Analise minutes before the hearing and announces that Isaac overdosed and it was all because of her. She ruins everything .
Analise gets scared and is unable to move off of the floor. Only one thing can help and that is vodka. Liv sends Marcus off to get some. But luckily she doesn’t need the liquor and she states her case despite her opposition.
The one judge makes a statement and asks if she is using it as a funding problem or race case. Davis makes a passionate speech about race problems in our country and also reminds the judges that Jim Crow is still alive and well. No decision is made during the episode, but Fitz said that it might go their way. Does that smile on Olivia’s face mean that a private celebration is in the cards with the former POTUS after his phone call. Unfortunately, Annalise gets some bad news from Bonnie, Simon has woke up. Annalise thanks her team and the Grant Foundation including Olivia Pope. Michaela is burned because Connor is given the credit rather than her and her tactics.
Asher has his suspicions about the chemistry between his girlfriend and the former press secretary. MVP for the “Scandal” episode is definitely Fitz. Between the White House and QPA, Fitz managed to pull this all together. He also sees that his Livvie is still there and wants her to see she doesn’t have to be evil. She can still wear the white hat.