Credit: ABC
By Amy Amatangelo, TV Gal ®
Last week I had the opportunity to visit the set of Scandal with my fellow TV critics. It was a fantastic set visit. Everyone was so delighted to talk to us about their show. They seem to have as much fun making Scandal as we have watching it. We also got a sneak peak at this week’s episode which is called “A Criminal, a Whore, an Idiot and a Liar,” (one of the best episode titles ever, don’t you think?). I can’t tell you much about it but I can say that once again Olivia is wearing some fabulous gloves and that the ending had a few rather shocking plot twists.
You can read my story about my Scandalous visit on Emmys.com. Since I couldn’t bring you with me on the set visit, I’m giving away the DVD of Season One of Scandal. To be eligible, post in the comment section why you love the show. I’ll pick a winner at random. You must post by 5 p.m. EST Friday, January 18. This giveaway is limited to residents of the United States and Canada.
TV Gal® 
I’ve been a fan of Scandal since season 1. It took me a few episodes to get hooked, but now I’m in. The relationship between Olivia and the President is so messed up, but somehow, some way, it’s PERFECT. When Fitz was shot and nearly died (although we all knew he wouldn’t), I was heartbroken for Olivia, Mellie, and Cyrus! Only a well-written, well-acted show can make you feel that way. And that’s what Scandal is — one of the most well-written, well-acted shows on network tv. That’s why I love it.
I love the show because Olivia’s outfits are always amazing!!!
I love it because of the well-rounded cast and rich characters. The First Lady could have been written as a one-note villain/bitch so the audience would easily root for Olivia & the President, but I love her just as much as them. Also, it’s great to have the lead of a network show be a minority and that’s not what the whole show is about.
In the beginning of the series, I loved seeing Olivia and her team “fix” things. Seeing them work their magic and manipulative those who need manipulating is still one of the best parts of the show. What made the show even better was the show’s ability to make me like people who I shouldn’t like and to dislike those I should like. I was cheering for Tuck and his murderous girlfriend (even after she killed the family plus the dog). I want Fritz and Mellie to figure out a way to make their marriage work even if I know that I’m supposed to want Olivia and Fritz to be together. Everyone is good and bad, simple and complicated and it makes the viewing experience something special.
I agree 100% with Fritz and Mellie making their marriage work. I was thrilled with the “one for the dog” line. OH and here is something I stumbled upon that I thought you might enjoy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ymj4mntPy2w
I can answer this question with one word. Huck.
I’ve been watching Scandal since the beginning and love it for its strong and multifaceted female characters, especially Olivia and Mellie. Additionally, there are always great twists and turns on the show, as well as one of the romantic/sexual relationships – gotta love Fitz/Olivia! That scene in the Oval Office was sizzling! There’s other great characters such as Huck and Cyrus who also keep me coming back.
Rhonda took my one word answer HUCK!! I love this show for several reasons, 1) Grey’s anatomy is better because of it. (May seem weird but the last few seasons were excellant and I believe Scandal fired up Shonda Rhimes imagination and presented her with a challenge that lead to all her other work be that much stronger. 2) Olivia Pope is a character which could easily be played by any race and possibly gender Shonda Rhimes has always excelled at racial nullification when writing or creating characters but in this character she has gone so much far and beyond. Several scenes that she is in remind me of prior characters from other shows Bobby Donnell comes to mind as well as Alan Shore, Josh Lyman, Leo McGary, and so many others…….She is quite simply the most powerful and strongest character on TV while still being incredibly likable. 3) The character actors that were assembled and given roles completely out of their comfort zone. You think I am wrong look up Huck on imdb and see the roles he had on veronica mars and weeds and then go back and watch the scene were he describes his family he watches; Harrison (Columbus Short) played a great role on Studio 60 not to mention all the dance work he has done.but when he starts talking about being a gladiator in a suit you pray for an episode where he gets to defend someone in court. and since I can’t go through the entire cast will pick as a final example Josh Malina who is most famous for being Aaron Sorkin (ie GOD)’s go to man has never had a role make his so 3 dimensional. 4) Since LOST hit the air almost everything on the air has had to have a back story most of which never pay off that well. I love that Scandal has multiple back stories going on that do not distract in the least bit the story of the week 5) Its a show about the government that is neither as rosy and shiny as the West Wing nor as dark and gloomy as the myriad of new political thrillers. The show is just amazing and I hope we have several several seasons with the Olivia Pope Gladiators.
Kerry Washington is an amazing actress and I’m a fan of just about anything she’s in!
I love watching basically any scene with Joshua Malina or Kerry Washington. Preferably both. I also just want to be a Gladiator!
I love the show because of the chemistry between Liv and Fitz, it’s just off the charts! Every time they’re on screen together they make it so believable that they are or were a couple and it’s just good acting and writing. I also like the fast pace of the show.
I guess I am in the minority here but I think the HUCK character is totally unbelievable. Who wants Hannibal Lechter as a partner. Maybe it’s not the character but more Guillermo Diaz. I find his portrayal to be wooden, sullen. Yeah, I get it, he’s a tortured soul, but, really, he gets no empathy from me. It just doesn’t resonate at all with me. On the other hand, I love Olivia and Cyrus. But, again, Cyrus’ wife is another poorly acted character. The don’t have half the chemistry of Cam and Mitchell on Modern Family. I like the storyline on Scandal and hope it continues to develop and grow.
“cyrus’ wife” really?
It may sound strange but that’s how Cyrus refers to his partner.
Cyrus refers to him as his husband. HOLLIS referred to him as “wife”.
I could swear I’ve heard Cyrus refer to his “wife” as wanting a baby, plus other references as such. I’ll have to see if I can verify. Amy?
I think Rhoda is right that Hollis refers to James as “Cyrus’s wife” but Cyrus always calls James his husband. But I would need to go back and watch to be sure. Things happen so fast on that show. I really like the James character. Dan Bucatinsky is also a producer. He’s a consulting producer on “Grey’s Anatomy” and is an executive producer on “Web Therapy” and my personal favorite “The Comeback.”
Olivia Pope.
Incredible chemistry between Olivia and Fitz, Cyrus’s rants, excellent cast and plot lines that change direction so fast you almost get whiplash.