It's such a divisive issue in our society and sadly has become a real political football. To revisit this article, select My Account, thenView saved stories. I somehow feel as though his reaction wouldn't be all that understanding. | JuniorSenatorMellie whos still hankering for some respect gets more dirt kicked in her face, this time by some Senators sternly ordering her to vote for the new spending bill. TGIT returns Feb. 11 on ABC. It was as if she didnt connect with it at all. This isnt what I want. For Olivia the character, it only highlighted her bravery. Why does it feel so necessary to make an abortion something tragic and terrifying and shameful? FIRST LADY SINGS THE BLUES | Now that Fitz has officially moved her designer duds into the White House, Livs finding her sudden First Lady-like duties a tad tedious. I cant tell you that, Rhimes told EW ahead of the panel. She's like, "Hey, people, I'm putting this on television because this is what is happening in our lives." I'm happy that you have fallen in love with Fitz because that's the journey that Olivia went on. He has always had a strong polarity in his life. Olivia later goes to Fitz to bless Jake (Scott Foley) as Mellies pick for vice president on her Republican ticket. I cant tell you that. And of course shes withholding this terrible secret that Fitz has no clue about. Yellowstone's Kelly Reilly Offers Explanation For Her PaleyFest Absence, American Idol's Top 10 Revealed Live, Following Pair of Brutal Eliminations, Morning Show Renewed for Season 4 Plus, Find Out When Season 3 Will Air, Time100: The World's Most Influential People, Felicity Dj Vu on The Diplomat? To me, thats what was so disturbing about that abortion scene: it was so mundane. Soon enough, Jake finds himself face-to-face with Russell (who took out Elise), ignores his pleas to join Lazarus One, and puts a bullet in his head. At the end of the day, its her body and her right, but its his child, Goldwyn told THR in November after the midseason finale that featured the abortion reveal. ("We've talked about these things," is all Rhimes would elaborate.) Unfortunately, their relationship could not stand the public pressure, eventually leading to Olivia's shocking holiday plans: getting an abortion and moving out of the White House. Hit the comments! At the end of the day, it's her body and her right, but it's his child. That abortion blew my mind. Entertainment Weekly is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation All Rights Reserved. Fitz is going to be terribly lonely. At the end of the day, its her body and her right, but its his child. And when they spiral, they finally tell the truth. Not only does he not have a partner, hes utterly alone. Come on, its difficult; theres a lot of scrutiny but what the hell is Olivia so scared of?! Olivia's Abortion: Scandal has aired four new episodes since Olivia's abortion (as part of the mid-season finale), and Fitz still doesn't know about it. Thats true. Olivia calls Fitz an ineffectual president and believes the White House is a cage. "I'm not thinking of what the fans want to hear," said Rhimes. Roman Polanski, 89, and Samantha Geimer, 60, were seen beaming in a recent photo taken in Paris - 45 years after he raped her. 2 days ago, by Lindsay Kimble Get the daily inside scoop right in your inbox. But his feelings for Olivia defy logic. I haven't actually decided, but I wonder. After a tumultuous few seasons of back-and-forth, Fitz (Tony Goldwyn) and Olivia (Kerry Washington) seemed poised to find happiness. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. REMEMBER ME, MELLIE? . Fitz tells Olivia that she never needed his approval. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. The procedure is done by a licensed healthcare professional.. I can do what ever I want!" Making a splash: A deep dive into the live-action Little Mermaid with a new generation's Ariel. It's not a paint by numbers. Why do you think more shows dont go there? But that might be good for Fitz. I think there's hope. But it felt surprisingly fine to be reminded of that, and the fineness of remembering reminded me of the fineness of it happening, and to see Olivia going through that, and to see the whole thing framed in a way that didn't remind me that I was "supposed" to feel ripped apart by that particular moment in my medical history. I think it would be, next to the death of his son, the most gutting news he could get and frankly I don't know how he'd recover from that. FATHER KNOWS BEST | Still shackled to a chair, an increasingly desperate Rowan decides to play mind games with his captor/potential executioner, Huck. KERRY WASHINGTON, JOSHUA MALINA, GUILLERMO DIAZ, GEORGE NEWBERN, DARBY STANCHFIELD, GEORGE NEWBERN, KATIE LOWES, KERRY WASHINGTON. But I think that's what makes it worth talking about. A fan noted that since Disney has the upcoming Star Wars experience and Universal has Harry Potter, might fans ever get an actual Shondaland? None of this is to say that Olivia's abortion was cast in some casual, glowy, unwrinkled-white-hat light. It just means that Olivia does not know who she is yet. Olivia told Abby she is not ashamed of her abortion, and she does not care who knows. ET on ABC. Katie Lowes and Scott Foley both mentioned Jeff Perry's Cyrus, while Kerry Washington said that even though her favorite character on the show right now is VP Susan Ross, "I feel like I might want to be George Newbern's Charlie for one episode." Come on, it's difficult; there's a lot of scrutiny but what the hell is Olivia so scared of?! Fitz is then incredibly nice to Olivia whom he hasnt seen in months after their split and agrees. I can't imagine how Fitz will react when he finds out about the abortion. The idea that they were together under the circumstances in which they were together that she was going to move into the White House and become Mellie [Bellamy Young], who was the unhappiest woman weve ever seen was a farce, Rhimes continued. Sound off in the comments, below. I think she has a lot of work to do on herself. For. Viewers veto judges' votes on dj vu-inducing top 12 'American Idol' episode, Ashley Judd reflects on mom Naomi's 'irreplaceable loss' a year after the country star's death, Michael J. She also mentioned that just like Liv, Fitz is on a journey too. Hes going to be very lonely. Scandal: Will Fitz ever find out about the abortion? Its honestly strange and annoying that TV and movies dont showcase more instances where women are not just ending up without a baby or a man in a sad context, but are choosing to not have a baby, or to not have a man, in the decidedly positive context of her creating the life she wants for herself. Though Fitz and Olivia are done for the time being, Rhimes stressed that Scandal is more than just the Olitz relationship. ", The Moral Compass: Kerry Washington asked her cast mates which character on the show has their priorities straight, and Cornelius Smith, Jr. (who plays Marcus) immediately raised his hand with an enthusiastic, "I do!" 18 hours ago, by Eden Arielle Gordon Scandal Kerry Washington Abortion - H 2016, [Warning: This story contains spoilers from Thursdays season five finale of ABCs Scandal.]. Someone having an abortion experience that feels honest and representative of my abortion experience, thats exactly how I felt. Do it! commands Rowan, as Huck starts to choke the life out of him. She feels that Fitz moving her into the White House so suddenly (and without asking) was punishment for releasing . Perhaps that Rhimes and co-producer Betsy Beers knows when and where the show will end. But hold on! Olivia knew the choice that she wanted to make and I have a feeling she has no regrets about the actions that she took. She recently told a French magazine that the rape 'wasn't a big deal.' | Later that same night, a majorly angst-ridden Liv is seen being escorted by a nurse into a medical room, where she undergoes that aforementioned abortion. There's always been Mellie and/or Olivia as this other yin and yang. Before I did, I did a few other things: I talked to my boyfriend; I spent a week locked up in my apartment, going through the should we or shouldnt we motions of deciding what to do with my boyfriend, who wanted me to have the baby, and I pretended like I didnt already know that I wanted an abortion the second I found out I was pregnant. I don't know how to do it any other way. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. It was clear and quite balanced. And for Scandalas a whole? She looks happy or freed with a glass of wine, new couch and a Christmas tree, while Fitz is left almost heartbroken. "I don't know if he can go [without seeing his family]," said Guillermo Diaz. But Liv didnt tell Fitz about the abortion during their break-up fight because it wasnt relevant. Abby and Fitz don't really know each other. Olivia's frustration with her position in the White House intensified as she watched Sen. Mellie Grant (Bellamy Young) work tirelessly to support Planned Parenthood (in the latest Scandal episode that delivered a timely message). Shonda talks about the White House being this prison and cage and how horrible it is. That was followed by an epic, seemingly irreparable quarrelbetween Liv and Fitz, after which she moved out of the White House. What was the table read like when the cast got this script? At the midway point of the ABC drama's fall finale on Thursday, Olivia was escorted into a private medical room and then underwent an apparent abortion. How much more will Scandal explore Planned Parenthood and abortion storyline going forward? Sound off in the comments, below. My question is: Does he need to? Rhimes said at Tuesdays PaleyFest panel. I mean, its fine, its what we all do until we get a little older and realize that what weve been taught about what adults do or how adults feel in various situations all of which is largely based on what weve seen in movies and on TV is incredibly narrow and ill-fitting for who we are as individuals. Olivia misses an important dinner and goes to get an abortion. This episode was such a timely and important one for Planned Parenthood, and it isnt the first time a Shonda Rhimes series or Scandal itself has featured an abortion. The two trade barbs about their upbringing. Scandal was recently renewed for a sixth season, but does Rhimes actually look at that as the final season? In possibly related news, a familiar face returns during Thursdays episode, which screened ahead of the panel, that will surely raise some eyebrows. And maybe they're right. Added Rhimes: "I think everybody is evolving this season. Ive always had the end point in mind.. Show of hands if you saw THATScandal twist coming. The Olivia (Kerry Washington) and Fitz (Tony Goldwyn) storyline is something fans have been waiting to see play out for a couple months. Maybe what Mellies doing isnt about you at all, she tells Fitz. Olivia Pope Had An Abortion On 'Scandal' & It Was A Brave & Unprecedented Move Entertainment Olivia Pope Just Changed TV Forever by Nicole Pomarico November 19, 2015 For a show that has. I think Fitz and Olivia really love each other. In truth, executive producer Shonda Rhimes has not made a decision whether Fitz will discover the truth. When Olivia is kidnapped, Quinn, Huck and Jake team up to find her. I don't understand it. Scandal airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. What the what? Previous Next Scandal TV You May Also Like TV "Bel-Air"'s Creator, Showrunner Break Down the Bombshell Moments in Season 2's Emotional. "My question is, 'Does he need to?'" We didnt think so. Fitz may grow through the experience; I have no idea what Shonda has in mind. I was really impressed with the boldness of it; Shonda never fails to amaze me with her fierceness. Im happy that you have fallen in love with Fitz, because that is the journey that Olivia went on. Do you think hes happy now that he knows that his insane shell of a human father is out of the picture again? Rowan keeps up the verbal assault until Huck finally snaps. I didnt; I just had to absorb it and think about it. Fitz thinks she released the man who killed his son so she wouldnt have to marry him. "My question is . THR turned to Goldwyn to break down the revealing episode and preview what to expect when the Shonda Rhimes drama returns Feb. 11 from its winter hiatus. I'm just telling a story that is there for me. How much pain and suffering? Olivia is on a journey, Rhimes said. All Rights Reserved. If you think the debates youve seen in the real world are fun star Kerry Washington teased coyly. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Will there be a time jump when the second half of the season returns? Unfortunately, their relationship could not stand the public pressure, eventually leading to Olivias shocking holiday plans: getting an abortion and moving out of the White House. What ever Fitz has done wrong, what ever mistakes Fitz made or overreaching he did, they could have made a go of this. The idea that they're together under the circumstances of which they were togethermove into the White House and [sort of] become Mellieis a farce. Boom. Does this open the door for Mellie to return? I think he would have to because hes in love with her. Olivia is on a journey, Rhimes said. Because in a completely unexpected moment, Olivia had an abortion on Scandal , and although it was an incredibly controversial move by the show and Shondaland, it was also a truly awesome one. Does this open the door for Mellie to return? By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from POPSUGAR. What ever Fitz has done wrong, what ever mistakes Fitz made or overreaching he did, they could have made a go of this. But that's still a very big "if" that may never actually come to pass. "Second to the death of his son, thats the worst thing that could ever happen to Fitz to find out that Olivia was pregnant with his baby, had an abortion and did not tell him," Goldwyn remarked. What if I had been, say, 16 years old, and seen Olivia going alone, confidently, to her appointment no looping in her boyfriend, no implication that the thing happening inside her body is anyones business but her own. Is there hope for them down the line or can they only work out once his presidency is over? And then, we end the . Olivia believes Fitz is talking about Jake, but the president is talking about a womans right to choose. But when the vote hits the floor, Mellie throws in a surprise filibuster she wants to protect Planned Parenthood which threatens to throw everyones holiday plans into disarray and (gasp!) Its interesting to me that her primary story is a romance. Will Fitz start dating? The veteran series also features Addision (Kate Walsh) revealing that she had an abortion after getting pregnant during her affair with Mark (Eric Dane). But theres going to be a tremendous backlash Im not saying this out of any knowledge of the story, but about life when Olivia has to look in the mirror and realizes that shes pushed away everybody who is close to her life and the man she does love. Entertainment Weekly may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Hes a Republican but weve never asked that question [on the show]. His connection with Cyrus (Jeff Perry), even thought they tried to patch things up, that trust is fundamentally compromised. Its Me, Margaret, 25 Of Our Favorite Mothers Day Episodes From 'The Golden Girls' to 'Rugrats', Rihanna Is Definitely Going To Impress Her Kids With Her New Movie Role, No, Meghan Markle Isnt Returning To Acting, What Parents Are Talking About Delivered Straight To Your Inbox, By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. Granted, Olivia is by no means obligated to tell him anything. Do we need to know that choosing to handle a pregnancy in that way is the heartbreaking conclusion of a tortured decision-making process? Sure, Olivia couldve talked to Fitz about it if shed wanted to, but to make a tiny assumption, it seems like she was really sure about what she wanted to do, in which case talking to him would only open her up in a really scarily vulnerable way, with her love for him and her now-shattered hopes for their future presenting a giant liability that could potentially lead her to choosing something that she already knew she didnt want. The reveal would not hurt her, but hurt Fitz both publicly and privately because he does not know. Hes a Republican but weve never asked that question [on the show]. Added Goldwyn: "When I give her direction or my thoughts on something, she's like, 'Yeah, right!" To restate the headline, this time without a spoiler redaction: R.I.P. and part two is the colossal lie and betrayal and withholding of that terrible truth that Olivia didn't tell . And with their approval ratings on the rise, Fitz wants to keep Liv out of White House business, but Mellies ploy to grab the spotlight and shut down the government (more on that later) set off Livs gut instincts. It was not what I expected with Olivia and Fitz. My mother was even like, 'Why are you acting that way?!" How Shonda Rhimes Is Changing the Dialogue About Abortion on TV, The Couples of Shondaland: 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Private Practice,' 'Scandal', 'Scandal's' Tony Goldwyn: Having It All Has Never Been So Devastating, Viewers veto judges' votes on dj vu-inducing top 12 'American Idol' episode, Ashley Judd reflects on mom Naomi's 'irreplaceable loss' a year after the country star's death, Michael J. "If you think the debates in the real world are fun, then" is all Washington would tease. She's making it a little bit tough for him. Fox says life with Parkinson's is 'getting harder': "I'm not gonna be 80', Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson celebrate 35 years of marriage with cake, Chris Pratt talks Marvel audition fails: 'I was never gonna audition for Marvel again'. I tried this thing, and it doesnt feel right, so Im out. It was her getting out, so she could move on, and try to find something else that might actually make her as happy as she knows she deserves to be. Nobody puts this Gladiator in a corner. What did you think of the abortion twist? Smith, who we spoke with just a few weeks ago, said "Marcus is fighting to set the bar, and yet [others] are trying to remove it in a way. Hes lost his family; though he has visitation with his kids, he and Mellie are utterly estranged. Because for all of their glitz and their glamour, Olitz can fight like the best of them. The idea that they were together under the circumstances in which they were together that she was going to move into the White House and become Mellie [Bellamy Young], who was the unhappiest woman weve ever seen was a farce, Rhimes continued. And then, to boot, marching home, telling her boyfriend that she wasnt happy in their relationship, and didnt think they were headed towards a future that filled her needs, before then going home to her apartment, by herself not falling apart. Its not weird to have a favorite abortion scene, especially when most of them are so completely terrible. Switch-Up Day: Good Morning America's Lara Spencer (who moderated the event) asked the cast if there's a fellow Scandal character they would love to play just for a day. (And if I have to tell you who Olivia Pope is, Im not sure why youre reading this; get thee to Netflix and come back post-binge). And the truth is, neither do most women when they have abortions. Everyone else, you may proceed. Thats what youve seen. To him, it is a sign that Olivia is running away from the relationship. I think Olivia is lying to herself. The season five finale may have revealed how Fitz stands on abortion. It just happened. [Warning: This story contains spoilers from the season five midseason finale, "Baby, It's Cold Outside," of ABC's Scandal.]. Scandal - "Dead in the Water" Subscribe: http://goo.gl/mo7HqT Director Debate: Scott Foley v. Tony Goldwyn: Now that Foley and Goldwyn have both directed episodes of Scandal, Washington admitted that she's "so horrible when Tony directs. THR turned to Goldwyn to break down the revealing episode and preview what to expect when the Shonda Rhimes drama returns Feb. 11 from its winter hiatus. But the dream may have been better than the reality if Thursday's midseason finale his any indication. 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Olivia's Ending: When a fan asked Kerry Washington how she'd want to write her own ending for Scandal, Josh Malinanoting the enormity of the questionblurted out, "Oh snap!" And we dont in fact know where Fitz lives on this issue. After a tumultuous few seasons of back-and-forth, Fitz (Tony Goldwyn) and Olivia (Kerry Washington) seemed poised to find happiness.