Speaking of debates, Rhimes said that she often had to eliminate dialogue she already wrote for fictional debates "because it already happened in real life.". Fitz overreached a bit by moving her into the White House prematurely. Of course, abortion is something that has been alluded to on TV before, but this is one of the first times it's been shown so openly on network television especially in a clinic. Sometimes its more difficult since the show is often from Olivias point of view so I do have to ask Shonda questions in terms of what she has in mind for Fitz. How much pain and suffering? 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. In its fifth season ABC's Scandal gave diehard Gladiators everything they wanted: a presidential divorce that paved the way for Fitz (Tony Goldwyn) and Olivia (Kerry Washington) to finally go public with their romance and be together as a couple in the White House. Contained in the file is the fact that Olivia had an abortion around Christmas with Fitz putting together that her pregnancy was part of the reason the couple broke up after years of hiding their romantic relationship. Olivia calls Fitz an ineffectual president and believes the White House is a cage. Fox Says Battle With Parkinsons Disease Keeps Getting Tougher: Im Not Going to Be 80, TV Premiere Dates 2022: The Complete Guide, Broadcast TV Unscripted Scorecard 2022: Whats New, Renewed and Canceled, TV Pilots 2022: The Complete Broadcast Guide, The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News. I cant imagine how Fitz will react when he finds out about the abortion. But that's not to say that it would ruin any chance of Olitz getting back together, at least not in this actor's eyes. At all. How much more will Scandal explore Planned Parenthood and abortion storyline going forward? She sat behind me, and I was like, 'Action!' She then heads back to the White House and makes a beeline for Mellies booze stash, which sets up an epic Olitz brawlfor the ages. Murder! Scandal airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. Portia de Rossi mentioned that she'd like to get inside Huck's complicated mind. Then I saw Hillary in this green [outfit]. November 19 2015, 7:00 PM PST, Stop reading now if you have yet to watch tonights Scandal fall finale. The Olivia (Kerry Washington) and Fitz (Tony Goldwyn) storyline is something fans have been waiting to see play out for a couple months. What, no one? and drops him off at home, where Jake (!) If youre on a TV show and youre having an abortion, youre either the sullied slut whos also probably a drug addict because why not, a rape victim, or the young woman whos making a sad-but-right decision to protect her future but who will be haunted for the rest of her life by her choice and while I suppose all of these representations are accurate portrayals for a small percentage of real women who have abortions, theres a glaring lack of grown-up woman who makes a decision to end a pregnancy, schedules an appointment to do so, goes, leaves, and carries on living her life without falling apart. The latter is exactly what we saw Olivia doing on Scandal, and as weird as it is to think, Finally! For the time being, Scandal is heading into the height of election season, drawing many parallels to the real-life political landscape so much so, in fact, that Rhimes revealed theyve had to change dialogue in scripts that hit too close to home. Because for Olivia, that's what it was: Her choice, and she didn't justify it. And we repeat:Stop reading now if you have yet to watch tonights Scandal fall finale. To feel OK about a woman having an abortion, do we need to see her agonizing over the decision? I expected to feel and do and say certain things, and the expectation manifested those feelings and prompted me to do those things. At the midway point of the ABC dramas fall finale on Thursday, Olivia was escorted into a private medical room and then underwent an apparent abortion. The biggest? 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. 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. 5 Meanwhile, Fitz finds out that Olivia aborted his baby. But as Mellie eventually starts to falter under the strain of holding court on the Senate floor she needs to pee, badly! Will there be a time jump when the second half of the season returns? This is a very difficult job he's got and it's very lonely at the top. The 1-minute scene was so flawlessly orchestrated in a way that both refused to strip Olivia of her strength, while also not softening the utterly unpleasant reality of the actual experience of undergoing that procedure. She feels that Fitz moving her into the White House so suddenly (and without asking) was punishment for releasing Rowan. One minute, Mellie was kicking some serious butt in a congressional hearing as she conducted her filibuster to save Planned Parenthood, and the next, Olivia was lying on an operating table, and the procedure had begun. (Laughs.). But I do, and I think when people love each other as primally as these two people do, I think they can come back from anything. He's going to be very lonely. Will Olivia tell Fitz about the abortion? It's such a divisive issue in our society and sadly has become a real political football. That was followed by an epic, seemingly irreparable quarrelbetween Liv and Fitz, after which she moved out of the White House. She feels that Fitz moving her into the White House so suddenly (and without asking) was punishment for releasing Rowan. It was as if she didnt connect with it at all. That [Olivia] was going to surrender every piece of who she was to be an appendage of [Fitz] was never going to work. Not only does he not have a partner, hes utterly alone. I can only assume he would because of his irrational love for Olivia. A woman made a choice about her body that she legally has the right to make. Shes progressive politically but she really does these things because theyre important to talk about. Come on, its difficult; theres a lot of scrutiny but what the hell is Olivia so scared of?! I think Olivia is lying to herself. In its fifth season ABCs Scandal gave diehard Gladiators everything they wanted: a presidential divorce that paved the way for Fitz (Tony Goldwyn) and Olivia (Kerry Washington) to finally go public with their romance and be together as a couple in the White House. So why can't we have more abortion storylines storyblips might be a more accurate descriptor on TV? No other characters, including her live-in boyfriend, were even aware she'd had the procedure (that we know of). But that's still a very big "if" that may never actually come to pass. But that's not all we learned. All Rights Reserved. I think Fitz and Olivia really love each other. She's making it a little bit tough for him. enter VPSusan Ross to the rescue, who takes over the fight. Rowan is not exactly moved, and tells the departing Huck,Family doesnt complete you, it destroys you.. "It was the last shot of the night, and I had no idea she was going to show up," he said of the former First Lady and Secretary of State. Fitz may be in a lot of denial here especially given all the grief he has suffered but he means it.. I'd say 90 percent. Fitzs about-face is completely a function of his love for Olivia, star Goldwyn told The Hollywood Reporter on Thursday, calling the decision for Scandal to feature a Republican president be pro-choice impressive. At the end of the day, its her body and her right, but its his child. Succession Director on Filming That Surprise Cameo and Tying Up Her Kendall Trilogy, Dodger Great Fernando Valenzuela Getting Limited Series Treatment (Exclusive), From Jeff Shell to Tucker Carlson: The Week in Entertainment Layoffs, How Shonda Rhimes Is Changing the Dialogue About Abortion on TV, wanted to take on the abortion arc in season one, The Couples of Shondaland: 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Private Practice,' 'Scandal', John Oliver Mocks Matthew McConaugheys Five-Hour Virtual Motivational Seminar, The Morning Show Snags Early Season 4 Renewal at Apple TV+, Barry Star Sarah Goldberg on Sallys Point of No Return: Its the Final Nail in the Coffin, Melanie Lynskey Says Cate Blanchett, Sarah Paulson Lent Their Trailers on Mrs. It was pretty clear. 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." And it really, really matters whether or not we have these depictions because its inescapable that young people are influenced by them, and its inescapable for their feelings and choices about their own lives will be swayed by these preconceptions. It just means that Olivia does not know who she is yet. Its the burning question Gladiators have been asking since the Scandal midseason finale: Will Fitz ever find out about Olivias abortion? Scott Foley, Meet Hillary Clinton: When the Democratic Presidential nominee paid a visit to the set of Scandal last month, Foley (who was directing that week's episode) had no idea. Part of deeply loving someone is a predisposition to see the world through their eyes and this is a huge moment for Fitz. Its a really interesting choice [for them to break up]. 2 days ago, by Victoria Edel But the combination of the fact that Fitzs fondest dream in life would be to have a child with Olivia as he put it in Vermont. I think there's hope. And we don't in fact know where Fitz lives on this issue. And maybe they're right. I want her to fully be on her journey. 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. To me, her primary story has been discovery of herself. And those expectations were pretty firmly established by what Id been taught to believe about abortion from Hollywood. Added Rhimes: "I think everybody is evolving this season. Todays biggest stories, from pop culture to politicsdelivered straight to your inbox. All we knew is that she made her choice, and carried it out rather unceremoniously. Abby notes shes not even sure if the file is real since it came from Olivias estranged father, Rowan (Joe Morton) who is not trusted by anybody on the Shondaland drama. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. 'Scandal's' Tony Goldwyn on Abortion Storyline, Fitz and Olivia's Future. But the dream may have been better than the reality if Thursdays midseason finale his any indication. Is this breakup something that Olivia and Fitz can come back from? Here's everything that happened: Huck's Family Drama: The audience previewed Thursday night's episode, in which Huck must deal with the emotional fallout of not being in his son's life. Olivias suits! Shonda talks about the White House being this prison and cage and how horrible it is. She fell in love, got the fantasy and she discovered the fantasy was not real. by Ariel Baker During a recent chat with Entertainment Weekly, Tony Goldwyn (who plays President Grant) said that Fitz would be positively devastated if he ever discovered what Olivia did. 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). The now-former couple agrees that they rushed into things and weren't ready ("we tried," they say) and that they were "broken" going into this. I wonder how my own actions and feelings about my abortion mightve been changed had my brain walked into that experience with a different set of expectations. I didnt; I just had to absorb it and think about it. In truth, executive producer Shonda Rhimes has not made a decision whether Fitz will discover the truth. We talk about it a lot.". Not once did Olivia say she was pregnant, and we had no idea what she was doing at the clinic until she laid down on the table. But Liv didnt tell Fitz about the abortion during their break-up fight because it wasnt relevant. pondered Rhimes. 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. 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. Her father has been saying that, and while he represents evil to a lot of you, he also represents truth., What their future may hold, in other words, is up in the air as is the future of Scandal, as Rhimes reiterated her plans to keep the political fixer drama as a contained story. The now-former couple agrees that they rushed into things and werent ready (we tried, they say) and that they were broken going into this. Do we need to know that a woman is scarred and traumatized and genuinely f*cking upset about her abortion in order for us the faceless, judging public to not hate her for it (and we still might anyway)? After a tumultuous few seasons of back-and-forth, Fitz (Tony Goldwyn) and Olivia (Kerry Washington) seemed poised to find happiness. I can't imagine how Fitz will react when he finds out about the abortion. Olivias been on a journey since we started. Does this open the door for Mellie to return? America So She Could Breastfeed Privately, Michael J. I know what I want. For a show that has definitely had its groundbreaking moments, Scandal is definitely delivering on the Season 5 midseason finale. Previous Next Scandal TV You May Also Like TV "Bel-Air"'s Creator, Showrunner Break Down the Bombshell Moments in Season 2's Emotional. What the Fans Want v. What Shonda Wants: During the audience Q&A, a fan asked Shonda if she feels obligated to write for what the fans want or what she wants. 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. Does this open the door for Mellie to return? Its the burning question Gladiators have been asking since the Scandal midseason finale: Will Fitz ever find out about Olivias abortion? It happened unceremoniously, unexpectedly, and the storyline moved forward quickly in fact, Olivia' abortion only got one minute of airtime. 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!" My mother was even like, 'Why are you acting that way?!" What did you think of Scandal's midseason finale? shut down the government! A) I don't know, and B) I couldn't tell you. "I literally ask the question because a woman made a choice about her body. Watching it tugged at some visceral memory of my own abortion; My body remembered what it felt like to be lying there, the feeling of the doctor's hands on me, and the grip of my own around the edges of the table. 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. 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. That's where she's coming from as a dramatist. New Romance Brewing on Superman, Fox News 8 pm Viewership Down Sharply Since Tucker Carlson's Ouster, Stephen Amell Doesn't Think He's Done Playing Green Arrow. Hit the comments! 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 didn't; I just had to absorb it and think about it. All Rights Reserved. I feel like she disassociated from it. 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. Scandal: Will Fitz ever find out about the abortion? The Existential Yearning Of Are You There God? Because for all of their glitz and their glamour, Olitz can fight like the best of them. That abortion blew my mind. In season four of Scandal, a case-of-the-week story features a female Navy officer who is raped and begs Olivia for help getting an abortion. Fitz thinks she released the man who killed his son so she wouldn't have to marry him. He's very progressive in so many ways and my guess is that Fitz would have a fairly progressive view on the matter, if only to say that it should not be in the hands of the government. Jerry Springer hinted at his ailing health in his last-ever Australian TV interview before dying from pancreatic cancer at the age of 79 last Thursday. The season five finale may have revealed how Fitz stands on abortion. Hes a Republican but weve never asked that question [on the show]. Olivia' abortion only got one minute of airtime, filibustering in opposition of a Congressional budget. 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. Olivias been on a journey since we started. ! She couldnt have that conversation because to her, thats terror and a ball and chain. In the dramatic mid-season finale, Olivia and Fitz's brief time living together in the White House comes to a breaking point. Hes going to be very lonely. "Second to the death of his son, that's 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," he says. Sound off in the comments, below. Shes like, Hey, people, Im putting this on television because this is what is happening in our lives. Shonda doesnt make polemic arguments; shes not sending messages. Many may think that because of the six-month time jump that the topic will never be broached again. "Olivia is on a journey," Rhimes started out. The last question of the night was perhaps the most fitting, given that Paleyfest is for the fans. We know where it ends and when it ends, Rhimes said, though the question is when. Washington cracked up, but Rhimes gave a very thoughtful answer. And for Scandalas a whole? Do it! commands Rowan, as Huck starts to choke the life out of him. Sometimes it's more difficult since the show is often from Olivia's point of view so I do have to ask Shonda questions in terms of what she has in mind for Fitz. 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. And of course shes withholding this terrible secret that Fitz has no clue about. I can only assume he would because of his irrational love for Olivia. I understand as a viewer but if I were her shrink, I would have a lot to say. To be clear about "falling apart," Olivia didn't. She did not break up with Fitz because she was f*cked up in the head about her abortion. Her father has been saying that, and while he represents evil to a lot of you, he also represents truth., RELATED: The Most Shocking Twists on Scandal, What their future may hold, in other words, is up in the air as is the future of Scandal, as Rhimes reiterated her plans to keepthe political fixer drama as a contained story. 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. "I'm just writing what comes out. 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. [Warning: This story contains spoilers from the season five midseason finale, "Baby, It's Cold Outside," of ABC's Scandal.]. 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. member's mark prosecco calories, ssr koenig center caps,