What I’m Watching: Scandal (Season Finale)

Scandal: Season 1, Episode 7 “Grant: For the People” (B)

Things were happening fast in this eventful finale, tying up the whole President Grant plotline so that season two can focus on other things (hopefully). Quinn managed to freeze up quite well upon discovering Gideon’s body, but she did do one thing right, and that was calling Olivia. Watching everyone spring into action was impressive, though they all seemed quite annoyed by the fact that Quinn had some mystery identity that required this excessive protection. David really managed to prove himself valuable in this hour, refusing to help Olivia after she broke the law and then figuring out a way to get Quinn’s fingerprints without her knowing it. Bringing Quinn back to Olivia’s office and preparing for her to tell everyone who she really is sets the stage for a major revelation at the beginning of next season, but I suspect that it’s hardly as exciting or shocking as it’s being made out to be. Billy swiftly moved into crisis management mode, telling the world about the President’s affair while making himself seem like a hero. Grant’s useful information on the Vice President helped her to throw Billy under the bus, discrediting him and securing Grant’s presidency with the help of Olivia and Grant’s vindictive wife. Huck is going to get in trouble next season with Olivia for having Charlie take care of Billy, and the biggest supposed revelation – that it was Cyrus and not Billy who had Amanda killed – didn’t need to be so explicitly spelled out since it was obvious anyway. This show is definitely fast-paced and intriguing, and I imagine I’ll return to watching it when it comes back for season two in the fall.

Season grade: B
Season MVP: Joshua Malina as David