How do you think Fitz, who recently lost his son, would feel about Olivias abortion? Perhaps that Rhimes and co-producer Betsy Beers knows when and where the show will end. "He got beyond the fact that her father was responsible for murdering his son," Goldwyn explained. Scandals Republican president may have just revealed his stance on abortion. "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. Olivia calls Fitz an ineffectual president and believes the White House is a cage. Heres how the subtle reveal plays out: Fitz accidentally sees Olivias medical file sitting on the desk of chief of staff Abby (Darby Stanchfield). Will Olivia tell Fitz about the abortion? But he did so kind of from the right place; he was trying to take control of the situation. I was in the phase of budding adulthood where you essentially just roleplay what youve been taught adults do. Olivia still hasn't told Fitz about her abortion, and she may never tell him. So it might be good for him. It was pretty clear. The truth? I feel like she disassociated from it. 18 hours ago, by Eden Arielle Gordon What, no one? Making a splash: A deep dive into the live-action. Do we need to know that choosing to handle a pregnancy in that way is the heartbreaking conclusion of a tortured decision-making process? I didn't; I just had to absorb it and think about it. Olivias been on a journey since we started. She also mentioned that just like Liv, Fitz is on a journey too. In possibly related news, a familiar face returns during Thursdays episode, which screened ahead of the panel, that will surely raise some eyebrows. ("We've talked about these things," is all Rhimes would elaborate.) Murder! My only responsibility is for the story. Fitz is going to be terribly lonely. Is this breakup something that Olivia and Fitz can come back from? 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. But he did so kind of from the right place; he was trying to take control of the situation. 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. It just happened. The answer is YES, in capital letters. "I think in a way, Huck has grown and is trying to become a better man, but who knows?" My question is: Does he need to? Rhimes said at Tuesdays PaleyFest panel. Adding fuel to the fire that Olivia and Fitz really werent truly ready to be together in such a high-pressure fashion was the fact that Olivia was pregnant and opted to have an abortion unbeknownst to Fitz. I think Olivia is lying to herself. Rhimes went on to add that Olivia's father, while evil, represents a lot of truth for Olivia. How much of their breakup do you think was based on Olivias stress from the pregnancy and feeling cornered as she said, not running with the big dogs? By 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. He has always had a strong polarity in his life. The talk show king was a guest on Channel . 5 Meanwhile, Fitz finds out that Olivia aborted his baby. I think theres hope. She brought them coffees and worked her way up the ladder, and Marcus has gotten in there a little bit quicker than it took Quinn. How much more will Scandal explore Planned Parenthood and abortion storyline going forward? What was the table read like when the cast got this script? 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. That shed surrender herself to be a prisoner of the White House and be an appendage of him, that was never going to work. A) I dont know, and B) I couldnt tell you. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. If Fitz were smart, he'd stay 100 miles away from her; he should get in another relationship because, really, how much abuse can two people take? 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'm not thinking of what the fans want to hear," said Rhimes. I dont understand it. Why do you think more shows don't go there? The episode ends with Olivia, bags packed, moving out of the White House and poised to celebrate Christmas with a big glass of red wine on a brand new couch in her apartment, alone. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. She fell in love, got the fantasy and she discovered the fantasy was not real. 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. Earlier this season, Kerry Washington's " Scandal " character made the decision to get an abortion on the ABC series. The Existential Yearning Of Are You There God? To feel OK about a woman having an abortion, do we need to see her agonizing over the decision? 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. 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). 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. Hes 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. Olivia calls Fitz an ineffectual president and believes the White House is a cage. Fitz blasts her as being more manipulative than Mellie. It was as if she didnt connect with it at all. So it might be good for him. By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from POPSUGAR. Fitz blasts her as being more manipulative than Mellie. Fitz may grow through the experience; I have no idea what Shonda has in mind. 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. I cant tell you that, Rhimes told EW ahead of the panel. However it looks like, if it brings sheer joy and peace, I'm in.". Of course, this storyline instantly became a source of controversy among viewers, which is to be expected when such an important and highly sensitive topic is addressed. Olivia comes home, grabs Mellie's hootch . 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. But there's going to be a tremendous backlash I'm not saying this out of any knowledge of the story, but about life when Olivia has to look in the mirror and realizes that she's pushed away everybody who is close to her life and the man she does love. Ad Choices, Shonda Rhimes Reveals Why Scandal's Olivia and Fitz Had to Split, If He'll Find Out About the Abortion, and More, Shonda Rhimes just dropped some major bombshells about Scandal at the Paley Center for Media's 33rd Annual PaleyFest. Darby Stanchfield said "I'd like to be Papa Pope for a day," to which Goldwyn joked that her character is "headed in that direction." shows up to surprise a lonely Quinn, while Olivia (back in her own apartment) welcomes the return of her couch (! Shonda Rhimes just dropped some major bombshells about Scandal at the Paley Center for Media's 33rd Annual PaleyFest. And we repeat:Stop reading now if you have yet to watch tonights Scandal fall finale. Bellamy Young mentioned Mama Pope, while Tony Goldwyn gave his vote to Mellie Grant. Olivia likens herself to a hostage and her time in the White House a sick, twisted punishment, before screaming to Fitz, There is no us! Next thing we know, shes moving out of the White House and back into her apartment. That does not mean she does not love Fitz, and it does not mean that Fitz is not worthy of love. For his part, Goldwyn noted that its pretty impressive for Scandal to feature a pro-choice Republican president. But that might be good for Fitz. It is a giant 180 for the man. Is there hope for them down the line or can they only work out once his presidency is over? Olivia Munn & John Mulaney's Meet Cute 8 Years Ago At A Wedding Is Relatable, Paramount+s 'Fatal Attraction' Series Follows The Movies Alternate Ending, 11 Photos Of The 'Fatal Attraction' TV Cast Vs. Their 1987 Movie Counterparts, How 'Queen Charlotte' Star India Amarteifio Prepped Her Mom For "Steamy" Scenes, Get Even More From Bustle Sign Up For The Newsletter. Fitz would be positively devastated if he ever discovered what Olivia did. What ever Fitz has done wrong, what ever mistakes Fitz made or overreaching he did, they could have made a go of this. I want her to fully be on her journey. Its a really interesting choice [for them to break up]. And when they spiral, they finally tell the truth. Scandal - "Dead in the Water" Subscribe: http://goo.gl/mo7HqT In truth,. Do you think there's still a stigma associated with depicting abortion on TV? I'm just telling a story that is there for me. But hold on! How will we see both Olivia and Fitz deal with the aftermath of their break-up? People have very strong and justifiable views on both sides of the question. She later figures out that the goal is to start a war between the U.S. and West-Angola by kidnapping Olivia and force Fitz to declare a war. Did you guys have questions for Shonda after reading this episode? Dan Lauria (Jack Arnold), Alley Mills (Norma Arnold), Jason Hervey (Wayne Arnold) and Olivia d'Abo (Karen Arnold) reunited at the Chiller Theatre Toy, Model & Film Expo held at the Parsippany . Many may think that because of the six-month time jump that the topic will never be broached again. HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS | As the White House staff exchanges gifts (Lizze even pretends to like Susans hideous scarf), we end the episode with a truly shocking Shondland holiday montage: Huck has released Rowan (!) 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. Scandal airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. That does not mean she does not love Fitz, and it does not mean that Fitz is not worthy of love. I didnt think Fitz could necessarily recover from the revelation that Olivia had been the one who saved her dad and yet Fitz did, albeit in such a dysfunctional way and making a grab at her and putting her in the White House. Portia de Rossi mentioned that she'd like to get inside Huck's complicated mind. 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. Scandal airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. I didnt; I just had to absorb it and think about it. But as Mellie eventually starts to falter under the strain of holding court on the Senate floor she needs to pee, badly! Olivia did not fall apart last night. 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. And maybe they're right. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. Having the female lead of such a popular show have an abortion on screen was such a powerful, important moment, and even though it just happened, I can see it having a bigger impact on TV in the future. 'Scandal's' Tony Goldwyn on Abortion Storyline, Fitz and Olivia's Future. She's like, "Hey, people, I'm putting this on television because this is what is happening in our lives." That said, here's a look at where everyone wound up. 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'. She feels that Fitz moving her into the White House so suddenly (and without asking) was punishment for releasing . It just means that Olivia does not know who she is yet. Id say 90 percent. I havent actually decided, but I wonder sometimes. If you like TVLine, you'll LOVE our email news alerts! 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. And of course shes withholding this terrible secret that Fitz has no clue about. Really?! 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. To me, her primary story has been discovery of herself. I may be alone at this point in thinking that, I don't know (Laughs.) The episode was notable for featuring a scene in which Olivia Pope has an abortion, . This is a very difficult job he's got and it's very lonely at the top. 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. 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. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day, Inside the business of TV with breaking news, expert analysis and showrunner interviews. Added Rhimes: "I think everybody is evolving this season. I think everything would lead us to believe that Fitz would be ethically pro-life, even if he has a progressive bend like George Bush Sr. But the bigger thing is not a political question; the bigger thing here is the emotional [impact]. During the episode, Olivia already being accepted as the first lady-to-be is growing tired of being left out of the "big dog" club and instead is left to deliver cookies to a senator's wife as she has almost devolved to become the president's arm candy. That [Olivia] was going to surrender every piece of who she was to be an appendage of [Fitz] was never going to work. Thats what youve seen. Fitz finally found out about Olivia's abortion. ", Next Week's Episode Is Major: Fans in the audience went crazy for this Thursday's episode, but Kerry Washington promised that next week's is even more insane. Does this open the door for Mellie to return? People have very strong and justifiable views on both sides of the question. Olitz. I was really impressed with the boldness of it; Shonda never fails to amaze me with her fierceness. At the end of the day, its her body and her right, but its his child. What the what? Brief and devoid of dialogue as it was, Scandals presentation of Olivias abortion was my favorite of any Ive seen in TV or movies. Added Rhimes: "I think everybody is evolving this season. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. In the dramatic mid-season finale, Olivia and Fitz's brief time living together in the White House comes to a breaking point. I mean, holy sh*t, I was a strong breeze away from having a baby that I fully knew I did not want, all because I unquestioningly believed, as I had been taught, that whether or not to have an abortion was something that you do with the guy who got you pregnant. ET on ABC. Olivias been on a journey since we started. My question is: Does he need to? Rhimes said at Tuesdays PaleyFest panel. "She sees a lot in him as the moral compass that she was in season one and two. The answer is YES, in capital letters. In truth, executive producer Shonda Rhimes has not made a decision whether Fitz will discover the truth. is waiting with an apology (You were right, Lazarus wasnt you). It was a quiet scene that lasted only a minute or two, but that was enough. 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. I cant imagine how Fitz will react when he finds out about the abortion. An abortion is a procedure to end a pregnancy. But he somehow understands that Olivia made a very personal choice and he instinctively respects that. 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, The 51 Best Mothers Day Gifts to Buy This Year, 63 No-Fail Gift Ideas for Every Guy on Your List, 53 Genius Gifts for People Who Have Everything. Glamour may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. The only thing more satisfying and more peaceful than getting what you want is recognizing that youll never get what you want, accepting it, and giving up the pursuit of the thing you know you can never have. Get the daily inside scoop right in your inbox. 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. Kerry Washington promised us on Twitter that this was the episode you'd want to watch live, and she was absolutely right. I was 20, and had only a negligible amount of life experience and practically no experience as a genuinely independent woman who had any real grasp on how to steer her life in an empowered, decisive, custom-fitted way. And she didnt have an abortion because she was mad about all the outfits he kept trying to dress her up in, although undoubtedly all of that is interconnected. Making a splash: A deep dive into the live-action Little Mermaid with a new generation's Ariel. Will Fitz start dating? Olivia is on a journey, Rhimes said. Scandal Kerry Washington Abortion - H 2016, [Warning: This story contains spoilers from Thursdays season five finale of ABCs Scandal.]. That's where she's coming from as a dramatist. Whats more, it may have revealed Fitzs stance on abortion for the first time in five years. Not anymore.". Mellie was miserable in that role. And she didn't have an abortion because she was. From hair trends to relationship advice, our daily newsletter has everything you need to sound like a person whos on TikTok, even if you arent. 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. Fitz overreached a bit by moving her into the White House prematurely. It was pretty clear. That was followed . Nobody puts this Gladiator in a corner. enter VPSusan Ross to the rescue, who takes over the fight. She looks happy or freed with a glass of wine, new couch and a Christmas tree, while Fitz is left almost heartbroken. Thats what I knew to do. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. 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." To me, thats what was so disturbing about that abortion scene: it was so mundane. All Rights Reserved. To him, it is a sign that Olivia is running away from the relationship. Why does it feel so necessary to make an abortion something tragic and terrifying and shameful? Olivia later goes to Fitz to bless Jake (Scott Foley) as Mellies pick for vice president on her Republican ticket. She feels that Fitz moving her into the White House so suddenly (and without asking) was punishment for releasing Rowan. I haven't actually decided, but I wonder. Abortion has been a regular subject on many of executive producer Shonda Rhimes programming. 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. Entertainment Weekly is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation All Rights Reserved. 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. It's such a divisive issue in our society and sadly has become a real political football. Its going to be horrible if he finds out.". An all-new episode of Scandal will air this Thursday night on ABC following Grey's Anatomy. She didn't even confirm she'd had an abortion or tell Fitz about . By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. But I think that's what makes it worth talking about. Scandal was recently renewed for a sixth season, but does Rhimes actually look at that as the final season? To restate the headline, this time without a spoiler redaction: R.I.P. ), and savors a glass of wine. He has always had a strong polarity in his life. 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. "If you think the debates in the real world are fun, then" is all Washington would tease. Olivia . Truthfully, we got on a roller-coaster ever Thursday night with our emotions, so I'm good, thanks. We were all shocked, honestly, at how dark the writers went. How much of their breakup do you think was based on Olivia's stress from the pregnancy and feeling cornered as she said, not running with the big dogs? How do you think Fitz, who recently lost his son, would feel about Olivia's abortion? 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. Look at the fact that Fitz was able to move past that. I'm happy that you have fallen in love with Fitz because that's the journey that Olivia went on. It just means that Olivia does not know who she is yet. It all set the stage for the most epic fight Scandal has yet to feature between the couple that has long been considered end game. 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. According to a December 2015 AP-GfK poll, support for legal abortion rose from 35 to 40 percent among Republicans last year with seven of 10 conservative Republicans opposing abortion rights in most or all cases. At all. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Ive always had the end point in mind.. He also noted that Fitz does not know about Olivia's abortion and if and when he finds out, he would . America So She Could Breastfeed Privately, Michael J. Washington cracked up, but Rhimes gave a very thoughtful answer. And we dont in fact know where Fitz lives on this issue. Olivia calls Fitz an ineffectual president and believes the White House is a cage. Because for Olivia, that's what it was: Her choice, and she didn't justify it. 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. IMO, Olivia doesn't need to tell Fitz IF she doesn't ever intend to be with him again, (in which case she should stay away from the Oval office and stop offering unsolicited advice) It was her decision and hers alone, so Rhimes may not feel it necessary to drudge the whole thing up again. Olivias suits! 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. If you think the debates youve seen in the real world are fun star Kerry Washington teased coyly. Is this breakup something that Olivia and Fitz can come back from? November 19 2015, 7:00 PM PST, Stop reading now if you have yet to watch tonights Scandal fall finale. Thats what I thought was normal. But he is willing to sacrifice anything for her happiness. 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'. Boom. Fitz may grow through the experience; I have no idea what Shonda has in mind. But emotionally, we were all silent afterward; like, What just happened?!. 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. "It's because of who Olivia is in the brains of these writers. Because make no mistake, Fitz would not take this news well. She's progressive politically but she really does these things because they're important to talk about. How much more will Scandal explore Planned Parenthood and abortion storyline going forward? Fitz is certainly not blameless in this but I think Olivias fear is a huge part of this. For Olivia, the breaking free of that, while painful, was the first step toward realizing that she was not who she was meant to be. I cant tell you that, Rhimes told EW ahead of the panel. How will we see both Olivia and Fitz deal with the aftermath of their break-up? Hes a Republican but weve never asked that question [on the show]. Will Olivia tell Fitz about the abortion? 2 days ago, by Chandler Plante I think Olivia is lying to herself. Part of deeply loving someone is a predisposition to see the world through their eyes and this is a huge moment for Fitz. And those expectations were pretty firmly established by what Id been taught to believe about abortion from Hollywood. Look what hes forgiving her for and what hes overlooked, in terms of her bailing out on this supposed marriage they were going to have by making a deal with the man who murdered his son, with the father who has tormented her her entire life. Not only does he not have a partner, hes utterly alone. For most women, having an abortion is just one unglamorous task in an ongoing mission to put together all the pieces of the life we want. As Liv chugs the moonshine (as a Southerner, I call LIES on how hard she put that sh*t away) and fights with her pissed-off boyfriend about some fancy dinner she skipped while off getting her abortion, we can clearly see that shes not in a great place.
What Impact Did The Huac Hearings Have On Hollywood?,
Kentucky Yearly Vehicle Tax,
Articles O