By NICHOLAS NEGRON
ABC’s show Scandal, premiered its third season with over 10 million viewers on October 3rd. Scandal’s main character is Olivia Pope, played by Kerry Washington. Pope is an African-American woman who is the head of her law firm, Pope & Associates. This is not the average group of lawyers. They call themselves gladiators. They risk themselves daily for their clients. This includes cleaning up a crime scene before the police arrive, or even gun play. The firm specializes in crisis management. Alone, this would be a fantastic show. What makes the show thrilling is the focus on the White House, specifically, Olivia’s “special” relationship with the president. The administration on the show is Republican. With the interracial relationship between Pope and the President, along with the scorned first lady, no-nonsense homosexual chief of staff, and his journalist husband, the show has crossed many boundaries.
There has always been a history of mistresses in the White House. There have been accounts of President John F. Kennedy’s infidelity. It is well depicted in the TV series that the press would much rather report on affairs and rumors rather than concrete news. One of the main purposes of the chief of staff, Cyrus Bean, is to control the media storm. Olivia Pope being a damage control specialist, often preps clients as they step into the public light. Public opinion is seen as an animal in itself. Politician’s rankings can make or break their campaigns. On the show Pope is very intuitive, realizing how American’s will react at each and every statement made by her clients. Perhaps the most intense storm in news history aside from Watergate is President Bill Clinton’s affair while in office.
The show is partially based off of Judy Smith, a former press aide during President George H.W. Bush’s presidency. Smith was not romantically involved with the president. Olivia Pope is based off of Judy Smith because of her experience in crisis management. She was essential in controlling relations with Kuwait, Iran, and through the crisis of the Gulf War in 1991. After leaving the white house she started her own firm called Smith & Company. It specializes in crisis management and media relations. Notable clients include Wesley Snipes, Michael Vick, and of course, the infamous Monica Lewinsky. It may be a stretch, but who is to say her time with Lewinsky did not inspire the writers to add that dimension of sex and affairs, to the already intense character that is Olivia Pope.
Kerry Washington was recognized for her role with a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama series at the 2013 Prime time Emmy Awards. She lost to Claire Danes of Homeland. Dan Bucatinsky, who plays James Novak, the husband of the white house chief of staff, took home an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama series.
The show is known for its special combination of crime, politics and sex. The series is quickly becoming more popular. Many have “TV binged” the show on Netflix, finishing the first two seasons in less than a week. With successful ratings and a great storyline, Scandal is show America will be watching for years to come. The premiere was up 71% of last year’s first episode. It also has risen 13% from the season two finale. Viewership has done extremely well with African American women ages 18 – 34. BET and ABC announced a syndication agreement. BET now airs marathons of the show. The cable channel will also air the new season three episodes after an eight day delay.
