SCANDAL 3x1, 3x2 & 3x3 Reaction! | Kerry Washington | Shonda Rhimes

The season opens with Olivia Pope's affair with President Grant being leaked to the press. Her father, Rowan Pope, confronts her, attempting to force her onto a private jet to disappear for eight months. He demonstrates his vast power and control, stating, 'I am the hell and the high water.' He criticizes her choices, highlighting her ambition and the political game. The White House, particularly Cyrus Beene, devises a plan to deflect the scandal by framing a junior staffer, Janine Locke, as the President's mistress.

The news report identifies Olivia Pope as the President's alleged mistress. Rowan Pope's monologue about power and control, and his attempt to send Olivia away. Cyrus's plan to use Janine Locke as a scapegoat.

Flashbacks reveal Olivia's past relationship with her father and her engagement to Edison Davis. Jake Ballard, a former B613 assassin, is imprisoned by Rowan Pope for disobeying orders. Olivia learns about B613 and its brutal methods, including 'the hole' and 'reprogramming.' She makes a deal with her father to save Jake by publicly defending Janine Locke, who has been falsely accused by the White House.

Flashbacks to Olivia's past dinners with her father and her relationship with Edison Davis. Jake's description of B613's methods and his imprisonment. Olivia's public defense of Janine Locke.

Mary Nesbitt takes hostages at the Capitol, demanding answers about her son, Chris Lawrence, who was killed in an FBI raid. Olivia discovers Chris was a CIA operative, an American hero, whose true identity was unknown to the FBI. Revealing this truth would expose 57 other deep-cover agents, leading to their torture and death. Olivia is forced to lie to Mary, telling her son was a high-level terrorist, to protect national security, sacrificing individual truth for the greater good.

Mary Nesbitt's hostage situation and demand for her son's file. The revelation that Chris Lawrence was CIA and the implications of declassifying his file. Olivia's difficult decision to lie to Mary.

Despite being 'free' from B613, Huck is shown to still be under the psychological control of Command (Rowan Pope). When ordered, he automatically complies, demonstrating the deep-seated brainwashing and loyalty instilled by the organization. This highlights the lasting impact of B613's methods and the lack of true freedom for its former operatives.

Huck's reaction to Command's orders and his inability to resist. Olivia's observation that Command 'still owns' him, and her realization that he also controls her.