One thing I always liked about Scandal is just when you get settled on your perception of someone, things change. Usually, this comes in the form of someone getting darker or more sinister, but for this episode Cyrus gets "The Mellie Effect." In which the one you sort of love to hate gets humanized, and though it is hard to forget the devil's deeds, you must remember that perhaps he was good once.
Topic 1: Bad Things Happen to Good People
For most of the episode we watch how James helped Cyrus come out as a gay man, and with this we see the usually composed, though sometimes irate, Cyrus shed a few layers and allowed himself to be raw. In a way, like with us seeing Mellie's sacrifice for Fitz's career, you are allowed to see a usually pragmatic character show some humanity. But, while Cyrus becomes more human, Jake's horns begin to grow in a way.
Now, let it be noted Jake isn't on Cyrus' level, and Jake himself would argue he isn't even on Rowan's level, but during his conversation with Olivia, after she discovers everything, it shows he can potentially be worse. I say this because, at the very least, Rowan had something to keep from getting consumed. He had Olivia to think of, and a reminder that he is more than Command. As for Jake, in the last episode it seemed like he has nothing. Even in terms of his relationship with Olivia, at worse she is an illusion and at best, love's methadone. So what is keeping him from being consumed by these secrets, and decisions? Nothing. And with that in mind, he even threatens Olivia if she tries to do something.
But, speaking of Rowan, he comes along to give another great speech, but this one is different. Most of Rowan's speeches are made to "read" someone. This one however, due to Olivia asking for her father, is a bit kinder in tone. You see, Olivia sees all these monsters in her life, be it her father, mother, gladiators to a point, and even the ones she loves, and she just wonders if there are any White Hats anymore? And, to the best of Rowan's ability, he tries to present the idea that despite the world seemingly only having monsters and demons, even they are worth saving, even if you have to drag them into the light. And with this weird sort of pep talk, it seems Olivia is ready to put the White Hat back on, and have David be her partner in bringing demons to light.
After all, with David being spared murder, he is one of the few which know who Jake is, and could reveal a lot. And while he has to let James' murder go, Liv is ready to work with him to dismantle B613 and hopefully save Jake in the process. But, considering the challenge, this maybe a long arc which won't be solved anytime soon.
Topic 2: Politically Back Stabbing
As for the campaign, with James' death comes the issue of the Republican base of the gun lobby. Fitz sort of finds it inappropriate to do a speech with them in light of James' death, but Sally seems to not give a damn since she needs support. So, in a messed up move for a holier than thou Christian woman, she lies about abstaining from the meeting and then tries to run her tail down to it. Cyrus slows them down, as he works through grieving, but Fitz ultimately decides to let the gun lobby go. He is a man shot, an essential member of his campaign lost someone to gun violence, and though Mellie is against it, he decides to come out for gun control.
Meanwhile, as Mellie continues to be ignored by her husband, she finds all that she needs in Andrew. Their affair is full blown and he gives her the attention, the challenge, and the love she hasn't have in who knows how many years. And I ain't even mad at her all things considered.
Topic 3: The Gladiators Turn To Their Emperor
But, even with all the stuff going on at the White House, Olivia still has a business, one in which she has loyal members who once again need Olivia to help them do something they can't on their own. Abby wants help with David, which is in process, but it is Harrison and Huck who have the more difficult requests. Starting with Huck, he wants to save Quinn, and I am assuming it is because he may love her. I say this because, well he kisses her instead of murdering her and seems shocked he felt something for another person. Albeit, this is mostly assumptions, but I think I may be right.
As for Harrison, his on and off again lover Adnan is in too deep with Maya and with Maya killing people in front of her, she is looking for a way out. But, Adnan is scared and ends up telling Harrison to forget what she said. His feelings for her though keep him from simply writing what she said off, meaning that hopefully Maya and Olivia maybe crossing paths once more before this is all over. It should be noted though, Maya seems to be in town for some terrorism, so who knows if they may see each other in passing, or at a funeral.
