For seven seasons, Scandal showed the ins and outs, the highs and lows, of working at the White House, or with the White House. Corruption is a big part of the game, and everyone is subject to getting caught with the desire for power. The closer to the Oval Office they are, the more likely they were to want power. However, one of the most compelling arguments in the series was that it wasn't the President's position that held all the power; it was his most trusted staff.
Cyrus Beene, Olivia Pope, Mellie Grant, and several others all knew, mainly from Fitz's presidency, that it was easy to manipulate him. This is each season ranked, according to the Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score.
Season 7: 43%
The final season of Scandal brought out Olivia's Pope's thirst for power, portraying it in a terrifying light. It was common knowledge that Olivia Pope could get away with whatever she wanted by that point, but seeing what she was willing to do to ensure Mellie's presidency took Olivia to a whole new level.
Olivia pulled some wrong moves as Mellie's right-hand, and her involvement did no good for her character. In the second half of the season, Olivia had calmed down and appeared to be the old Olivia, a person that was recognizable to her friends. The last season also featured a crossover event with another Shondaland Production series, How To Get Away With Murder.
Season 6: 62%
Season six features the hundredth episode of the series, and Scandal celebrates with an alternate universe event. Changing the events of the past, Scandal follows the story of what would have happened if Fitz's first election was never rigged. Fitz and Olivia do end up together but are both equally unhappy in their lives and relationship. Had they gotten together so early, they would never have been as successful as they became, and neither would any of their friends.
In the regular timeline, the results of the Presidential election are finally revealed to see Francisco Vargas had won, only to be shot and killed as the President-Elect. Afterward, everyone tries to determine how to move forward and decide if Mellie or Cyrus should become the next President.
Season 5: 76%
Although Olivia and Fitz wanted to be together, being in a relationship does not work out for either of them. While things may be happier at first, they eventually take a downward spiral as Olivia experiences the world Mellie understood so well about being First Lady.
Olivia hates the role, though, and can hardly stand being left out of substantial conversations to create decorations. Olivia's relationship with Fitz slowly drives her crazy until she has finally had enough, leading to a break-up between the pair. Toward the end of their relationship, Olivia secretly gets an abortion that Abby accidentally reveals to Fitz about later.
Season 4: 81%
After leaving with Jake at the end of season three, the two return home after Harrison dies. While Olivia and Jake initially said they would go after the funeral, that plan does not remain. Instead, they end up in similar situations as to when they had left. Season four also features a terrifying arc with Olivia Pope at the center.
To get a war, Andrew helps prepare Olivia to be kidnapped. Olivia spends her time locked in a cell with short bathroom breaks. Meanwhile, her team desperately tries to buy her through an auction. Season four also introduces Marcus Walker, an activist, who would later Olivia Pope and Associates.
Season 1: 81%
The shortest season of them all, the first installment of the show, is only seven episodes long. However, in those seven episodes, Scandal established itself as a series. Featuring fast-talking Olivia Pope and Associates, the first group of events does a lot to explain what the show is. It early shows Olivia Pope to be a master "Fixer" with a reputation. Olivia's team is a group of people willing to break the rules for her.
Olivia's central goal was to help her client, whoever that may be. It was always about the person who had asked for her help. The first season also shows Olivia's relationships with President Fitzgerald Grant, Mellie Grant, and Cyrus Beene.
Season 3: 84%
Olivia's father, known by his B613 agents as Rowan, made his grand appearance in the season two finale. Rowan becomes a Big Bad of the season, the opposition to Olivia in nearly every way. Yet, he is not the only relative to bring chaos to Olivia's life.
Olivia's mother also plays a role, which is a shock to Olivia, considering she believed her mother had been dead for twenty years. Season three digs into the history and explanation of what B613 is and how it operates. The season also focuses on Fitz's campaign for re-election. Fitz's role in "Operation Remington" is also revealed.
Season 2: 89%
Olivia meets another member of B613 when Jake Ballard appears in her life. Although Jake initially es as a coincidence in a coffee shop, things escalate when Jake is spying on Olivia. Quinn tries to incorporate herself more within the group, but her complicated past makes it difficult for her to tell the truth.
However, as the finale of the first season confirms Quinn Perkins is not who everyone thought she was, it allows the mystery to grow. Olivia balances working with her clients and her complicated relationship with Fitz between political scandals.