The Scandal Roundtable 2.11: A Criminal, A Whore, An Idiot, And A Liar
Zach: Johnathan, I am really glad you brought this up. I ran into a friend last night on my way to dinner and we started gushing over the show, and she told me about how excited she is that Liv, Fitz, and Mellie may be the first time we see a polyamorous relationship not shunned so quickly on mainstream television. I loved this idea because, for all intensive purposes we saw in earlier episodes–and even now–Mellie and Liv working together with Fitz in ways that challenge what we usually think of when talking about “relationship.” (Remember Mellie being “OK” with Fitz being with Liv because he slept better? She knew the T!) But, I think why we don’t automatically put a stamp of approval on Joseline Hernandez like we do Olitz has to do with context. These are wealthy, politically powered folks who already transcend how most of us imagine life. They inhabit a kind of subversive space that we can’t really see ourselves occupying in a real way (most of us, probably) which allows for these, in some ways, transgressive relationships to be fostered. The reason why Joseline is not seen the same way is because she is on a reality show where people are meant to see themselves or know someone in Joseline’s circumstance.
Shaming Joseline also has more power because she is “real,” while shaming Liv does nothing but make you look out of your depth while shouting at a fictional character. Also, the overarching difference between Joseline and Liv is racial proximity. Liv is surrounded by and within a very, starkly white setting. Joseline, not so much. Thus, that privilege is running the gamut, even for Liv.
Jordan: I do enjoy the complexity of their relationship and dynamic because we don’t see that played out often, and as stated above, when it is involves people of color it is often dismissed. It seems Mellie sees marriage first and foremost as a partnership. She and Fitz work together to accomplish their shared goals and, if another woman helps them to further those goals, Mellie is OK including her in the relationship. I think that was also part of my issue last week with Olivia’s reluctance to talk to Mellie about the man they share. Mellie was comfortable acknowledging the connection and that there was someone who was in the same boat as her in that moment, watching the man she loved and worked to support clinging to life. Olivia just shot it down. Maybe next time.
Loree: Also, sometimes I wonder why people hate Fitz so much. It must not just be because he’s cheating on his wife because as they say, “it takes two.” I’m, of course, not condoning cheating on your spouse but, if we could control human attraction and lust, then we wouldn’t have congressman leaving their seats monthly for cheating on their wives.
Zach: Amen! *claps and fans self*
Johnathan: Immediately after Edison called Olivia “the President’s mistress,” someone asked how that was sexist on Twitter. The term “mistress” is filled with judgment and contempt. It makes Olivia an object: his object. Yet, I might have argued before that Olivia is the subject of this show, what do we really know about her? We’ve met Fitz’s family. Where’s Olivia’s? I have questions, Shonda!
Joe: Seriously, we haven’t heard anything about her mother, father, or any siblings–does anyone remember a quote in passing of her talking about where she’s from, or what college she went to, or anything? (If you do, leave it in the comments!) I’m drawing a complete blank.
Johnathan: Nothing!
T.F.: I think we got a little background info in whatever episode in S1 that had flashbacks to Fitz and Olivia’s first meeting. She was Cyrus’s protege. But absolutely, there’s way less personal information about Liv than about almost anyone else on the show…except maybe Harrison. Sensing a bit of a pattern here. (Shonda, give Harrison more to do!)
Joe: Columbus Short is the best at speaking really fast and therefore I cannot stand it when Harrison talks. Shonda. Please stop making people talk so fast all of the time.
Page 3 of 5 | Previous page | Next page