RECAP: 'Scandal' 5x13 + Preview 5x14 "I See You"

Having primed our Presidential Candidates, the ranks were reshuffled in last week’s Scandal. Whilst Fitz is fortunate to be ending his term, his status as playboy threatens the benefits of a Presidential endorsement, and Olivia finds herself tied up with the Grants once more.

In last week’s Scandal (“The Fish Rots from the Head“), though Olivia’s involvement in Mellie’s campaign could prove to be a mistake in terms of Optics, Liv secretly provides advice to her campaign in the battle against Susan Ross. Whilst hiring your ex-husband’s mistress and interim First Lady poses a risk, Cyrus primes Frankie Vargas for his own campaign; threatening Mellie’s chances outside once more.

RECAP: ‘Scandal’ 5x13 + Preview 5x14 “I See You”! — Gif made by @CritiqueTweets for wesonerdy.com

Although Fitz’ endorsement would aid Mellie’s campaign, politics dictates the need for a President to endorse his VP; aka Susan. Whilst he is unable to endorse Mellie, Liv tells her that he mustn’t be allowed to publicly endorse Susan either.

Far from fond of her President, Susan cements her own position of power against Fitz’s ethics, both inside and outside of the Oval.
With the lack of a work-wife, or an actual wife, Abby finds herself catering to Fitz’s playboy ways with a carousel of ‘Guests’ for him to entertain each night.
Taking notes from their leader, Olivia and the team at OPA find themselves fixing the lead followed by the Secret Service; when a hooker dies in their company.

Elsewhere, Cyrus is trying to convince Vargas to run for President. Whilst his morals supersede the dirty game of Politics, our Democrat is far from free from Cyrus’ plans.

Refusing to do Media, and genuinely focused on passing bills.; Cyrus must surrender the advantage that the shooting provided, and instead, spin the notion of actual politics to get him on TV and in the Oval.

Back at the crime scene, Quinn creates an alibi for the Secret Service; initiating a clean up wherein Marcus finally begins to see the truth behind OPA. Later, Marcus uncovers the hooker’s death was anything but an accident. With the cover-up of a murder, Marcus; unaware of the underlying twisty-ness of OPA, seeks justice against the Secret Service – only to be shut down by Olivia.

Meanwhile, Abby meets with Liv, as they spy on Jake’s girlfriend Vanessa Moss. Checking out; obviously not a former B613 agent or ally of Eli, she questions Jake’s angle in his relationship with Vanessa.

Back to politics; well, as close to it as we can get, David and Susan discuss the need for Fitz’ endorsement (in bed). Like Vargas, Susan is unwilling to compromise her values to get ahead, despite disagreeing with Fitz’s ethics; and his previous cheating. Unbeknownst to her, she is being played by David and Elizabeth. If this were ever to be revealed, akin to Cyrus’ plans, will our Candidates be too indebted to their cause, to get out?
In his own anger, Vargas leaves his meeting with Fitz, more than ready to face the media; and Sally Langston, to promote an Education bill to challenge Fitz’.

Whilst he places himself in the spotlight, Vargas publicly denies any possibility that he will run for President. As power is best given to those who don’t want it, Tom is ordered to discover why he won’t run. As it turns out, Vargas’ daughter is battling Cancer; and is protecting her from the upheaval a campaign would bring. With a signature white lie, Cyrus falsifies his own tragic story in order to convince Vargas to run; as it would be what his daughter would want. In other news, Cyrus’ husband returns, to show us that someone is parenting Ella in the midst of, political uproar.

Failing his own example of being a parent, Mellie and Teddy go to visit Fitz only to find him with another woman.

Upon telling Liv, the President’s secret hook-ups incites reason for the Secret Service member’s actions. Understanding the consequence of Fitz’ actions, she decides to investigate the murder, as Fitz learns of her collaboration with Mellie.

Angered by her actions, keenly aware of them in his role at the NSA, Jake confronts Liv in the middle of the night. Breaking into her apartment, he admits that Vanessa is, and could never be Olivia; still refusing to give away his angle.

Confronting her other ex-lover, Liv goes to meet Fitz in the Oval in a classic Liv coat; unable to renounce her White Hat to her former warden. Cajoling him on the example he is setting for his staff and his nation, Liv compares Fitz to his Father and leaves.

Her White hat apparently still effective, Fitz promises change to Susan Ross, as he dismisses and arrests his Secret Service. Whilst Susan still rejects his endorsement; to Mellie’s advantage, he promises to earn it. Elsewhere, Vargas decides to run for President, asking Cyrus to be at the helm of his campaign.

In a surprising twist, Marcus has brought light to OPA, instead of being consumed by its darkness. With his presence, will he shape up to guide Olivia rightfully, to the seat of power? or will her own personal, darkness consume her? Upon learning that Vanessa and Jake are engaged, does her Red dress suggest forthcoming power or destruction?