This past week, Grey’s Anatomy took a little break so we could enjoy It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, for Halloween. But there are still several TGiT moments to discuss with brand new episodes of Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder, and The Vampire Diaries. As we approach the midseason finales, the conflict and drama continues to ratchet up. But across all the shows, we seem to be on the precipice of long-awaited revelations to some BIG questions. Let’s chat about some of my favorite moments for the week *SPOILERS AHEAD*
1. Scandal–Always Hope!
Last week, as I was commenting on the extent of Papa Pope’s victory, I expressed concern about how Liv has been so eager to believe that Jake would kill Jerry Jr. and Harrison. But after this past Thursday’s episode, I want to partly retract what I said. I still definitely blame Rowan for the way things have shaken out, but the story is NOT over. Liv came out swinging this week, determined to save both the men she loves from her father’s clutches. And it was fantastic to see!
I still feel bad for Jake and how he’s being made into a scapegoat. I need to be clear that, even though I’m a Olitz/Fitzlivia shipper, that doesn’t mean I’m happy seeing Fitz hurt Jake hurt or that I want Jake to die. When he asks Liv to send money to his mother…when he tells Liv that he knows she will choose Fitz and doesn’t hold it against her…*heartbreak*
Papa Pope is determined to continue punishing Jake and manipulating Fitz, but Liv won’t allow it. And I haven’t given her enough credit. As Liv said, Rowan might be Command, but Olivia Pope is OLIVIA POPE, Gladiator Extraordinaire and HBIC. Just as she said, Liv has weapons at her disposal too.
Now, this statement is causing A LOT of dissension in my time line. Some love Liv’s appeal to girl power, while others think it’s an anti-feminist call to women using sex to get what they want instead of their other talents. This might be an unpopular opinion, but I love it! Over the last four seasons, Olivia Pope has demonstrated that she’s brilliant, witty, charismatic, and all around FIERCE. But she loves these two men, and if appealing to that love is the best way to keep Fitz and Jake from destroying one another and/or keep Rowan from hurting them, then I’m all for it!
And you know I have to mention my fave moment of the episode…”There’s hope.” *beaming* I feel like that is a personal shout-out from Shonda to the Olitz/FItzlivia fandom. Yes, things are tough right now, but there is always hope!
Before wrapping up, I definitely want to mention the star of the episode, Bitsy Cooper (Carol Locatell)! She’s such a spitfire, and I love that Mellie has someone to talk to, someone whose talents and contributions have been overlooked. I’m very hopeful that Mellie will find happiness soon.
2. How to Get Away with Murder–Dude bro
At this point I probably sound like a broken record, because the first thing I always say when talking about this show is how amazing Viola Davis is in this role. Annalise Keating is a complicated character with so many layers and complexities and I think Viola is simply brilliant in her portrayal.
With that said, Annalise is losing it. Of course, she’s still able to dominate in the courtroom and classroom, as evidenced by the way she got that corrupt senator to admit to his wrongdoing on the stand. But when it comes to her personal life, things are really falling apart. Now with Sam’s involvement with Lila and Rebecca and Wes knowing the truth, all that personal turmoil is seeping into her professional world. But what I’m really concerned about is the potential for side-piece Nate to cause even more trouble. Sure, thanks to Frank, Lila’s ex-boyfriend is now the primary suspect instead of Rebecca. But Nate knows that Frank planted that phone in Griffith’s car. Why is Nate having Annalise’s people followed? What does he plan to do with this information? Makes me nervous…
My favorite part of this episode is getting to learn more about Asher. He’s such a dude bro–rich, elite, and completely oblivious to his privilege. I like seeing him confront his father about the David Allen case, even though his dad isn’t at all kind or remorseful. But hopefully this experience makes a lasting impact on Asher. BUT, the OMG/MOUTH GAPING OPEN/SHOCKING moment is the end of the episode where Asher and Bonnie are in bed together! Bonnie is such a mystery to me–first I think she’s in love with Sam. Then I think maybe she’s actually in love with Annalise, which might still be true. But for one reason or another, Bonnie has landed in Asher’s bed, and I’m incredibly curious to figure out why!
3. The Vampire Diaries–Defan Reunion
*sigh* There is so much about TVD that has me scared, nervous, and all around upset. First, we need to talk about Stefan and Caroline. Now, I’m not necessarily a Steroline shipper (STELENAisLOVE), but I have always appreciated how amazing their relationship is. And it really hurts to see Stefan be so dismissive of Caroline. He just shows up, thrusts Vamp Ivy on Caroline and leaves with no intention of coming back. I’m not used to feeling this disappointed in Stefan. He must really be suffering from losing Damon (which is still a little far-fetched for me to believe, but that’s another conversation). Anyway, we’ll see if there’s any improvement now that Damon is back. And speaking of Damon’s return…
…since the beginning of this season, I didn’t want to think that Damon could leave 1994 without Bonnie. And while Damon doesn’t leave her of his own free will, the fact remains that he’s free and Bonnie is stick stuck in 1994, with Chi, and potentially bleeding to death. Why does Bonnie always have to be the sacrificial lamb?! I really hope this isn’t the last we see of Bonnie, and that Damon looks for ways to free her. Although, I don’t necessarily have a lot of faith in him to be selfless…
And finally, I want to comment on Ric’s relationship with Dr. Jo. I’m glad to see him have adult relationships, and she’s obviously interested. But why in the world is Dr. Jo not susceptible to compulsion? Is she taking vervain? WHY is she taking vervain? Do you think she knows Ric is a vampire? Lots of questions, but I have to say that this is one of my favorite developments this season!
What were some of your favorite TGiT TV moments from the past week? What are you most looking forward to seeing this week?