"Scandal" will soon return on ABC on September 24, and when the show does return, there is a big chance that Olivia Pope may become the next First Lady. According to Headlines & Global News, series creator Shonda Rhimes has said previously that she wants to write about a presidential divorce.
With what took place at the end of "Scandal" Season 4, with Olivia Pope, played by Kerry Washington, and President Fitz Grant, played by Tony Goldwyn, back in each other's arms, it is confirmed that "Scandal" Season 5 will see the secret White House couple back together again.
Rhimes was asked during ABC's press tour panel if she is interested in making Olivia Pope White House's First Lady in the long run, according to TV Line. However, Rhimes revealed nothing, leaving the media only to wonder what's in store for viewers.
"We don't comment on future storylines," she said flatly.
However, the show runner later said that the "concept is intriguing," and added, "That's all I'll say."
According to the producer, "Scandal" Season 5 "would mark the reconstitution of the gladiators."
In Season 4, the central gladiator concept had been sidelined in order for Olivia Pope to heal following her kidnapping.
"The Gladiators did gladiate," said Rhime, according to TV Line. "But they gladiated on a different scale and a different level and the Gladiators scattered," she added.
Past seasons showed Pope losing Abby to the White House. She also lost captain Harrison, who is her longtime friend and gladiator, who died.
"A lot of times it was just Huck and Quinn gladiating by themselves, and that wasn't the same dynamic," said Rhimes.
In "Scandal" Season 5, a new gladiator will be joining Olivia's team, reported the Los Angeles Times. According to Rhimes, the additional character is someone viewers had seen before, with rumors suggesting that Cornelius Smith Jr's character of Marcus Walker could possibly be it.
If indeed Pres. Grant and Mellie decides to split, the presidential divorce is definitely going to be a big story, and will become a massive game changer in the series, reported The Franchise Herald.
"Scandal" Season 5 premieres Thursday, Sept. 24 on ABC at 9/8c.