Shonda Rhimes is known for her major plot twists and powerful messages within her episodes. Well ladies and gentleman, Shonda Rhimes has done it again. The Season 5 finale of Scandal was unforgettable and definitely one that covered a heavy and emotional topic society has been debating for decades. And most recently been a hot topic with political campaigns.
It is no surprise that Shonda Rhimes chose to produce an episode so controversial. We have seen Olivia Pope dissolve issues such as police brutality, sexual assault, and infidelity in the past. However, this episode proves a woman's choice does not determine her character or moral.
This episode revolved around Planed Parenthood as Mellie Grant filibustered a spending bill (which was pretty bada**) that threatened their future funding. It raised awareness to a real life issue that needs to be talked about.
But what surprised many viewers the most was the scene were Olivia Pope was suddenly lying on an operating table, clenching the side railings as the procedure began -- her abortion.
The biggest surprise however, was how Olivia went back to the White House, got her things, and sat back on her couch at home, drinking her wine, okay with her decision.
No one knew Olivia Pope was pregnant, let alone planning to get an abortion. This scene received less than a minute of air time and was never mentioned and totally unexpected. In fact, Olivia never speaks, it is her father, Rowan, who voices over:
" Family is a burden... a pressure point, soft tissue, an illness, an antidote to greatness. You think you’re better off with people who rely on you, depend on you, but you’re wrong, because you will inevitably end up needing them, which makes you weak, pliable. Family doesn’t complete you. It destroys you."
Shonda Rhimes played off the abortion, as did Olivia Pope because for her, it was no big deal. It was her choice that does not determine her character, it exemplifies her bravery and was a powerful moment for many viewers.
Shonda Rhimes supports choice and I stand with her - I stand with Olivia Pope.
