Kerry Washington
Henry Ian Cusick
Columbus Short
Darby Stanchfield
Katie Lowes
Guillermo Diaz
Jeff Perry
Tony Goldwyn
Joshua Malina
Bellamy Young
Scott Foley
Portia de Rossi
Cornelius Smith, Jr.

Created by:
Shonda Rhimes

2012-
Drama, Thriller
ABC
TV-14

“Scandal” has an intriguing concept and poor execution; what a shame. It should have started by establishing the expertise and sharpness of Olivia Pope, who’s played by Kerry Washington. An episode of her firing on all cylinders would have gone a long way to establish her credibility and power. After that, her relationship with the president could have been introduced by having them meet then immediately using the flashbacks to build a foundation for their complicated relationship. Then, the case of the sexually harassed White House employee would have anchored that tension. As that case develops, Olivia’s associates could then be explored via flashback and each of their distinct personalities and working styles could be established.

But, of course, that’s not how it happens. As it is, everything seems out-of-order. We’re told, instead of shown, way too much. Plus, the use of a new associate to serve as a placeholder for the viewer is the biggest flaw of the first season. I’m neither naive nor stupid, but that character, Quinn, seems to be both. The revelation about her past doesn’t do close to enough to make me invest in her at all. The use of a newcomer as a way to introduce a high-stakes environment typically works when the newcomer is the main character. Otherwise, it gets in the way. I’d rather identify with Olivia.

Another major problem is that Olivia never has a chance to just show what she can do without being weakened in some way. Could she cry or be on the verge of tears anymore whenever she sees the president? Also, I never feel like I’m on the edge of my seat. All of the characters take every little twist and turn very seriously, but I never feel the same way.

I don’t really know what “Scandal” wants to be. Does it want to be a serious drama, a soap opera, or a thriller? It ends up being nothing. “Revenge” knows what it is; “The Good Wife” knows what it is; even “Damages” knows what it is. “Scandal” is like a toy dog pretending to be a Rottweiler.

As for the acting and pacing, they’re largely disappointing and disjointed. At times, it seems that the actors are told to rush through a monologue or scream whenever the writers deem it appropriate. Nothing feels natural; they force almost every moment. The White House moments (until the second season) are better handled than the crisis management moments, though.

Really, “Scandal” seems to be two different shows. Check out the oval-office scene (just after the Vice President lands on the White House’s south lawn) between Jeff Perry and Kate Burton in the eighth episode of the second season for an example of what this show could be. They speak with force and speed, but without rushing. They highlight the rhythms of the beats, and the scene has high enough stakes to support their efforts. Every scene doesn’t have to be like that one; but, when actors yell, it has to be for a reason. The problem is that they yell and grandstand so much on this show that the moments that require those things get lost in the shuffle; those moments lose their power because of it.

Because her character is required to have conflicting emotions at every turn, Kerry Washington has an impossible task. Is she a hard-nosed crisis manager who can pull all of the right strings? Or is she a fragile woman teetering on the edge? She can’t be both. It would be better if she went the way of Glenn Close in “Damages” or Meryl Streep in “The Devil Wears Prada”: very cool and calculating on the outside. That way, when she finally blows, it holds power. …

I thought that “Scandal” would get better after some background information was revealed; but, when that happened, it was too little too late. Some critics liked the second season better than the first, but I disagree. The seven-episode first season showed promise, whereas the second season simply devolves into rushed speeches and screaming matches. This show teeters on the ridiculous without being any fun. On that count, it could learn a thing or two from “Revenge.” That’s a show that fully indulges its soap-opera tendencies. It’s not a great show, but it is a lot of fun.

That’s more than I can say about “Scandal,” which is simply overcooked. But if you like burnt toast, it might be for you. …

“Scandal” starts to improve in its third season. By its fourth season, it works just fine. (The addition of Portia de Rossi to the cast doesn’t hurt.) It’s still not as good as it could be, but it is watchable. Some viewers may disagree, but so what? They actually liked the first two seasons.

Verdict: OK to Somewhat Good, Eventually

About: (Source: scandal)

Everyone has secrets… and Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) has dedicated her life to protecting and defending the public images of the nation’s elite by keeping those secrets under wraps. Pope’s team are at the top of their game when it comes to getting the job done for their clients, but it becomes apparent that these “gladiators in suits,” who specialize in fixing the lives of other people, have trouble fixing those closest at hand — their own. The series is created by Shonda Rhimes (Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice). Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers (Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice) and Mark Wilding are executive producers. Judy Smith is co-executive producer.