Scandal: Season 5
Season 5 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of Scandal Season 4.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 5 Progress Shield
Heavy Is the Head
Sep 24, 2015
Olivia and Fitz are back together again and enjoying every scandalous moment together while Cyrus, Mellie and Huck are all still dealing with the aftermath of helping Command. Mean
Yes
Oct 1, 2015
The Pope and Associates team dives into a new case that takes Olivia out of D.C. and away from the President. Meanwhile, back at the White House, Fitz is determined to find who's r
Paris Is Burning
Oct 8, 2015
Olivia and Fitz face some very big consequences and Mellie brings in an old friend to make sure she gets her way. Meanwhile, Abby shows Olivia she is fully capable of handling work
Dog-Whistle Politics
Oct 15, 2015
Eager to get answers, Jake unexpectedly crosses paths with someone he thought he'd never see again. Meanwhile, Huck and Quinn recruit a familiar face to help smooth over the media
You Got Served
Oct 22, 2015
Olivia knows she can't handle this latest storm on her own and calls for help from an unexpected source. Meanwhile, Mellie and Cyrus continue to pull strings from the sidelines and
Get Out of Jail, Free
Oct 29, 2015
Fitz and Olivia are presented with a shocking plan that might just make all of their troubles go away, and Mellie is put through the ringer when confronted about her troubled marri
Even the Devil Deserves a Second Chance
Nov 5, 2015
While Fitz is focused on winning back the American people, he makes a shocking discovery. Meanwhile, OPA takes on a new client, but Olivia seems preoccupied keeping her own secrets
Rasputin
Nov 12, 2015
In the midst of Fitz negotiating a historic peace deal, Olivia must rely on her instincts when a guest of the The White House discloses powerful intel. Meanwhile, Jake uses Huck's
Baby, It's Cold Outside
Nov 19, 2015
Olivia feels more frustrated taking on "First Lady" type responsibilities; Mellie proves just how powerful she can be; Jake and Huck continue the hunt for Rowan.
It's Hard Out Here for a General
Feb 11, 2016
It's been six months since Olivia and Fitz have broken up, and they are both handling their newfound freedom in very different ways. Meanwhile, the Pope and Associates team take on
The Candidate
Feb 18, 2016
Mellie seeks out Olivia's help but may not be prepared for what that entails, and Liz tries to convince Susan Ross to run for the presidency. Meanwhile, Abby and Cyrus are at odds
Wild Card
Feb 25, 2016
While Fitz is preoccupied with his own interests, Cyrus begins to orchestrate his next master plan, and Elizabeth North uses David to mastermind a plan of her own. Meanwhile, Olivi
The Fish Rots from the Head
Mar 10, 2016
Olivia and the team take on some embattled Secret Service agents. Meanwhile, Abby has her hands full trying to keep Fitz in line, and Jake begins to reveal a few secrets of his own
I See You
Mar 17, 2016
The gladiators have to look after themselves as Olivia spies on Jake. Susan and Mellie's campaigns starts to heat up.
Pencils Down
Mar 24, 2016
Mellie manages to make a public gaffe whilst Olivia attempts to fix it. David Rosen looks for advice on dealing with his love triangle with Liz and Susan.
The Miseducation of Susan Ross
Mar 31, 2016
Following the first Republican debate, Olivia is presented with damaging information about an opponent and enlists the Gladiators to verify its authenticity. Meanwhile, David deals
Thwack!
Apr 7, 2016
The election is in full swing, which means everyone is doing their best to take down their opponents, but when a potential leak threatens several candidates, they have to work toge
Till Death Do Us Part
Apr 21, 2016
As Olivia deals with the aftermath of what she's done, she finally finds out what exactly Jake and Rowan are plotting. But with their plans already in motion, Olivia is forced to m
Buckle Up
Apr 28, 2016
As Mellie, Susan and Hollis prepare to meet with Florida's governor and vie for her influential endorsement, a spin war between Abby and Olivia threatens to keep their candidates g
Trump Card
May 5, 2016
Olivia and Abby have to put their differences aside and work together to try and take Hollis Doyle down. Meanwhile, Edison realizes he may have made a deal with the devil as Rowan
That's My Girl
May 12, 2016
As each presidential candidate gets ready to announce their running mate, Olivia finds herself in a potentially dire situation. Meanwhile, Cyrus is presented with damaging informat