"Scandal" season 4 showed a very different dynamic to the Gladiators as the team was split and separated while Olivia (Kerry Washington) had to gather herself back together. According to a report from TVLine, however, season 5 is going to see the "reconstitution" of the Gladiators, bringing back the powerful dynamic of seasons past.
Series creator Shonda Rhimes stated in the report that in season 4, they "were busy healing Olivia" while the Gladiators eventually got disbanded. Abigail Whelan (Darby Stanchfield) left the team and became the White House Press Secretary while Harrison (Columbus Short) was killed off.
"The Gladiators did gladiate," Rhimes said with regard to their dynamics in season 4. "But they gladiated on a different scale and a different level. And the Gladiators scattered. A lot of times it was just Huck and Quinn gladiating by themselves. And that wasn't the same dynamic."
However, season 5 will see these lost character dynamics return as the Gladiators form up once again. The report speculates that actor Cornelius Smith Jr., who plays Marcus Walker, was recently upgraded to series regular indicating that he may be one of the new members of the gang although Rhimes did not deny or confirm this.
When asked, Rhimes' response was a simple, "I honestly don't know." She later added that the character doesn't reappear in the season until later on in fall. This may be a simple ruse, however, as Smith may appear starting in the second episode of the season.
Portia de Rossi, who plays White House Chief of Staff Elizabeth North, was also upgraded to series regular although fan speculations of her becoming a part of Olivia's team is not as high as those for Marcus Walker, who primarily works as an activist.
Seeing the Gladiators come back in full force also means that Olivia is back in the game with no time left for grieving or remorse.
"Scandal" season 5 premieres this Sept. 24.
