"Scandal" season 5 is just a few weeks away, and while show creator Shonda Rhimes has done a great job in keeping things spoiler-free, one thing is for sure — when the show returns, Elizabeth "Lizzie Bear" North (Portia De Rossi) and Marcus Walker (Cornelius Smith Jr.) will be around as both actors have been promoted to series regulars.
Since her debut in season 4, De Rossi's character has certainly made several advances in her career as she went from being First Lady Mellie Grant's (Bellamy Young) campaign manager in her senatorial campaign, to being appointed as the President's chief of staff.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, De Rossi said that since the very beginning, Lizzie always wants the best for her country, and that she cares about her party and keeping it together and doing the right thing.
"She genuinely believes that even if she has to play a little dirty, it's worth it for the end goal, for the overall betterment of the country," she said.
In season 4, fans witnessed how Lizzie walked into Cyrus' office after President Fitz fired him for covering up Mellie's actions when she had the 17 jurors killed. Mellie was also told to get out of the White House, and at this point, it is unknown whether Lizzie will remain sympathetic to Mellie or whether her loyalties will now lie with the President.
Meanwhile, Smith, who played activist Marcus during season 4, also has a place on the hit ABC show as a series regular when it returns for its fifth season. TVLine reports that details on Smith's return are being kept secret as of the moment, but could he be the latest addition coming to join Olivia Pope's (Kerry Washington) group?
As was previously reported by TVLine, there was going to be a new Gladiator joining Olivia's group. This new addition will be a "familiar face" to "Scandal" fans and that it's a character that Liv has previously crossed paths with, who happened to be a guest star and not a series regular. Could Marcus, who Liv encountered when he was protesting the death of Brandon Parker, be the new Gladiator?
Viewers will find out when season 5 of "Scandal" premieres on Sept. 24 at 9/8c on ABC.
