'Scandal' season 4: Olivia's parental woes puts her life in grave danger

Just when things appear to be heating up for Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) in D.C., the chilling yet explosive winter finale for "Scandal" season 4 looms around the corner. 

In episode 9 titled "Where the Sun Don't Shine," Olivia's life might be put in danger after her father Rowan Pope (Joe Morton) totally goes against her for good, following the events that happened last episode.  Fans will recall that she teamed up with Fitz Grant III (Tony Goldwyn) and Jake Ballard (Scott Foley) to pin him down. But he is the least of Olivia's worries for now, as another family member threatens to turn her life upside down. 

ABC released the official synopsis for "Scandal's" winter finale, which reads: 

"Command is always two steps ahead and everyone in Olivia's life is in danger. Meanwhile, Cyrus is forced to face the consequences of his behavior, and Huck and Quinn finally figure out just what Elizabeth North has been planning, but they might be too late to stop it." 

In this episode, Olivia's terrorist mother Maya Lewis (Khandi Alexander) finally regains her freedom after being imprisoned. Will Maya wreak havoc to avenge all her years in prison? And how will her daughter react once she finds out that she is now a free woman? 

Yet there are other imminent threats in Olivia's life aside from her parents. Based on the promo teaser, Olivia asks Jake to teach her how to use a gun. 

"I want a kill shot," Olivia states in the teaser video. 

Is she practicing to kill her father, or is she saving the bullet for someone else? 

Meanwhile, the lives of Huck (Guillermo Diaz) and Quinn (Katie Lowes) will also be put in danger after they finally find out what Elizabeth North's (Portia de Rossi) real intentions are, and they might be too late to stop her from executing her plans. 

"Scandal" season 4 episode 9 airs on Nov. 20 on ABC.

News
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message

The Pope asked people to pray in particular for the "tormented people of Ukraine" in his Christmas Day 'Urbi et Orbi' message. 

Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?

The carol says, “Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen.” In many countries, December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is better known as St Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. This is the story …

King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address
King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to reflect on the significance of pilgrimage as he appealed to the nation "to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation". 

2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book

One of the most-studied Bible verses of the year is from 2 Timothy in the New Testament, according to an analysis of millions of Bible study sessions that tracked how believers worldwide are engaging with Scripture.