Fans of "Scandal" will find that things will be very different when the show returns next month as the second half of the ABC drama will feature a six-month time jump from the events of the winter finale. When the show returns, "Scandal" will be taking some inspiration from the real-life U.S. presidential race as Mellie Grant (Bellamy Young) officially runs for president.
The last time fans saw Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington), the political fixer just ended her relationship with Fitz (Tony Goldwyn) and she also had an abortion. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Goldwyn talked about Fitz's mindset after the events of the midseason finale and the actor also talked about Mellie's bid for the presidency.
"[He is] sort of viciously estranged from Mellie, although they're trying to co-parent," said Goldwyn. "And Fitz and Olivia are not in contact." The actor said that it's very difficult for Fitz to be alone and that he's been leaning heavily on Abby and putting all his focus on work.
As Mellie runs for president, Goldwyn said that other candidates start to emerge, such as Susan Ross.
"Susan Ross is someone Fitz is trying to look out for and we get into that and that ambition," he said, adding that Susan is certainly thinking about running for president too. The actor confirmed that executive producer Shonda Rhimes is getting some inspiration from the current presidential campaign for the storyline, and though he didn't give any further details, he promised that the show will feature "some really great stuff" about it.
Goldwyn also revealed that fans will be surprised as there will be some "fresh" and "cool" faces in the campaign. As for whether Olivia will serve as Mellie's campaign manager, the actor said that there's no one better at the job than Olivia and Mellie knows it too.
"Mellie will do what she can to try to get Olivia to work for her, but that's a complicated relationship," said Goldwyn.
"Scandal" returns on Feb. 11 at 9 p.m. on ABC.
