"Scandal" has seen the Fitz (Tony Goldwyn) and Olivia (Kerry Washington) relationship hit its apex while still going through several obstacles, but season 5 episode 8, titled "Rasputin," may take their relationship down to its lowest point, a point where they can never get back together again.
According to a report from Cartermatt, the episode will see former First Lady Mellie (Bellamy Young) take vengeance against her ex-husband, using a tactic that involves Olivia Pope's father Rowan (Joe Morton). This tactic may be used against Fitz as he is busy securing an important peace deal.
The official synopsis on IMDB states that Olivia will be receiving powerful intel during this time and she'll have to spring into action to ensure that whatever this info is, it doesn't affect Fitz while he is making this historic peace deal. However, this intel may also be related to Mellie's plans and it could spell the dissolution of Olivia and Fitz's relationship.
As shown in the promotional trailer, Mellie will be visited by one unexpected guest: her father Rowan. Almost immediately, Olivia seems to have figured out that his freedom from prison must have come from Mellie's interference. The trailer then shows Mellie calling Olivia on the phone revealing what plans she has to take down Fitz.
Not all of the episode will focus entirely on Olivia and Fitz' struggles as the promotional trailer and synopsis also reveals that Jake (Scott Foley) will turn to Huck (Guillermo Diaz) in order to get even closer to his prime target while Cyrus (Jeff Perry) takes matters into his own hands and executes his own plan when he realizes he's been shut out.
"Rasputin" isn't even the season 5 finale but it already indicates that Fitz and Olivia may not get a happy ending if this episode doesn't pan out in their favor, although the title of the succeeding episode, "Baby, It's Cold Outside," hints that things may get better.
"Scandal" season 5 episode 8 airs this Nov. 12.
