Scandal is a show that attracts a variety of audiences that range from political figures to the everyday household mother. When writing about Scandal, questions came to mind as to why people are so interested in this show? What about Scandal makes it stick out compared to other prime time television series? This show had trouble starting up with a relatively low viewing percentage but quickly climbed when they were renewed for a second season. So what about this show has made more people become involved? Is it the characters, the drama, or political aspects of Washington D.C.? After interviewing a former Communications Professor at a community college, Lori Heinztleman, it was easy to understand why people feel so connected to the show. The focus of the interview was to get a deeper understanding of how this show is able to break away from other television shows such as House of Cards and other dramas that are based off of events held in Washington, D.C. Lori was asked questions about racial representation, the portrayal of Washington, and the accuracy of the scandals that were present in the show.

          Scandal is the first mainstream television drama that has used an African American female as a role. By having Kerry Washington play Olivia Pope who is such a powerful role in Washington, it was interesting to see why such a variety of audiences are attracted to her. “ I like Olivia Pope because she is a strong character but she also has flaws. She is smart and independent but we also see her make mistakes which makes her more relatable,” said Lori. Pope is easily influenced by others especially the President which makes her character appear weak at times but if she was not shown in these ways then she would not be so highly liked. People can connect with her because she has such versatile characteristics. Lori believed that having an African American women play Olivia Pope did not change the how people viewed the show. “ I see her as a strong character who can handle things that nobody else is fit to do. She helps fix many of the problems the characters encounter. I have never thought twice about her race being a factor throughout the show at all,” said Lori. As stated in the previous racial representation essay, Scandal does a good job at diminishing common stereotypes the American culture has for African American women. Some of these stereotypes that Pope disproves include laziness, uneducated and dependent.

          Pope’s relationship with President Grant is one of the main aspects of the show that stirs up controversy. “At first I did not like the affair because it made Olivia seem weak. However it seems that they really love each other but can’t be together because of the circumstances. It’s sad,” said Lori. Although it is not right for the President to be cheating on his wife with Olivia Pope, as an audience, people are inclined to root for their relationship to prevail. Morally it is wrong but each episode it is hard for the audience to ignore the feelings they have for one another as a couple. Although Lori challenges Pope and Grants relationship she also sees the President being portrayed as fragile. “ The producers of the show actually make President Grant look like a weak individual who was put into office and remains in office because of Olivia who was in charge of his campaign and fixes anything that goes wrong,” said Lori. This opinion again disproves the ideas that women and African Americans are considered weak seeing as Shona Rhimes creates President Grant, the alpha Caucasian male portrayed as weak. As the show progresses, the relationship between Pope and Grant becomes more complex as people start to find out and question their moral behaviors.