Will Liv say yes?
And will they then run a clean campaign?
Shes trying to be the best presidential candidate she can be.
Credit: Kevin Estrada/ABC
But now shes the one behind the wheel, and decisions are just much tougher from that perspective.
Does Mellie go in wanting to have a clean campaign given her past involvement with rigging elections?
I definitely think her idealism is intact, because, in some ways, its her first job.
But I would imagine that as we face this whole spring season, her morals will be tested repeatedly.
Shes looking to Olivia to be her campaign manager, but will that actually go over well?
I think something was really reawakened in Mellie with the filibuster.
With that lens on, all things are possible.
Considering that Olivia is achanged womanwhen theshow returns, will that help Mellies chances?
What does Mellie think of the new Olivia?
Mellie hopes that the door is slightly ajar.
Its some sort of perverse backwards thinking not that Liv owes Mellie but why not at this point?
Youve worked against me enough, why not work with me at this point?
How does OPA feel about Mellie coming in?
Its fun, because everyone is in such a different place.
OPA is in transition as well.
Quinn (Katie Lowes) has really been left to be the spine and the heartbeat of OPA.
Shes a little run ragged with it.
Marcus (Cornelius Smith Jr.) is so new.
Huck (Guillermo Diaz) has got his hands full with personal things.
Their plates are so full that theres just no room for one more worry.
As the campaign heats up, does Mellie fear her secrets just spilling out?
Its so fun because theres so much more to worry about.
Shes definitely afraid of her history.
She just has to gamble on Fitz in trying to protect himself instead of trying to protect her.
Its an amazing field of candidates this year.
I cannot wait for everybody to see some new faces and old faces.
Its going to be fun.
Is there anyone you’re free to tease that are among the candidates?
Can we expect Susan Ross (Artemis Pebdani) to be there?
I think Id best not tease, but it will shape up swiftly.
Its good and juicy.
Is there anyone that youre taking inspiration from?
Im watching everything I can.
I watch it all.
Whats Mellies status with Fitz at the moment?
We really decimated each other at the end of last year.
And in front of the public?
Or are they not even trying in that regard now?
Theyre trying their best to stay as far away from each other as possible.
Theyre just so coiled, because they both feel so betrayed.
Its just one pin drop away from somebody lashing violently.
A big question coming out of the finale was whether the news ofOlivias abortionwould get out there.
It feels like a ticking time bomb.
It does to me, too.
Whats one thing that surprised you most about the second half of the season?
As always is the case withScandal, its a living, breathing thing.
I always feel so happy to be a part of something that is alive like that.
Theyre really watching, responding, honing, and shaping.
Im sure youll be biased, but does Mellie actually have a chance at becoming president?
I dont have any idea.
I hope so with all my heart.
I cant even tell you how much I hope so.
Also, they write everyone so well that we have a lot of great candidates.
With that in mind, will Mellie make some unethical moves to get where she wants to go?
Ill be interested to see how far shes willing to go for this dream.
Shes gone so far already.
Im interested to see what shes willing to do.
Scandalreturns Thursday at 9 p.m.
