Scandal [1] is known for some particularly off-the-wall finale episodes, but the season five finale felt strangely tame — especially for a season in which Olivia beats someone to death with a chair. We now officially know who Frankie and Mellie's running mates are [2], and Jake and Olivia's relationship [3] is, well, even more complicated than before. (I'm on Team J'Olivia and I'm still confused.) There aren't a ton of "holy sh*t" moments in the episode, but there are a few plot points that you'll need to keep in your brain until season six starts in the Fall. Take a look!
First of all, David and Susan are done. Susan isn't even in the finale, that's how done they are. David promptly hooks up with Elizabeth again, even though she's a terrible witch.
The episode starts with Jake poisoning Vanessa's father. What a swell son-in-law.
Frankie Vargas wants Jake as his VP, but Cyrus is disgusted by Jake. It's a significant moment because it signals that Cyrus might be turning into a good person — gasp! Cyrus also tells Olivia about that time he orchestrated the hostage crisis that turns Frankie into a national hero.
Frankie ends up announcing Cyrus, with his adorable husband and child in tow, as his running mate.
Meanwhile, Fitz finds out that Olivia aborted his baby.
Mellie stands up to Fitz and tells him that it's her time to shine.
Ugh, Fitz is terrible.
Olivia helps Jake stand up to Rowan. She tells Jake that he will be Mellie's VP, and even though Rowan pulls a gun on them, they walk out of the house together.
Jake is happy to be freed from Rowan's grasp, but he doesn't want to be VP. He wants a normal house in the 'burbs. Olivia reads him the riot act and tells him that he WILL do what she says. While Jake was under Rowan's thumb, he's now under Olivia's. Mellie officially announces that Jake is her running mate.
Rowan is pleased to see Olivia is succeeding him as "Command."
Finally, Mellie and Marcus are probably going to hook up soon.