Kerry Washington | TV Ate My Wardrobe

Tag Archives: Kerry Washington

Best of the Variety and BAFTA Pre-Emmy Red Carpets

August has been a relatively quiet month with most of the red carpet action coming from film projects filmed while on hiatus. Get ready for an influx of dresses as the Emmys are on Monday and the parties have already begun. Below are the best looks from the BAFTA Los Angeles TV Tea 2014 and Variety and Women in Film Emmy Nomination Celebration. With several pulling double duty at both events a couple of faces pop up twice. On trend is a mixture of all-black ensembles and super colorful affairs (with some showcasing both thanks to the two events). There are a lot of bad shoe choices and somehow three jumpsuits make the list (insert Home Alone cat face here).

Kerry Washington has been hitting style highs recently and this is another to add to that list. Going short in Michael Kors and fresh faced before the fancy frock night is understandable. This is striking in its simplicity and there’s a slight hint of sparkle when the flash hits the embellishments.

Another short take and the pre-Emmy parties are all about having fun before the big event and Orange is the New Black’s Samira Wiley is doing just this in a blurred effect number.

Julianna Margulies is always one of my most anticipated on the red carpet come award season and while she is playing it pretty safe; it is also a classic J-Marg look. Digging the bold lipstick too.

Michelle Dockery’s peplum Elie Saab black jumpsuit is also in the simple chic category at the Variety party.

However, earlier in the day Dockery has done the color splurge in a Roland Mouret crop top and skirt. The Teen Choice Awards don’t have the monopoly on crop tops (there is another coming up) and even though the skirt looks like a fancy table cloth Dockery pulls this off. Despite the matchy matchy shoe/skirt of it all these Christian Louboutin pumps are a footwear highlight.

If Kiernan Shipka’s Instagram is anything to go by these teen stars are set to takeover the world while having brunch and here she is once again with Sleepy Hollow’s Amandla Stenberg. Both manage to look super cute and slightly edgy at the same time in their dark attire.

Kiernan Shipka also attended the BAFTA Tea in a summery Giambattista Valli cocktail dress and she will be one to look out for tomorrow as she continues to hit all the right sartorial notes.

Downton Abbey’s Joanne Froggat does color blocking in Altuzarra mixing bold red and orange with grey. Black sandals are a popular choice on both red carpets (not in the bad shoe category) and it is still summer after all.

At first I thought this was a dress, instead it is a Christian Dior jumpsuit with one leg much wider than the other and Ashley Madekwe pulls off Dior’s latest attempt to wrinkle our brains (remember JLaw’s half skirt/pants number?!). One reason this works is because it’s all one color and a striking shade of blue at that. Plus the pockets, always the pockets.

Keeping in the jumpsuit/pocket territory and Anna Chlumsky’s Veronica Beard outfit reminds me of the Hannibal bathroom location from season one (they’re not even that similar, but that’s where my brain jumped to). This is not a bad thing as those tiles are gorgeous as is this pattern.

Another BAFTA/Variety double! Lizzy Caplan is wearing a bold chartreuse Cushnie et Ochs frock and works this difficult shade by pairing it with scarlet pumps. Sheer tends to cause a wrinkled nose effect and part of me would love to see this as a strapless gown.

Switching things up and the Wes Gordon houndstooth pencil skirt and long sleeve crop top makes me think of a Virginia Johnson outfit shifted from 1956 to 2014. Paired with burgundy Christian Louboutin ‘Bootypump’ ankle boots – which I am now coveting – makes this a sophisticated and fun take on office to party chic.

Emmy weekend also reminds me which shows I need to catch up on and Fargo is top of this list. I’ve heard so much about Allison Tolman’s performance and she looks lovely on the BAFTA Tea red carpet in a lace blue frock. A more colorful shoe choice (basically anything but beige) would have been preferable.

More beige shoe sadness with Rachelle Lefevre, however her dress is enough to distract and looks like the clothing version of sediment layers. This also doesn’t sound that great I realize, but trust me it is. So much hair envy.

Color blocking with a dotty twist and Michelle Monaghan’s red and orange J. Mendel frock is another striking take on this trend.

Tags: Allison Tolman, Amandla Stenberg, Anna Chlumsky, Ashley Madekwe, BAFTA, Emmys, Joanne Froggatt, Julianne Margulies, Kerry Washington, Kiernan Shipka, Lizzy Caplan, Michelle Dockery, Michelle Monaghan, Rachelle Lefevre, red carpet, Samira Wil, Variety

Comments 1 Comment
Categories Emmys, Red Carpet, Uncategorized
Author Emma Fraser

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

15 Aug

Movie premieres featuring TV husband and wife adorableness, street style, talk show appearances, a sneak peek at new web series and a HFPA event are all included in this edition of “Out of the Box.” Alas there is nothing from the Teen Choice Awards, but the sea of crop tops was kind of uninspiring and even Taylor Swift has been wearing better outfits when leaving the gym (and on The Tonight Show as you will see below).

One thing that is always guaranteed to warm my heart is when cast members show their support for their co-stars other projects. Chris Pratt has of course had a huge week with the monstrous success of Guardians of the Galaxy so he is forgiven for ditching tailored suits – I think I like this rugged style better on him anyway – for a more relaxed look at the LA premiere of Aubrey Plaza’s Life After Beth. Plaza has been making some interesting red carpet choices recently and this floral lace Valentino frock is another one I love as both Plaza and her character April Ludgate continue to reign supreme here at TV Ate My Wardrobe.

The color and cut of Kate Mara’s dress is pretty much my ideal (yellow is an ultimate clothing weakness). Paired with shades, a Coach bag, white Jil Sander buckled loafers and an iced drink makes effortless summer in the city styling.

Taylor Swift has turned leaving the gym into something of a catwalk and she delivered when visiting The Tonight Show earlier this week in a Bec & Bridge dress that is giving me all the long legged envy. Also the ability to walk in super stacked Prada sandals without stumbling/falling into an embarrassing heap. Still not sure about the shaggy, voluminous hair as it’s looking a touch bad ’80s, however the dash of pink lip color avoids being too matchy matchy with the similar shade on the dress. Jimmy continues the trend for striking purple ties this week.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ryan Hansen (@hiryanhansen)

It was announced earlier this week on Buzzfeed that the Veronica Mars team are coming back with a web series and creator Rob Thomas explains it “will have more in common with Party Down tonally, but it will be about Ryan Hansen, or at least a version of Ryan Hansen, deciding to capitalize on the current Veronica Mars heat to get his own series on the air.” This is terrific news as I need to find something to fill the Party Down hole in my life; Ryan Hansen shared a sneak look at what we can maybe expect from this show on his Instagram and it is glorious.

Oh hey, Veronica Mars! Kristen Bell with a lovely bouquet of flowers and a rather fetching companion at the HFPA Grants Banquet in LA. Kerry Washington’s strapless Mary Katrantzou floral number is sweet without entering saccharine territory; pairing it with pumps that have colorful edge makes me so happy. No beige shoes here.

Tags: Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Kate Mara, Kerry Washington, Kristen Bell, Parks and Recreation, Ryan Hansen, Taylor Swift, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Veronica Mars

Comments 1 Comment
Categories Out of the Box: Look of the Week
Author Emma Fraser

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

4 Jul

It’s been a relatively quite week on the red carpet front so this week’s “Out of the Box” is a mixture of fall fashion campaigns, magazine covers and an awards show.

Starting off super summery with Kerry Washington in this gorgeous Dolce & Gabbana at the BET Awards. I’m a sucker for floral print and this one is ticking all the right boxes. The dress stands out and so there’s no need to clutter it with too much jewelry or bold makeup. Excellent white pump and bouncy hair game sets it off.

Kit Harington is all smolder sadness face in Jimmy Choo’s fall campaign and this is a far cry from his Game of Thrones Night’s Watch threads. Why so serious, Jon Snow? (Other than all the obvious of course)

Covering the subscriber edition of the August issue of UK Harper’s Bazaar is a trio of Downton Abbey ladies with Laura Carmichael, Michelle Dockery and Lily James all wearing stunning Valentino gowns from the pre-fall 2014 collection.

Michelle Dockery also gets a solo cover (this is the regular edition) in a close up shot that reveals the exquisite and intricate feather shoulder detail on this Valentino dress.

Inside the issue more of the Downton ladies also get to join in with the fancy frock dressing including Phyllis Logan, Sophie McShera, Lesley Nicol, Raquel Cassidy, Elizabeth McGovern and Joanne Froggatt. They all look elegant and timeless in gowns that take a step away from the period the show is set in while still having a sartorial influence. Head here to read a discussion with the cast as they talk influence, the family atmosphere on set and the roles for women on this show and in general.

Happy 4th of July weekend! Make sure you dig out your best anchor blazer à la Amity Island’s Mayor Larry Vaughn.

Tags: Harper's Bazaar, Jaws, Kerry Washington, Kit Harington, Laura Carmichael, Lily James, Michelle Dockery

Comments 1 Comment
Categories Out of the Box: Look of the Week
Author Emma Fraser

Coming this Fall: A Scandal Inspired Line at The Limited

26 Jun

One hashtag you might see popping up on a Thursday night when an episode of Scandal is airing is #ScandalFashion and discussions dedicated to what Olivia Pope is wearing are just as prevalent as those talking about what crazy twist has just occurred. On TV Ate My Wardrobe we write our Scandal reviews with a specific look at the costuming and where possible we share where you can buy these items. A Scandal inspired clothing line from a national retailer isn’t too surprising, however this is the first time a lead star and head costume designer from a hit network show has collaborated with a store in this manner.

It isn’t just the Scandal cast who have embraced Twitter and costume designer Lyn Paolo is just as interactive with fans and when it comes to finding out where the clothing that we see on screen is from, she is more than happy to oblige. Now you will be able to buy your very own Scandal inspired clothing from The Limited (in store and online) from the end of September and the 42-piece collection ranges in price from $42 to $248. Paolo explains that “The whole team took great care in creating a collection that reflects Olivia Pope’s unique style. We believe the collection tells a story of confidence and professional sophistication as well as maintaining a strong feminine point of view.”

As Kerry Washington has been an advocate for Twitter interactions with fans, particularly when the show airs (meaning there is a constant dialogue when an episode is on) there is a strong focus on Scandal viewers. Not everyone can afford Burberry trench coats or Prada purses and so this affordable selection of clothing allows fans to experience the Olivia Pope style for themselves through both Kerry Washington and Lyn Paulo’s involvement. In a statement from Washington she alludes to this notion “By creating a line inspired by the show, we are introducing a collection that embodies the elegance and power of the Scandal aesthetic for real-life gladiators and everyday fashionistas. The collection is a nod to our devoted fans, to fans of fashion and to women everywhere who are inspired to boldly pursue their passions and look good while doing it.”

If you’re wondering what you might be able to purchase come September than we have a couple of sketch photos (courtesy of Women’s Wear Daily) and wide legged pants, belted outerwear and tailored jackets are on the menu (this makes me very happy). It wouldn’t be a Scandal inspired line without some white items that for reasons I have previously outlined (okay I spill) I might have to avoid. We will keep you updated when more pictures get released so keep checking back.

Tags: clothing line, Kerry Washington, Lyn Paolo, Olivia Pope, Scandal, The Limited

Comments Leave a Comment
Categories Scandal
Author Emma Fraser

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

13 Jun

There has been a whole host of events this week as the summer months are filled by conversations about the season of TV we have just experienced, along with various charity and fashion soirees taking place. This week’s “Out of the Box” is showcasing the best of these including the Fox “Girls Night Out” panel, the Women in Film 2014 Crystal + Lucy Awards and the amfAR Inspiration Gala.

Mindy Kaling’s looking a little trippy in Marc by Marc Jacobs at Fox’s “Girls Night Out.” I could see Megan Draper wearing this especially as it’s long sleeved and showing a whole lot of leg; the pattern is rather hypnotic and is on point with the late 60s psychedelic style.

Chelsea Peretti is a TV Ate My Wardrobe sweater queen on Brooklyn Nine-Nine and at the Fox “Girls Night Out” she is pulling off two trends we’re not always on board with; tulip dresses and open toe booties.

The Orange is the New Black season 2 watch is preceding nicely (about to watch episode 8) and one thing it needs more of is Sophia. Lucky for us Laverne Cox has been hitting up various events (and the cover of Time) such as the amfAR Inspiration Gala in this stunning midnight blue gown.

Picking up an accolade for excellence in television at the Women in Film 2014 Crystal + Lucy Awards is a good reason to return to the red carpet and Kerry Washington does just this in a very cool paint splatter effect Sportmax skirt and black top. Orange is what ties the look together without going too matchy matchy with lip color and AMAZING Louboutin ‘Geo’ studded toecap pumps.

The ‘Women in Film Max Mara Face of the Future’ is an honor that has been bestowed on Rose Byrne and Max Mara threw a cocktail party with W Magazine to celebrate. Byrne is of course in Max Mara and the sequins combined with a plunging neckline help her stand out. I love the choice of silver capped pumps and her minimal makeup (even though I’d love to see either a deep red or bright pink lip color, but that might just be me).

Also attending this Max Mara event is Mad Men’s Kiernan Shipka and she continues to kill it on the red carpet. Wearing Max Mara Shipka goes for something edgier with a leather skirt on the bottom and contrasts this with a white silk top. The yellow Christian Louboutin bag adds a pop of color and she once again nails the age appropriateness of her sartorial choices. Jon Hamm recently spoke about Shipka during this LA Times roundtable discussion just how lucky they were to get someone as talented as Shipka from such a young age.

Doing the super summer frock thing at the Monte Carlo Television Festival is Gillian Jacobs and she is doing it well in this red strapless number. This is a super cute look and I can’t wait to see Jacobs on the next season of Girls and everything else possible.

Tags: Chelsea Peretti, Gillian Jacobs, Kerry Washington, Kiernan Shipka, Laverne Cox, Mindy Kaling, Rose Byrne

Comments 1 Comment
Categories Out of the Box: Look of the Week
Author Emma Fraser

Scandal 3.18 “The Price of Free and Fair Elections” Review: “I’m the Scandal”

18 Apr

The Scandal season 3 finale showed who the real monsters are and while Olivia takes responsibility for her part in this tangled mess, she’s just a by-product and it’s both of her parents that are behind pretty much everything. Rowan’s declaration that he is “the hell and the high water” came into play as he showed just how far he will go to protect his daughter and get regain his power. It’s a revenge plot more than anything else and one that boils down to the playground mentality of you took something of mine so I’ll do the same to you, but instead of this being about something trivial Rowan did a deplorable thing and killed Fitz’s son Jerry. Well, Rowan didn’t commit the actual deed sending in head stooge Tom (who also dispatched of Adnan), but really it’s a much of a muchness.

One of the most problematic aspects this season has been how little agency Olivia has; she’s become a pawn in a much larger game. Olivia deciding to make a break for it is satisfying on one level as she wasn’t dragged to the airport kicking and screaming; she made the choice. It’s somewhat sullied as she has only made this decision based on a whole lot of tragedy at the hands of her parents and she’s giving Rowan the one thing he wants; getting Olivia far, far away from Fitz. In terms of the love triangle Olivia lets Jake know that she loves someone else and he still goes with her anyway. Jake wants to be free of this life, he wants to be rescued and this is more important than being first choice at this point. Jake has always stood on the periphery and while he isn’t the man Olivia loves, the promise of Vermont and jam is a fantasy and will remain like this for at least another four years. Olivia owes it to herself to not be in a relationship that is this dysfunctional, though I’m not entirely sure that Jake is the answer. A break from all of this would have been the preferred solution, no matter how good Jake looks in that grey tee.

Early in the episode when it looks like Fitz will lose the election – the bomb turned into a huge MacGuffin – the Vermont fantasy briefly became a possibility. Until Olivia revealed the truth about Mellie and Big Jerry, which could be viewed as an act of self sabotage, but I also don’t think Olivia would want to keep something like this secret from Fitz even if it means sacrificing potential happiness. For a brief moment he thinks Mellie is lying, but why would she lie about something like this? Thankfully Fitz uses the reason part of his brain and he goes to Mellie; it’s probably the most tender we have seen him be towards his wife. There’s a renewed unity and it transpires that Fitz is indeed Jerry’s father. One brief moment of Grant family togetherness before the first casualty of Rowan’s rise to power.

The Grant children have only been recently introduced so I should have figured that one of them was doomed and Jerry takes the hit; the child that Mellie has always held at a distance because of what he represented and now he has gone. By killing Jerry, Rowan laid the double whammy of getting Fitz re-elected and taking away one of his kids. This is the hollowest of victories. Four more years of Fitz in power, maybe now we can see what a great politician everyone claims he is and yet we have never seen for ourselves. It’s going to be hard for him to get past this grief as we see him collapsed on the floor of the Oval Office and with no Olivia to reach out to.

Olivia hasn’t just left Fitz, she’s left everyone else at OPA and Abby’s the one to voice her rage and disappointment. Abby feels let down by Olivia and how they have done everything for her; now they are getting left behind. Abby’s behavior is understandable as Olivia was the one who created all of this, but I also can’t help but think how they will all be better off without it. Sure they will have to find new careers, but Abby’s media exposure during the election could open a wealth of avenues. There is of course the many files in David’s office that Jake sent him to “Go get the bad guys” so if she wants to continue to pursue this line of work then she can.

Everything is a little bit more complicated for the spit twins and I even beat Abby with yelling “MY EYES” first at the sight of them banging on the conference room table. Please let this be the end of whatever the hell this is and let Quinn and Huck become characters rather than caricatures in season 4. The reintroduction of Huck’s family is a step forward that I appreciate. Now to the last member of the OPA team and it’s so long to Harrison, who thanks to figuring everything out with Rowan’s plan is now a loose end that needs to be tied up. I’m disappointed that this character didn’t amount to much, but considering everything that is going on off-screen with this actor it is something that needed to happen. There’s no gun shot on screen so there is always the chance that Harrison could come back next season.

Where does this leave everyone now? Scattered and without Olivia. There will no doubt be something that pulls Olivia back and she’s not going to hit ignore every time that phone rings, but I am glad to see Olivia acknowledge that she is accountable, even if she isn’t the one who is doing the bad deeds. Olivia is still part of this machine and if time away from Washington D.C. allows for this character to regain her agency then this can only be a good thing.

This season has been messy in places and the focus on B613 has taken away some of what made watching Scandal fun as it got too complicated for its own good. Focusing on questions of power and what people to do to obtain and keep it is at the heart of Scandal and how to make things better in the face of monsters like Rowan and Marie (who is currently residing in the Huck/Jake hole of despair). The puppet masters have already been targeted this season and Rowan ends the season in power and this finale signifies a lack of hope; it’s not all doom as Huck takes a huge step with reconciling his past with his present and David still stands representing one white hat wearer. Maybe Olivia just needs a good old fashioned vacation and then she will be able to fight the real monsters.

Tags: "The Price of Free and Fair Elections", 3.18, Kerry Washington, Olivia Pope, Scandal

Comments 2 Comments
Categories Scandal
Author Emma Fraser

Scandal 3.17 “Flesh and Blood” Review

11 Apr

“I’m a patient man, but a vengeful one and I have a very long memory.”

This declaration came from Rowan on last week’s Scandal and if nothing else he stayed true to his word as he showed little mercy for the man he believes to be responsible for the entire lie that was his marriage to Marie Wallace. Time is a something that can heal old wounds, alternatively it can build up the desire for revenge and there’s a mixture of this in the somewhat messy (both in structure and story) penultimate episode of this somewhat messy season.

As I mentioned last week the focus turning to all things B613 and Olivia’s family has been problematic as the serialized story has got more ridiculous each week and it has me clamoring for case of the week episodes. The setup is still the same in a way with montages set to 70s funk and the window of photos; unfortunately protracting the story in this manner has woven a complicated web that leaves Olivia shouting in the wind every week.

In terms of short memory it looks like Fitz stopping by the OPA office has meant that everyone forgot how Jake made his entrance last week – by grabbing Olivia’s throat – and Olivia is more pissed off about being accused of treason. All while wearing an Escada coat which is reminiscent of this Scandal shredded paper promo shot. Olivia has lost her agency in a way and while she effectively shut down B613, it also leads to B613 past and present duking it out in her office. Everyone else is making the decisions and Olivia only gets to decide which Command gets to stay, sorry Jake you’re outta here. The other matter in which she lays down the law is with grounding Fitz, but this doesn’t stick when he sees he’s losing to Sally Langston. Oh and somehow the election is only six days away.

Olivia butts heads with all the dudes in her life; when Jake leaves she tells him she has set him free, but he insists that even without an actual B613 this is still who he is and you never really escape. As with Fitz and Olivia, the Olivia/Jake pairing goes in circles so when things go bad at her office, Jake is the person she rings. This never ending dance goes the same way; she loves Fitz, but she also feels something for Jake (she still doesn’t mention the throat grab) and it’s all becoming a bit love triangle tiresome.

The whole back and forth between Fitz and Olivia has never really interested me (I know there are many viewers who disagree) and at first the Jake angle added something new to this dynamic, now that’s old hat too and I can’t see a way out of it. Olivia tells Jake about her realization regarding her mother’s inability to love and how it must be easier to feel nothing and care about no one. Now I don’t want Olivia to become this nihilistic, but I hope that something happens in the finale to propel the love story forward that stops the merry-go-round we are currently stuck on.

It’s nothing new to see Olivia fighting with her dad about the right way to do things; it doesn’t normally end up with a dead body in her office. Rowan gets his long awaited vengeance and thanks to the longest car park hook up – seriously how long were they down there for? – Mama Pope gets to walk into OPA with no one noticing. Other questions on this matter include where is Charlie? Plus, why must there be so much licking and spitting this season? Not cool, show. More blood is shed as Rowan takes what looks like several bullets to the chest and it doesn’t look particularly good for him.

Olivia’s main contention with Fitz this week is far less dramatic, in that they only really argue about whether he should be on the road or not as there is a bomb with his name on it out there somewhere. That somewhere isn’t the school in Defiance as they expected, but in a church basement that is about to hold a funeral Fitz is meant to go to. The twist comes in the form of Cyrus going full monster as he wants to win the election at any cost and so he withholds the information Jake has just told him about the bomb location and goes on his merry way, smiling ever so eerily to himself about the potential easy win if Sally dies. Now, why can’t Jake just call in an anonymous tip to the police about there being a bomb in the church? I also get that Cyrus made his peace with what happened with James, but he is still being way too courteous over the phone with the guy who murdered his husband. Another case of short term memory on the show.

Other big story developments include Mellie spending the episode drunk and inadvertently revealing to Olivia what happened to her with Fitz’s father. Mellie’s a mess partly because the Andrew thing is over – Andrew is at the church and I’m going to be so mad if he gets blown up – and she doesn’t really care about anything at the moment. Leo wants to find out if Jerry is Fitz’s thanks to a loose lipped White House doctor and Olivia confronts Mellie with this news. It turns from a shouting match to Olivia’s realization that Mellie isn’t that stupid or reckless and Mellie’s heartbreaking secret is out. Olivia gets Mellie the test results on the sly and it’s hard to gauge from Mellie’s reaction shot who Jerry’s father really is.

In the gallery see how Mellie and Fitz are in sync in wardrobe only (purple tie, purple Michael Kors dress), the Grant fake smile parade, so much serious phone face from Olivia, the cushion fort that has been built on her sofa, a close look at Olivia’s trusty Prada purse and the eavesdropping OPA team.

Tags: "Flesh and Blood", 3.17, Kerry Washington, Olivia Pope, Scandal

Comments Leave a Comment
Categories Review, Scandal
Author Emma Fraser

Scandal 3.16 “The Fluffer” Review: “What do you Need?

4 Apr

Season 3 of Scandal is nearing the end (there’s two more episodes after this one) and like Olivia Pope, I’m feeling a tad fatigued and the push/pull of “The Fluffer” didn’t do much to aid this weariness. The campaign is still full steam ahead as they try to get the female vote and it doesn’t help that everyone either wants to sleep with each other or inflict some form of misery. Destroying B613 is another priority and elsewhere Marie Wallace is looking to get some flowers with a side order of bomb. The soapy hijinks fun has turned into a bit of a drag and everything is verging on the self serious. What Scandal needs is to return to the twisty, breakneck paced storytelling that doesn’t involve layer upon layer of conspiracy; it’s the character stories that matter and these have got lost in the shuffle.

Abby fills in for Olivia at the White House and no one gives her the time of day, because she’s not Olivia. Abby tries to be the best Olivia Pope she can be, even down to the gorgeous white coat (by Escada), but they can’t even get her name right. This would be hilarious if they weren’t trying to get more female votes, which they don’t deserve when they don’t even have the decency to remember Abby’s name. Abby does a valiant job considering the room is cold, unfriendly and unwilling to hear her talk. The only person who responds to Abby putting on the Olivia hat is Olivia herself as Abby gives her a “You don’t run” gladiator speech when Olivia contemplates her decision to stay instead of her father’s offer to “be somebody new, somebody that wasn’t.”

One thing this show has been missing is some Olivia/Abby time and because the story has been focusing so much on both B613 and the presidential campaign, this relationship has been pushed to the sidelines. While Olivia isn’t one for sharing and Abby would definitely disapprove of Olivia’s back and forth relationship with Fitz, it would be better to hear Olivia hash out her feelings to a third party rather than going in circles with Fitz.

“What do you want?” is what Olivia asks Fitz and she’s still smarting from the realization last week that on one level she is no more than the help, even if she has both the ear and heart of the president. It’s a discussion which quickly escalates into an argument as Olivia calls Fitz out on pretty much everything “Maybe I’m here to make you feel hot and manly and ready so you’re not jealous of your wife’s boyfriend. Is that it? Am I your fluffer today Fitz, is that what I am? What service am I billing myself for you today?” Olivia’s got a lot of feelings about how she is being treated and once again Vermont or the lack thereof is raised and how the story of them has no end, it just stops. This tackles the heart of the Fitz/Olivia relationship issues because the world their relationship lives in means they can’t be together publicly, especially if Olivia is so determined to get Fitz in the White House for a second term. Is there a chance that Fitz might not win or the bomb will go off and therefore stop this storyline from repeating? Is there still a Scandal with a different person as president?

Olivia being defined by her romantic relationships is the least interesting aspect of the show for me (I know I might be in the minority on this one) and while I normally love a good tragic love story I find it hard to be invested in this one. Even the Jake aspect which was intriguing at first has soured; pounding on Olivia’s door and grabbing her by the throat is not an endearing quality. I mean it’s pretty shitty that Olivia used Jake’s emotional connection with her to get what she wanted and bring down his shady organization and put lives at risk, but there are much better ways to go about showing your displeasure. I guess these B613 guys are pretty similar in how they communicate and at least he didn’t lick her face (*shudder*), but still.

Being rescued, walking into the light are phrases that have been repeated throughout this season and if B613 is dead then I am hopeful that Scandal can go back to basics and sort out the tangled web it has woven this year. Marie Wallace is running around town with the “Mona Lisa of boom” and she has the campaign schedule so while one Pope parent promised they wouldn’t touch Fitz, the other one has different plans. This incredibly dysfunctional family gets its very own reunion as Marie brazenly interrupts the daddy/daughter dinner just as Olivia is waxing lyrical about when she will be able to walk away from this life. There are threats of violence between Marie and Rowan, with Marie daring to drink some of Olivia’s wine while delivering some career advice as she tells her to find another line of work. Pleasantries are shared – “You’re a monster” – and Joe Morton gets to deliver another line in that amazing, threatening way he does “I’m a patient man, but a vengeful one and I have a very long memory.”

Olivia might not have any impact on her mother, but she can get what Fitz wants and on this occasion that is stopping the affair between Mellie and Andrew. Olivia gives Andrew a choice between being Vice President or Mellie and if he chooses the latter she will publicly destroy him. The tragic thing here is that Andrew really does love Mellie and yet through circumstance they aren’t together, instead she is with a man who is indifferent to her and her thoughtful tie choices. There is a moment where Fitz does look proudly at his wife which doesn’t come across as staged as Mellie is speaking to the Warrior Women of America about sacrifice. This of course being one of the overall themes of this season as each character has sacrificed some part of themselves, in this episode alone Olivia talks about giving up everything inside her, Jake no longer has a sense of who he is beyond his role as Command and Andrew gives up the idea that he can be with Mellie. Mellie accuses of Fitz of taking everything from her, slapping him in front of a group of staffers – oh the memoirs these aids could write might top the exquisitely titled “Taken for Granted.” It’s all about weighing up what you can handle losing and justifying it.

Some of the photos in the gallery below represent some of the things discussed above such as Mellie on TV, Jeannine Locke’s amazingly titled book and the Pope family dinner. Other moments include a whole lot of serious phone face, another incredible jacket collar, Abby’s return to her wine color DKNY coat after she’s done being Olivia’s proxy and the saddest late night booty call.

As I said in the introduction, this is a rather tiring episode for both the characters and us as an audience. Now the pieces have been moved into their places for the final two episodes of this season hopefully it will propel the momentum and stop Scandal from losing what made it special in the first place.

Tags: "The Fluffer", 3.16, Kerry Washington, Olivia Pope, Scandal

Comments 1 Comment
Categories Review, Scandal
Author Emma Fraser

Scandal 3.15 “Mama Said Knock You Out” Review

28 Mar

Olivia Pope will always been on the outside when it comes to Fitz family matters; even though she has his heart there are doors that will always be closed to her on Scandal. “Mama Said Knock You Out” is a tough watch at times and even though it didn’t include anyone gargling on their own blood, it rivals last week for heartbreak and pain. I don’t know what to make of B613 anymore and while I understand that shows have to evolve beyond their original premise, I do miss the case of the week aspect especially as the web of conspiracy continues to expand to everything. The parts of this episode that worked are the ones that deal with the emotional implications of the secrets that have been kept and the examination of what family and work means.

Starting with the First Family and this homecoming is far from happy. It’s rare to see both Fitz and Mellie nervous, but in the opening scene they are both apprehensive about their kids visiting. This is for a variety of reasons; it’s going to impact the campaign and they’ve both been largely absent in their role as parents. Karen and Jerry are less than subtle when it comes to showing their disdain and Olivia figures out that Jerry has been using the internet as a tool against his father, Karen’s just pissed that her mom has stuck by Fitz despite the cheating. Karen’s rage increases tenfold when she walks in on Mellie in a very compromising kneeling position (she wasn’t praying) and this opens up a whole new can of Grant family worms.

Mellie and Andrew’s affair is both a new and an old one; emotionally it goes back 15 years, physically it’s only a couple of weeks old. Fitz is enraged and shows his truly ugly side with a tirade about how he cheated first, but Mellie killed their marriage long ago when she shut him out physically. Of course we have the knowledge that she was raped, but even if this wasn’t the case the blame and vitriol that Fitz spits in Mellie’s direction is unacceptable. Olivia enters the room and this is when it becomes apparent that there are some doors she can’t just walk through as Fitz screams at her that “I’m talking to my wife?” This is a terrible display from Fitz on every level.

This comes on the heels of Mama Pope telling Olivia that “You think you’re family. But you’re nothing but the help.” This is a knife twisting assessment of Olivia’s role in Fitz’s life and it underlines the notion that there is no Vermont or jam no matter how many times they steal away kisses in the Oval Office. Olivia is there to clean up, it used to be a different person each week, now it is all Fitz and B613. It’s her job as she emphatically tells Fitz later on, after she has had a heart-to-heart with a still grieving Cyrus as he confirms that yes, they are pretty much the help and even though he resents it, he also knows it’s important. This is another stellar week for Jeff Perry who expresses rage at Jake, followed by a heartbreaking understanding of why James died. Plus there is the cutest scene with Ella – it’s a banner week for the children of Scandal.

Family is a repeated theme this season as we have come to know both of Olivia’s parent (both shadowy and duplicitous with so much blood on their hands) and their beyond dysfunctional relationship with their daughter. No wonder Olivia likes to pound so much red wine. Rowan at first refuses to help with the B613 money trail investigation and for some reason they decided to 24 the editing, all that is missing is the ticking clock in the middle and two other shots showing what else is going on at this moment (I vote Mellie and Andrew in one box, Abby investigating something in the other).

Rowan is not a very tender father, but one thing that pushes him into darling daddy territory is Jake paying him a visit threatening him and if there’s one thing Rowan won’t stand for it is being told what to do by Jake. Jake is acting like the big I am and this power and arrogance is going to be his downfall if he isn’t careful. No one likes a smug leader Jake and while you look rather fetching in your Command suit you’re still not invincible. Joe Morton delivers yet another word twisting monologue and I don’t think I’ve heard the word alone be uttered in this way before. It’s as if the word was a bullet and he shot it through Jake’s heart.

In terms of costuming and color there is a mirroring between Karen and Mellie, however the different shades of green (Mellie in teal, Karen in emerald) show they are not quite on the same page. For the interview Karen wears the blue dress Mellie described as crafting a sweet and wholesome image. Mellie is also in blue, but hers is on the purple end of the scale with a bold print showing where the power lies. The children have relented and the Grant’s are presenting a united front; baby Teddy gets to be involved even if he is just a super cute prop.

For some reason Fitz and Olivia keep getting it on in front of windows, which for a secret relationship isn’t very smart. I guess the lighting is better here, but still. There are multiple sexy shenanigans this week including close ups on side zips being undone, hands going up dresses and underwear being taking off while still wearing everything else. Adnan is guilty of the latter seduction move and it turns out she is playing Harrison, manipulating him so she can get all the information on Fitz, his campaign schedule and his security detail. They really need to lock things up in the OPA office. There is also some stuff with Quinn and Huck, this show needs to retire anything that even hits at face licking.

In other news Olivia wore the most spectacular Dolce & Gabbana cape; perfect for strutting with purpose. Oh and for bump cover, which is why there is sadly no good full shots of this outfit. Olivia should definitely get more capes in her closet.

Tags: "Mama Said Knock You Out", 3.15, costume design, Kerry Washington, Lyn Paolo, Olivia Pope, Scandal

Comments 2 Comments
Categories Review, Scandal
Author Emma Fraser

Scandal 3.14 “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” Review: “There is Someone Worth Saving”

21 Mar

What’s the point? That’s the question Olivia Pope is asking on this week’s Scandal after the dramatic events that went down at the end of the last episode and as predicted all my predictions are wrong. We don’t find out who Jake was talking or if he was monologuing to himself as he rattled off his family history and reasons for joining B613. What we do find out is that Jake did indeed shoot three people dead, leaving one witness to clear up his dirty work. Yep, I thought it was all going to be some massive fake-out cop-out resolution, so kudos Scandal writers with going through with the deed. That’s enough stalling with the big reveal, unlike “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” which went straight for the kill so to speak as Jake wearing his best spy black turtleneck attire shot James. That’s right, James is dead. And Jake did it.

Olivia calls on her father s he can explain why any of this matters. At first Rowan is very much “ugh” about the whole thing, offering up a “what” instead of a “hello” as a greeting. Olivia practically begs for him to act like her dad and show her some guidance; a reason why everyone she knows is a monster. Last week Olivia had a hysterical laughing fit upon her realization that all the presidential candidates are murderers. This week there is no more laughter with the death of her friend at the hand of her sometimes lover. Rowan gives her a reason to continue, a point to all of this if you will and that’s because everyone is worth saving, no matter what they have done – Joe Morton delivers yet another fine monologue and there’s a reason he keeps getting them, just listen to the way he says 183. Jake explains that he is different because he actually pulls the trigger, but Rowan still claims that he is responsible for the 183 people who have died because of him; Jake just cuts out the Huck-like middle man.

One aspect Olivia laments is the lack of white hats and how the deck is always stacked; Rowan points out that there are exceptions, exceptions like Olivia who in the face of darkness drags them into the light. This is why Olivia’s power color is the one she is wearing in this scene (an amazing Alberta Ferretti white coat) and Rowan dressed in black is in direct contrast to her.

Rowan’s exit is as warm as his arrival, but it has done the trick and Olivia has renewed faith in both her abilities and she turns to one of the only non-murders she knows. David Rosen is deeply affected by what has occurred; he ended up as the sole survivor with a face splattered with someone else’s blood and now he’s got to send an innocent man to jail. David is a skittish mess and he’s visibly nervous when Jake stops by his office. Going it alone is not going to work and the first step is to tell Abby what is going on, after all they are the most stable couple on Scandal. All roads lead to Olivia Pope and now as well as a presidential campaign Olivia has vowed to take down B613; in her eyes Jake is not the problem, the institution is. White hat back on.

White isn’t only worn by Olivia this week and in this shot of Jake nothing seems to be wrong, he’s just on the phone wearing a white tee. When the camera pans down we see just how muddy this once white shirt was and how he’s burying Vanessa and Shelby in the woods. This battle has been won, but there’s a war coming to B613.

The story of James and Cyrus gets played out in a series of flashbacks including their first semi-flirtatious encounter where James thankfully points out that Cyrus’ neck beard is a big pile of terrible and Cyrus isn’t a fan of James’ leather jacket (well not for reporting). Gone are beards and the a suit jacket replaces the leather one; flirtation leads to smooching and soon they are a secret couple. It’s sad to see what they once were and how Cyrus took a leap, only to use and manipulate James. This latter part is why Cyrus breaks down in the press briefing room as we go from a quick montage of all the recent deceit to their public coming out. Their relationship started in secret because of who Cyrus is and it devolved into secrets because of his job and desire to stay in the White House.

James’ death is particularly brutal because Jake had to make it look like a carjacking, no bullet to the brain for him and end of the episode takes us to a very dark place. Too dark perhaps, I’m not sure how much we needed to see him gargling on his own blood, but I guess they got their point across that bad things happen to good people at the hand of whoever is Command.

Mellie is stepping out of her usual dress/cardigan twins sets and is swapping them for some Town and Country threads as she teaches Andrew how to shoot a shotgun. Of course Mellie is an excellent shot. They look like a couple here in matching plaid flannel shirts and vests; Mellie in purple and Andrew in blue. Later on as they debate gun control legislation they’re wearing these colors that complement each other and this time Mellie succumbs to temptation. This is all going to end horribly – it is Scandal after all – but at the moment Andrew is paying her the kind of attention that has been absent for far too long in her marriage.

Another pair mirroring each other are Harrison and Adnan both in teal (Adnan’s coat is Vivienne Westwood). Adnan is in over her head after partnering up with Mama Pope and she just witnessed her shoot someone in the heard during negotiations. This is enough for anyone to rethink their current position and while Adnan doesn’t reveal why she is so afraid to Harrison, he’s already turned to Olivia. Olivia chose Project David, but both Project Adnan and Project Quinn have been brought to her attention. The less said about what transpired between Huck and Quinn, the better.

In the gallery below you can see some of the black and white still shots from “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” of Cyrus being comforted by Fitz and his flower filled office. James and Cyrus dancing together is a poignant reminder of their happier days. There’s also Olivia in another black and white jacket; this time it is by Lafayette 148 New York. When Mellie isn’t in her hunting gear she’s wearing raspberry Giambattista Valli and amethyst Escada.