Do you have a TV show that makes you anxious and
drives you crazy for a new episode? For me, that show is ABC’s Scandal;
starring the phenomenal Kerry Washington. Originally, I begin watching the show
based off suggestions from my Netflix account. Little did I realize that I
would become hooked on the show as if it was an addicting drug. My obsession with
Olivia Pope and the problems she “handles” make for one of the most amazing TV
shows currently on-air. Bare with me as I take you into a new world and expose
the Scandal that centers around Olivia Pope.
Ms. Olivia Pope has dedicated her life to protecting
and defending the lives and secrets of her elite clients. Previously, she
served as the Communications Director for the President of the United States.
She started her own crisis management firm and fixes client problems with the
help of her exclusive gladiators. Although, she attempts to move on
professionally and personally, Olivia can’t shake off the past.
Olivia’s staff of Huck, Quinn, Harrison, and Abby will
follow anywhere and do anything to save someone’s reputation. While she fights
hard to save the reputations and lives (when necessary) of her clients, she
herself isn’t far off with the amount of scandal in her personal life. The viewers
learn quickly of her roller coaster relationship with President Fitzgerald
Grant.
The twists and turns of scandal can be easily
related to topics discussed by Brummett. The idea of feminism/feminist criticism from
Chapter 5 (Brummett, 2012). Olivia Pope is a strong-minded female who isn’t
afraid to speak up and let a powerful figure stop her from accomplishing her
goals. She is very familiar with the political world and the patriarchal
language and images associated with it, so she does her best to stand out.
References:
Brummet, B. (2011). Rhetoric in popular culture. (Third Ed).
Los Angeles, CA: SAGE
Publications, Inc
http://abc.go.com/shows/scandal/about-the-show
James- My wife, like you, is enthralled with Scandal. She is on edge until she views another episode. I have watched a few episodes and really see value in the way it is filmed, the acting is outstanding too. But the real value here is the storytelling from the writers. They keep the fast paced, cliff hanging, edge of your seat feel from week to week. While feminist views and oppositions can be pointed out, I think the real point to shed light on is how voyeuristic our society has become as we love to look in on someone else's drama and see conflict whether resolved or not. Whether tragic or victorious. It seems the more drama the better, and don't spare the fight. Let us see all the dirty details!
ReplyDeleteI just started watching Scandal myself and like many others I am hooked. The idea of feminist and feminism stand out in the show quite a bit. Olivia Pope is amazing and one intelligent strong minded women. She makes it a point to never back down from anyone. As stated in the previous comment, our society loves to be nosey when it comes to other people's drama other than ourselves. The shows suspense leaves your mouth on the floor after every episode. Although the stories might be off the wall, our society loves it even more the crazier it gets.
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