I remember going into this show blind when it first aired. For me, I like to watch every pilot that I can regardless of who is in it or who the off screen talent are. That’s why when I walked away from the pilot, I found myself pleasantly surprised. I knew of Kerry Washington, I’d seen her in a bunch of movies, but never thought she really stood out in any of them and I knew of Shonda Rhimes, of Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice‘s fame, but I was never impressed with either show. That’s why I was actually blown away by Scandal. It was a lightning fast show with tension in every imagininable way. Cut to half a year later and the show is in the middle of a stellar second season and Kerry Washington has come into her own as “fixer” Olivia Pope in this soap/procedural hybrid. It is also one of the hottest show’s on network TV right now- if not the hottest (and when I say hot I really mean erotic) because Kerry Washington and Tony Goldwyn (who plays Fitzgerald Grant) have some of the craziest chemistry on TV.

I will say this about the show, though it is a guilty pleasure of mine to watch, it does have a few faults. Firstly, there is the fact that the central relationship of the show, between Olivia Pope and Fitzgerald Grant, keeps having unnecessary blockers pop up to prevent the duo from actually getting together. Secondly, the procedural elements can be at times feel forced into the plot, though I suspect this has something to do with the fact that the network is asking for those elements moreso then anything since Shonda Rhimes does use the form of soap/procedural in her other hit shows. Thirdly, I really hate the First Wife character mainly because she’s a barrier for the central relationship and she’s a god damn bitch that hasn’t shown any redeeming qualities yet. Lastly, there’s is a new conspiracy that was added to the show which came out of left field for one character (I won’t reveal who) and I still can’t wrap my head around it or why they did it. It seems like they wrote themselves into a rut, but I will also say that since this is still very much a young show that is still finding its voice.

Though, some may view this as a chick-centric series, it is actually incredibly intriguing and very well written series that has razor sharp “Sorkin”-esque dialogue. It may not be the best show around but it’s a series that both men and women can enjoy equally and become fully engrossed in. My suggestion — watch it — it’s worth it because it is actually quite entertaining. That and tonight’s episode, according to the recent TV spots being spammed by ABC, state that Entertainment Weekly thinks tonight’s episode is the best episode of not only the show but of all shows this week. That is quite a big statement, and I’m intrigued to find out if it’s true or not. Are you going to take a gander? Scandal airs at 10:00pm on ABC.

Episode Description, “Defiance”: Harrison leads the group as they assist a billionaire whose mental state is questionable. Meanwhile, Olivia helps plan Fitz’s 50th birthday party; and James stumbles onto something big as he looks into Cytron.

PS: Kerry Washington is my new celeb crush because of this show.

Also on TV Tonight…

8PM

CW: The Vampire Diaries (supernatural drama)
NBC: 30 Rock/Up All Night (comedies)
ABC: Last Resort (action drama)
CBS: The Big Bang Theory/Two and a Half Men (comedies)
FOX: The X Factor (reality competition)
BET: Apollo Live (variety)
SPIKE: Impact Wrestling (wrestling)

9PM

NBC: The Office/Parks and Recreation (comedies)
ABC: Grey’s Anatomy (medical drama)
CBS: Person of Interest (drama)
FOX: Glee (musical drama)
CW: Beauty and the Beast (drama)
LIFE: Project Runway All Stars (reality)
TLC: Four Weddings (docu)

10PM

NBC: Rock Center (news showcase)
CBS: Elementary (crime drama)
FX: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia/The League (comedies)
ID: Very Bad Men (docu)
MTV: Jersey Shore (disgusting “reality”)
TLC: Along for the Bride (docu)
VH1: The Greatest (top list)