Even amidst attempted assassinations and Fitz’s (FINALLY!) return, all President Mellie Grant is asking for, is some dang action, and a vibrator.

Thursday night’s episode played out in true Scandal form. It wasn’t without its usual world leader drama, a dash of B613, blackmail, and of course, the return of our beloved Fitz. Things are getting a bit crazy in Mellie Grant’s White House, and we are along for the ride. Despite the usual madness, this episode reminded us that all of them are human and have needs. Yes, they may be tackling nuclear treaties and having top-secret meetings in a pool, but they are still people. While Mellie (Bellamy Young) pined for some lovin’, Olivia (Kerry Washington) got busy with her new man (jury is still out on that one). QPA struggled to find clientele and Cyrus (Jeff Perry) seems to have a found a friend..lover..potential running mate? A lot went down and set up the stage for what promises to be an explosive final season.

RELATED | SCANDAL 7×02 “PRESSING THE FLESH” SYNOPSIS, PROMOTIONAL PHOTOS, & PREVIEW

‘Pressing The Flesh’ focused on the state dinner that was meant to persuade the President of Bashran (Faran Tahir) to sign a nuclear treaty. Since Mellie is struggling to fulfill her ‘personal’ needs, she channeled all her pent-up energy into this. Based on what we saw in the episode, this treaty may kill two birds with one stone, if you know what I mean. As is expected in any Scandal episode, things went sideways when someone tried to assassinate the Bashrani President. Thanks to Huck (Guillermo Diaz), they were able to thwart the attempt in the nick of time. Was that the craziest moment of the episode? NOPE. Because guess who is FINALLY back? Yes, that’s right, Fitz (Tony Goldwyn). The episode dramatically closes out as he catches Olivia locking lips with Curtis, completely unaware of her surprise guest.

As always, Scandal didn’t disappoint and kept us on our toes. Now let’s meet our roundtable and see what they had to say about this episode!

Myoshi (@BeingMyoshi) – Navy Vet turned journalist & life explorer

Lucy (@lampareaux)– Account manager, Life enthusiast, New Yorker

Dorothy (@DJG66sports)– Educator, journalist, Jeremiah’s mom

Chic Millenials (@thechicmills)– A lifestyle magazine dedicated to the New Women of the World

Keith (@keithlovemovies)– Creator of the originally named keithlovesmovies.com

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1. It seems Olivia has a new boo thang, Curtis. Thoughts on this? Yay or nay?

Myoshi (@BeingMyoshi): Liv’s new boo thang is eye candy, but I’d have to say, Nay. First, he’s a younger guy and we all know how Command is liking to play around sexually this season. Liv must have solved her daddy issues because she usually goes for the older prestige type. Seems like Curtis is going to make a fool out of Liv somehow before the end.

Lucy (@lampareaux): Yay yay yay! Olivia had the same two boytoys in rotation for quite some time. I’m happy to see someone new joining the mix. Curtis is a breath of fresh air.

Dorothy (@DJG66sports): NAY. BIG FAT NAY! Are you kidding me? Curtis can’t hold a candle to my main man Fitz and that oh-so-cute Jake (who is F-I-N-E, FINE!) Curtis, dear, let it go. You’re in a league by yourself – the minor leagues.

Chic Millenials (@thechicmills): Curtis may be a good catch, for now! He seems to have a specific motive and isn’t afraid to show Olivia that he will get his way. The way he popped up at the gala with a date was a strong move. We’ll have to see!

Keith (@keithlovemovies): They’re obviously not in this for love as they surely need something from the other. Olivia just wants the occasional booty call but Curtis is looking at it as his way into the White House.

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2. Since the season started, we’ve seen the new OPA aka QPA try to get on its own feet, and so far they aren’t doing so great finding new clientele. What are your thoughts on their future? Will they ever live up to the hype that was OPA? Do you think Huck’s discovery tonight will put them on the map?

Myoshi: QPA is not OPA! That was a trusted name in D.C. when getting things done. Who is QPA? The future doesn’t look too well. Despite two of the originals from day one who knows Liv’s every tactic of how to problem solve. Abby has White House connects and still no clients. Huck may get a White House job offer from this but I doubt it helps QPA that much.

Lucy: I think it’s a little bit too soon to tell. I love Quinn’s dark B613 persona, hopefully, the writers take us down a road where her B613 past gets in the way of her OPA leadership. That would be a great storyline, but for now, I think Quinn’s a great place holder. We all know Liv can’t live (pun intended) without her OPA. It’s only a matter of time before she comes back and starts fixing things.

Dorothy: I’m not feeling QPA – doesn’t give me the same GLADIATOR, LET’S FIX IT, It’s FIXED feeling that OPA gave me. I like them – Huck is too funny (I don’t want to go at all, he said about the State Dinner), glad Abby’s back in the fold, Charlie is a great comic relief and Quinn is doing the most) but I don’t know about the future. QPA is not OPA. The whole show was built on OPA fixing things in Washington. That’s not happening now so I feel they’ve lost some cache. Let’s hope so. (regarding Huck)

Chic Millenials: We think Huck will carry the weight of “QPA”! We feel like Quinn and Charlie’s relationship may put a damper on the firm. We can tell that Charlie wishes to be more of a husband and father instead of a spy partner. Olivia seemed puzzled to see QPA at the gala, but they did save the day!!

Keith: QPA’s future is not looking hopeful, maybe they’ll make it but it looks unlikely. There’s no living up to the hype that was OPA. It feels like Huck’s discovery will just be swept under the rug since someone else will surely get the credit.

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3. Mellie’s ‘Single Female POTUS’ monologue was everything in tonight’s episode. The moment even provided us with a sweet bonding moment between her and Olivia. (#BFFs!) Share your thoughts on this version of Mellie vs. her as President Mellie Grant. Are they one in the same or is there a difference? Which one do you like better?

Myoshi: OMG! This version of Mellie was everything! She let it be known she had needs and she wanted them met, sexually of course LOL. President Mellie has to be poised and polished, not saying what she wants. Of course, I like a single white female Mellie! Even though her mission operation get sex failed.

Lucy: Mellie has been taking L’s since season one in terms of love. Whenever it looks like she’s found someone, even under Fitz’s shadows, it seems to not work out for her. Seeing her as President Mellie you kinda start to feel sorry for her and hope she finds someone. I think Mellie and President Mellie are one in the same, their only difference is their journey. There is more respect and compassion for President Mellie since we’ve walked through her story and understand her more. Season one Mellie was just annoying.

Dorothy: It’s still weird to me that Mellie and Olivia are BFFs. Try that foolishness in real life (you sleep with and fall in love with my husband, etc. etc. and now we are besties? The devil is a liar.) But as far as this Mellie – I like her. She means well. I think she has always meant well. And she TRULY wants this – the presidency. She is coming from a good place. I prefer THIS Mellie to the other one. I hated when she just stood by in the early shows as Fitz did his thing. I love how she finally found her power, her voice and began to stand tall.

Chic Millenials: To me, Mellie vs. President Mellie is the same person. She is still very firm in her beliefs and methods. She has always been a little lovesick and love-crazed especially since she had her fling with Marcus! We do foresee some sort of relationship with her and President Rashaad.

Keith: I think they’re the same but she has the presence of mind to set it aside when she has to. I do like to see the fun side come out every once in a while though.

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4. Okay, so FDR’s pool has been turned into a B613 Command Center. Thoughts?

Myoshi: That’s a weird spot to put Command Center. Its right in the tourist destination area and you know tourists can be nosey when no one’s looking… Maybe, this location was chosen so Liv can disconnect from being Command when she leaves every day or just a good spot for her and Jake to meet up for business during the day without being obvious.

Lucy: FDR didn’t need the pool then and he won’t need it now. Repurposing it for B6-13 seems good to me.

Dorothy: I cannot with this…B613 lost its intrigue, glitz, and drama two seasons ago…

Chic Millenials: This was a very symbolic scene! First, the fact that it was FDR’s pool means so much because he was the only president that’s ever been in the wheelchair. Unfortunately, some people love to treat being a woman as if it’s some sort of disability! The season of Scandal we are seeing just how much women can do in Shondaland. Also, Olivia Pope being a swimmer and the ahead of B613 is a good tie into the theme of possibility.

Keith: I can’t help but wonder how long they can keep it hidden.

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5. The dynamic between Glackland and Cyrus was interesting this episode. Wouldn’t you say? Where do you think this could be going? Friendship? Romance? Purely political? I mean Glackland did give Cyrus a $100 million painting so…you never know.

Myoshi: Now if anyone knows Cyrus this will be a relationship! Apparently, men love when Cyrus give them the business. After killing Glackland’s feelings to only receive a 100 million dollar painting, lol, the courtship has already begun.

Lucy: This was a very interesting exchange. I found Glackland’s reaction to Cyrus’ outburst a bit mellow. I would’ve reacted a different way had someone talked to me in that manner. That alone hints romantic feelings coming from Glackland but Cyrus hasn’t had much luck in love either. Only time will tell how Glackland and Cyrus’ relationship flourishes. Any suitor who gifts me a $100 million painting goes to the top of the list, but hey that’s just me.

Dorothy: I love Cyrus. Glackland I am low-key feeling. I think it could be a friendship – a strong bond – not necessarily romance. I could see them teaming up politically and taking Washington by storm, turning it on its heels. I wouldn’t want a romance to develop. Cyrus needs a powerful friend … Glackland could be it.

Chic Millenials: Honestly, the painting was a nice gesture. We would love to receive a $100 million painting after just passionately explaining why it is important. However, we all know that in this game everyone wants power. We do feel that Glackland and Cyrus may have a chance at romance and friendship, but Glackland was very clear about his intentions and what he wanted, presidency and power. Let’s just say that the painting was collateral damage.

Keith: I think their relationship isn’t over yet and I think it’s friendship leaning towards political. Glackland was probably used to people telling him what he wanted to hear so he appreciated Cyrus’ honesty and rewarded him with the painting.

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6. As we continue to get further into season seven, we are starting to see a darker side to Olivia. Tonight, she tried to trick a world leader into signing a treaty by using information about his niece as collateral. Manipulation, it seems, has become her best friend. What are your thoughts on this new Olivia?

Myoshi: New Olivia is getting on my nervessss! She’s so hung up on being “powerful” with only Jake as help she’s missing key points. Her father had a team, not just one other person you have sex with off and on! Manipulation is not working like it did at OPA. This is the big leagues stop acting peewee level. She also seems to not want her old team around, uh weren’t they with you at the bottom? Liv needs to check herself before she gets Command title taken from her. She’s also too soft. Command killed for nothing to prove he was powerful but Liv seems to think allowing people to live is going to get things done. Uhhh NOPE.

Lucy: Olivia has always used manipulation and threats to get her way. This season, however, there’s no shred of restraint. We know Olivia is ambitious and loves power, but this season she truly holds the reigns of the United States in her hands and it’s a bit off-putting. We’ve never seen her on a power high so we don’t know what she’s capable of. Hopefully, in Olivia’s world, there aren’t any North Korean missiles to worry about. (and she doesn’t have Twitter fingers so they should be ok)

Dorothy: I am not feeling this new Olivia. She is hard to watch acting and behaving this way. Oh, I’m a Gladiator from Day One and will ALWAYS watch Scandal. But I think she is going too far. Even Darth Vader had a soft side. Her’s seems to have all but dissipated, forever. It’s hard to like this part of her. Truthfully, I’m struggling. I think it’s possible to have the power she has always wanted, but still be likable.

Chic Millenials: We love this new Olivia. We loved seeing Olivia in the white hat and doing good deeds, but that was then and this is now. She has to step into her new power. Her job is to protect the republic; she IS command! That may not always be a pretty job, but it’s hers. By any means necessary.

Keith: This new Olivia doesn’t surprise me at all. They’ve been setting up her turning into her dad for a long time now and this was just another step.

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7. Uhhh…so Fitz is back!? We knew he was in Vermont, but what was he doing? And why is he just coming back now? Also, next week’s preview shows Olivia’s dad with Fitz in Vermont. What the heck is going on? Share your thoughts, PLEASE.

Myoshi: Fitz didn’t seem shocked to see Olivia slobbing down Curtis, but I don’t think sex is happening for Curtis that night. Try again next week Curt! Fitz was in Vermont living the single lonely man life trying to get it together until he realized he missed Liv (in a perfect world) Fitz has a dark side too so maybe he’s working on his power move to take over. Oh my MCM Papa Pope @JOEtheMORTON! (Don’t judge me lol) He didn’t disappear for nothing. He’s probably working with Fitz in Vermont on something B613 like. In a normal world, but seeing how much Fitz wanted him dead last season he could be there to kill him so Liv sees she can’t have it all. Olivia is weak for Fitz. Can’t have weaknesses as Command.

Lucy: Fitz is the ex that just won’t stay away! As soon as you start moving on, he gets a whiff and rolls back into your life. I think Fitz is in some trouble regarding his prior presidency and needs Olivia to “handle” it. He also probably has someone waiting for him back in Vermont, he seemed pretty unbothered by Olivia’s makeout sesh. We’re all rooting for Olivia and Fitz, but we need a break from them for a moment. By a break, I mean like a few more episodes.

Dorothy: YAY!!! My main man Fitz is back. LOVE ME SOME FITZ!!!! I don’t know where he was or what he was doing – maybe getting the house together for Liv because he knows he is going to win? I don’t know. What I DO KNOW is I’m glad he is back to restore some sanity to all these folk done lost their collective minds starting with Liv, then Mellie, then Cyrus and on and on. I don’t know about Papa Pope and Fitz – what they have going on. I think they are both plotting to try to save Liv and help her come back to her senses. They both truly love her. They just want the best for her.

Chic Millenials: Fitz is back and we’re so glad! From the looks of the preview, Vermont may not have been this fairytale dream that we all fantasized about. Fitz also extremely in love with Olivia and we know there is nothing that anyone could do about it. From episode one, Olivia saw him on TV and had a look of resentment. This tells me that their story is far from over. Fitz also greeted her with the infamous “Hi”, so we feel that he was just happy to see her regardless!

Keith: Fitz wasn’t going to stay away forever. He’s played such a large role in Olivia’s life so there’s no way they could end the show without giving them some sort of closure. I don’t think he’ll learn about Curtis right away but it could make their interaction a little awkward. I can’t wait to see why Olivia’s Dad is in Vermont but I’m guessing he needs something from Fitz.

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Final Verdict: “Pressing the Flesh” reminds us that the final season of Scandal is far from over, and the drama is just getting started.

This week’s episode, “Pressing the Flesh”, gave us a hint of the madness that lies ahead. Scandal is known for its twisty, dramatic plotlines and while this episode steered away from that, it still had us on the edge of our seats. Between the assassination attempt, secret B613 room, Cyrus’ new billionaire companion, and Fitz’ return, there was a lot to process. What can be expected now that Fitz has come back? And what will that mean for Olivia, considering she has all but turned over to the dark side and is fooling around with another? Only time will tell, but we look forward to seeing what happens next!

Scandal returns Thursday, October 19th at 9/8C on ABC.