Fitz embraces the reality of civilian life with open arms and declined debit cards.

This week was a refreshing change for Scandal as we were treated to a Fitz-centric episode. While Mellie (Bellamy Young) adjusted into her new role in the first 100 days of her Presidency, Fitz (Tony Goldwyn) became accustomed to civilian life in Vermont. His days have gone from dealing with world crises to forgetting to activate his debit card. As he attempts to live a normal life, he finds solace in being able to drive again (technically, still not allowed) and just bro’ing out with Marcus (Cornelius Smith Jr.). Apart from that, he wants to assist Mellie but must wait through the first 100 days out of respect. After all, she deserves the trust and distance to have a go at being President without him interfering, right?

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As intriguing as it was, Fitz’ civilian life wasn’t the only focus of this episode. Plans for his legacy, aka, Presidential Library are underway and coming to a plot in Vermont circa 2023. It seems Olivia (Kerry Washington) and Cyrus (Jeff Perry) will each have a wing named after them, dedicated to their relentless devotion to Fitz. What about Mellie, though? That remains to be seen as she is now President and will surely have a monument in her honor one day, as well. Adjusting to civilian life is easier said than done, which comes to fruition when Marcus and Fitz fall deep into a fist fight over Fitz’ attitude. The drama continued as the episode closed with Rowan showing up in Vermont, begging Fitz to rescue Olivia from her power-hungry self. Despite the urge to walk away, Fitz finds himself back in D.C. at Olivia’s doorstep..only to find her in another man’s arms. The drama never stops in Shondaland, does it?

As always, Scandal kept us addicted to its never-ending drama. Now let’s meet our roundtable and see what they had to say about this episode!

Myoshi (@BeingMyoshi) – Writer, comedian, and traveler

Rozella (@rozellahw)– Life & leadership coach, consultant, and creator helping folks live a meaningful life

Nthabbie (@nthabbie)– Marketing & media maverick, sometimes TV commentator (TVAD) & most times epitome of awesomery

Ivana (@IV_Banga)– recommended by 4 out of 5 people

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

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1. Yay, Fitz is back! This episode dove right into where Fitz has been all this time, and what the first 100 days were like for him back in Vermont. He is pushing for his independence in life post-Presidency, and doing what he can to maintain a sense of freedom. What are your thoughts on this version of Fitz? Do you like him now or when he was President?

Myoshi (@BeingMyoshi): This version of Fitz really isn’t different from President Fitz. He’s still charming and “selfish” as Mellie says. He thinks he’s in control but he’s not. It’s always someone on his staff right next to him. Duhh Fitz.

Rozella (@rozellahw): My heart actually went out to Fitz. I can’t imagine what it would be like to go from being such a public person to a private life. While there are many times that Fitz has annoyed me, I really appreciated a peek into his humanity. His desire to create a life where he was dependent on himself constantly warred with the fact that there was so much he didn’t know how to do. The whole sequence of him making a turkey felt triumphant in some respects. I don’t know which version I like more but I definitely sympathized with Vermont Fitz more than White House Fitz.

Nthabbie (@nthabbie): Fitz has always been meek and weak to me. I’m not particularly moved by his desire to do more. He was at the helm of the highest seat in the world, and he did nothing out of the ordinary except for date a black woman… Pass! The new and old Fitz are one and the same. However, I have some room for his growth.

Ivana (@IV_Banga): This version of Fitz is weird. This is basically the first time he is on his own and I don’t think he likes it at first. This may be my favorite version of Fitz. He still has fame but he can decide things on his own. His team is more close-knit and better for his well being.

Dorothy (@DJG66sports): This episode was absolute FIYA!! I loved it. I’m so glad Fitz is back. I enjoyed watching his transition from Prez to Post-Prez. It was eye-opening and insightful. I loved the internal man vs. self-conflict, the man vs. man conflict with Marcus, etc. I love this Fitz. Excellent “closure” as he went to the statue to meet that guy and give him gloves. It was a great moment.

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2. Marcus and Fitz had an interesting dynamic in this episode, resulting in quite the heated argument/fist fight. What are your thoughts on that? Whose side are you on? Do you think Fitz is “selfish, entitled and motivated” as Mellie told Marcus? Do you think Marcus should have come back?

Myoshi: Hmm, I’m team Marcus on this one! He told Fitz the real, bit Fitz did spit it back. If anyone knows Fitz, it’s Mellie. Of course, Marcus was coming back. Hello, he wants power too lol. Why not be the man Olivia Pope.

Rozella: The writers of Scandal are brilliant in the way that they weave popular culture, race and human frailty together. One the one hand you have Marcus’ storyline of coming to terms with what he walked away from in order to be in this position of power – his connection to the black community on the ground, his ability to be in relationship with someone who has the same skin color as him but who is from a different world and his recognition that no matter how high up the corporate ladder he climbs he is still a black man. On the other hand, you have Fitz, the prototypical white “liberal” well-meaning leader who has the privilege and entitlement to not have to see the underlying currents that his black staff member has to deal with on a daily basis. I don’t know if I need to choose sides in this issue. Both of them spoke truth during their fight and I appreciate how they agreed that they needed to get to know each other if they were going to continue to work together.

Nthabbie: Okay, first of all Marcus was 100% correct in this instance. Fitz seems to think he made himself and Marcus was right to say he owes his success to other people. He had no right to the oval. He is also a typical self-entitled brat. Marcus should have never gone back but sometimes we need to make hard decisions in order to get what we want.

Ivana: Scandal has some of the best-heated arguments in television. This argument was so passionate and relevant in today’s society. Here you had 2 people who are on opposite sides of the coin speaking for everyone. Fitz was born into money and has never had to truly work hard. Things came easier for him because of his name and who he’s had around. The one thing I don’t like about Fitz is he just doesn’t get it sometimes. Someone always has to tell him why he’s wrong, but he takes the info and makes the necessary changes. Marcus has had to fight for everything he has received. I feel like Marcus is so passionate about things and doesn’t know how to contain his feelings. Marcus and Fitz are both spoiled and this whole argument was because of their man baby feelings.

Dorothy: This was an awesome storyline and led to internal discoveries about each character that they needed. It’s hardest to see in yourself and sometimes people need to point things out to you in order for you to grow.  I am on Team#BothYa’llTripin’ (smile) I do believe Fitz is everything Mellie said he was but I also believe that first part was key and can’t be left off: “He IS what he was RAISED to be…” That is a true and powerful statement. I love Marcus in this role and glad he came back. I think he and Fitz make an awesome combination. I was actually looking for Marcus in ep. 1

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3. Now that Fitz is back in Washington, where do you anticipate the story will go from here? What will his and Olivia’s dynamic be like? His and Mellie’s? How involved do you think he’ll be in the effort to “save” Olivia? How will the entire story shift with him back?

Myoshi: Now we all know, Ofitz has a weakness for each other. Of course, he’s going to be all in to save her! The man built a custom house for her in Vermont! I hope they don’t have sex right after she was kissing another man, but who knows with them. He’s going to pull at her heart though. We will probably see more Olitz on screen as usual. Mellie and Fitz, he’s going to give her presidency advice, that’s about it.

Rozella: Here’s what I don’t want to have happen: Fitz and Olivia to languish. I am so over their back and forth dynamic. I think Papa Pope’s entreaty to Fitz regarding rescuing Olivia will make their whole relationship different. I sincerely want them to be honest with each other. I hope that Fitz is a champion for Mellie. She absolutely deserves his support. I really like the women being in the foreground this season and I hope Fitz’s return to DC doesn’t change this reality.

Nthabbie: He just had to come back and ruin things for Liv, he can’t stand the idea of his women living their lives without him. Hopefully, he’ll disappear into oblivion. Argh, but anyway, we all know he is the only one that can save Liv from this self-destructive path she is on.

Ivana: Now that Fitz is back in Washington I feel like he is going to overstep his boundaries and get on everyone’s nerves. But that’s Fitz and we love him for it because he means well. I think Mellie and Fitz will be friends but secretly resent each other.

Ivana: Now that Fitz is back in Washington I feel like he is going to overstep his boundaries and get on everyone’s nerves. But that’s Fitz and we love him for it because he means well. I think Mellie and Fitz will be friends but secretly resent each other.

Dorothy: Not sure on this front. I’m wondering what the writers have up their sleeves. Olivia is trippin’ so I have no idea how their dynamic will be. I’d like to think that she will soften and their love will blossom again and she will be happy to see him. But that’s too much like right.

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4. So, apparently, Olivia is going to get her own wing in the Presidential library. Do you think she should? Do you think she was important enough to elicit such a big honor? Does this even make sense?! Share your thoughts!

Myoshi: Well, Olivia did reach some milestones so yeah she should have a wing. It sounds weird because where will Mellie be in this Library, nowhere lol. Despite being his girlfriend she has to get the respect for her accomplishments. This is Shondaland- is it supposed to make sense, NOPE!

Rozella: I don’t know how Presidential libraries are arranged and how staff is acknowledged. I do believe that Olivia’s prominence in the Fitz White House can’t be ignored. It would be disingenuous to act as if she wasn’t an integral part of his tenure. I LOVED Marcus’ monologue about the role that Black Women play and how often we are overlooked. Fitz literally wouldn’t have been president without Olivia and any attempts to change this narrative would speak volumes to his character.

Nthabbie: Frankly, Olivia is everything including that whole darn library. She’s the reason why it will exist. She is the reason America even knows of a Fitz Grant. Do I think she’s important to elicit this honor? Are you effing kidding me?

Ivana: Olivia has worked her ass off for Fitz and deserves recognition. Olivia is a black educated woman who helped make that president. In history, women have always received little to no recognition for a job well done, and Fitz wants to change that stereotype. Reason # 82 of why we love Fitz.

Dorothy: Hmm… not sure. I do believe she was a huge part of his presidency. (Anybody remember Defiance County?) First Girlfriend is stretching it a bit…so is her own wing. But stranger things… I’m just not settled on what her legacy should be.

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5. Mellie guided Marcus post his epic fist fight with Fitz, a very sweet moment between the two. Do you think they should cut the BS and just be together? What do you think of them as a couple? Do they make sense? And with Marcus back in D.C., do you think Mellie will finally be able to end her “famine”?

Myoshi: Yes, they should cut it out already! They really love each other so why not…oh yeah, he works for Fitz in Vermont and she’s the President. They are cute as a couple. Once they see each other alone Marcus will end Mellie’s famine.

Rozella: I am praying that Mellie’s “famine in her lady bits” will come to an end. It’s interesting because I immediately thought of the issue that so many of us have in regards to finding new intimate partners. Marcus is an oldie AND a goodie. He’s not out to use Mellie (at least I hope not), he gets her, she trusts him and their chemistry is pure FIRE. I honestly have no idea how a relationship with them could work. She’s charting so much new territory as a woman in public office who happens to be single. I do hope that she can have some fun. There’s nothing like some good loving to keep the creative juices flowing and the energy level up!

Nthabbie: I love Mellie and Marcus. I’m ready to plan their wedding. The famine must end already!!!

Ivana: I’m not sure Mellie and Marcus would be good together. Marcus is too sensitive and won’t be able to handle such a powerful woman. Mellie needs someone strong and powerful that will make her a power couple. Mellie got her groove back and she’s about to bang everything.

Dorothy: I love Marcus and Mellie together: Marcellie! Lol. I believe they make sense because they get each other. Um, news for Marcus though, someone else is also in Washington and wold love to help Mellie end her famine. Just sayin’

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6. Fitz asked Marcus a very interesting question in tonight’s episode. “Is Olivia Pope everyone’s world or just mine?” What did you make of this statement? What would your response be to this? Do you think he is ready to be over her, once and for all?

Myoshi: I found it interesting to ask that to Marcus. Fitz needed some incite. I would tell him she’s just his world. Of course, he’s not ready to be over her once and for all. You see how fast he left Vermont after Rowan’s plea!

Rozella: I don’t think Fitz is ready to be over Olivia. All things come back to her for him and in order for him to move on, he would have to remove her from being the center of his world. I don’t think he’s willing/able to do that because there is currently nothing else that fills the space that she holds.

Nthabbie: What I made of that statement was that Fitz is hopelessly in love. Olivia is his world, and everyone’s, I doubt Fitz is hers though – which is the dilemma here. He wants to be ready to be over her but he won’t. He will spend all of his days trying to make her happy, which is sad but also how life works.

Ivana: Olivia puts a spell on everyone that comes into contact with her. I think Fitz and Olivia would be perfect for each other under different circumstances. I think Fitz is going to see this new Olivia and not like what she’s turning into. I don’t know if Fitz or anyone can truly get over Olivia Pope.

Dorothy:  That statement was profound and a great Scandal writer’s moment. He was asking a very real and reflective question and allowing us to see she IS his world, WAS his world and WILL always BE his world. And he’s thinking, am I the only one? Am I in this alone? My response would be she has a hold on everyone in one way or another. I think he truly loves Olivia but I’m not sure he CAN be over her once and for all.

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7. What did you think of Fitz’ reaction to Olivia being Command/running B613/discovering she killed Luna Vargas? Do you think his trust in her is justified? Do you think he was right when he said she’d do it right? Do you feel his reaction to finding out about her connection to Luna Vargas’ death was odd or is he just used to it? Should he help Rowan with Olivia or leave that life behind? Tell us what you’re thinking!

Myoshi: Fitz has been around so much murder and plotting he doesn’t care lol. I guess he’s right about her technique because he knows her and how she will handle situations. I’m tired for Fitz, she don’t want you! Runnn but we all know he has to be her white knight.

Rozella: I think Fitz is naive AND I think he wants to believe the best of Olivia because that keeps him connected to the best in himself. We all have seen the way power can corrupt and the thin line between protecting the republic and fighting one’s own desires. Fitz was president. While death isn’t always easy, I believe he trusts that if something did happen it was justifiable. I am curious to see if he actually confronts Olivia about what he learned from Rowan. I don’t trust Rowan, at all. His whole appeal to Fitz was odd. I always wonder what his true motives are as I can never trust that he’s just doing the good thing.

Nthabbie: Like I said, Fitz wants to be led – he is no leader. And he is right to trust Olivia’s leadership. As for the other underhanded stuff B63 does, it comes with the job. He knows it is for the better of the republic. He should butt out of Liv’s life but we all know he desperately wants to be her knight in shining armor. God help us all – sigh!

Ivana: I think Fitz needs to be around this new Olivia before he puts his trust in her. She’s playing with the big boys now and needs to learn the rules of this new game. Fitz has a kind heart and so much love and trust for Olivia that he will support her until she goes too far.

Dorothy: Love is blind. And Fitz is in love with Liv. So that makes him blind as a bat. I understand why he trusts her but he needs to take the blinders off. I was surprised he wasn’t more shocked but maybe he is seeing that she has changed. I’m torn. She needs help leaving the dark side quick, fast and in a hurry, but I don’t know if he should help or not. But he showed up to her apartment so maybe he will try to talk some sense into her. We will see!

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Final Verdict: If this episode reminded us of anything it’s that all Fitz’s roads lead back to Olivia.

Fitz just couldn’t help himself and is back in D.C., in the hopes that he can prevent Olivia from the danger that lurks ahead…herself. With him back, Olivia will have to face the man that has always been her conscience and light at the end of the tunnel. This will surely shift the dynamic of Scandal we have seen so far this season. Not to mention, it will be interesting to see how his presence will affect Mellie and her Presidency.

As we prepare for next week’s episode, many thoughts ail our mind. Will Olitz inevitably end up in one another’s arms? Can Olivia be saved from self-destructing? What will happen with Curtis and Olivia? These are all VERY important questions we are dying to get answers to as we head into next week’s episode.

Scandal returns Thursday, October 26th at 9/8C on ABC.