Scandal keeps the dramatic momentum going–with our favorite gladiators back together again.

This week’s episode of Scandal was a mixture of emotional and action-packed moments. The episode picked up right where it left off, with a livid Olivia (Kerry Washington) confronting Mellie (Bellamy Young). After learning Liv is responsible for President Rashad’s murder, Mellie wants her out, at any cost. She decides to make Jake (Scott Foley) her new chief of staff and declares this is the end of the road for Olivia and their relationship. Losing Mellie’s confidence has essentially left Olivia completely alone, without anyone vouching for her. Mellia gives Olivia a week to resign from her position before she takes it upon herself to fire her. Ouch. While Olivia grapples with the ultimate betrayal (according to her, anyway), Quinn (Katie Lowes) tries to convince Rowan (Joe Morton) that they must attack Olivia while she’s down. However, Papa Pope is not too keen on the idea and shuts it down STAT by threatening Robin’s life as he holds her in his arms.

QPA tried to open their doors once again by taking in a case, on Charlie’s (George Newbern) insistence. The case involves a state employee who is given a large sum of money anonymously. As the episode reveals, the employee has been sleeping with Jake’s wife, Vanessa (remember, they have an open marriage). In a series of Scandal-esque twisty events (courtesy of Olivia), he is framed for being a Russian spy and his affair with Vanessa is leaked. In an attempt to salvage the situation, Vanessa goes on national television to admit to the affair and lies about Robert being a Russian spy. Cyrus tells Olivia of Mellie’s involvement with Vanessa’s fake story so she is able to use it as leverage to blackmail Mellie. His incentive? Getting one step closer to the Oval Office, that’s what.

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Quinn manages to convince Rowan to let her leave with Charlie and the baby and promises to stop targeting Olivia. Psych! Quinn breaks into Olivia’s home with Robin and a list of demands in tow–read the confession or die. Olivia warns her to take it easy, because snipers are at the ready and will not hesitate to shoot, and hesitate they didn’t. As shots are fired, Olivia is hit and goes straight to Rowan’s for medical help.

In a surprise turn of events, Olivia’s press conference the next day results in her resignation, and not an all-out declaration of war against Mellie. A series of glimpses show Cyrus’ heartbroken reaction and QPA’s excitement over the news, which is overshadowed by Quinn and Robin’s entrance, and the adorable, sweet reunion. Where will Liv go from here? And what does this mean for the upcoming crossover event with How To Get Away With Murder? We can’t wait to find out!

Here to discuss Olivia’s resignation and the epic reunion is our Scandal roundtable. Let’s see what they had to say!

Mindset Podcast (@Mindset_Pod)– Podcast focusing on social justice and black culture

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

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

Nthabbie (@nthabbie)– Marketing & Media Maverick, Sometimes TV Commentator (TVAD) & most times Epitome of Awesomery

Julia (@DrJuliaPRS)– Plastic surgeon, food lover, movie connoisseur, music junkie, mother of cats, and child of God

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1. What an episode, right?! What were your thoughts on Olivia’s resignation?

Mindset Podcast (@Mindset_Pod): Does this mean she’s relinquishing Command? I know a lot of people would be happy to see her put on the white hat again, but I wanted her to stay with B6-13. I haven’t fully given up hope yet!

Dorothy (@DorothyJGentry): This episode was thrilling in so many ways. Didn’t care for Liv’s resignation. Didn’t care one way or the other. Season 7 Liv…SMH.

Keith (@keithlovemovies): The Quinn confrontation was a shock for her and may have led to Olivia turning a corner and no longer hurting the people she cared about but it is most likely another ploy.

Nthabbie (@nthabbie): I thought it was the most stoic thing. She is a visionary and she knew that some battles are not worth the fight, as there is a war at hand. I was really moved by her move.

Julia (@DrJuliaPRS): I think it was another power move to be back in Mellie’s good graces. There’s got to be more. She went from vicious and cutthroat to merciful and thoughtful?!? Child, please… I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop.

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2. Cyrus was pretty keen on taking down Mellie. Where do you think his loyalties lie and can he be trusted?

Mindset Podcast: Cyrus’ loyalties lie with himself lol. It would be foolish to trust him, he’s just as power hungry as he’s always been.

Dorothy: I was surprised at that too. Just when you think you can trust him…NOT! I don’t think he can be trusted. He’s power hungry. Walk over whoever is in his way.

Keith: Cyrus has always had higher aspirations, however, he had been rather dormant this season until now. He’s getting his revenge on those who have wronged him and he can’t be trusted as he is loyal to no one but himself.

Nthabbie: Cy is a bitter old man. His loyalties only lie with him. He’s a miserable man who wants company in his pity party. It’s a pity Mellie is a dumb idiot who thinks she’s in charge when she herself wants to be led.

Julia: Cyrus’ loyalties lie with HIMSELF!! That’s the Cyrus I’m used to. All that lovey-dovey, kind-hearted Cyrus was a stranger to me. No, Cyrus can’t be trusted!! Neither can Rowan, but nobody listens to me.

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3. Liv went from revengeful to defeated during the course of this episode. Do you think finding out Quinn is alive has brought back the old Olivia or is this just another ploy?

Mindset Podcast: I honestly don’t know. It appears that she’s stepping down from it all, but then again you don’t have to be in the White House to run things. I don’t think someone as addicted to power as Liv can just quit “cold turkey,” so my guess is she’s got something up her sleeve.

Dorothy: ANOTHER PLOY!! She was surprised but I don’t think in a good way!

Keith: Refer to my answer for question one

Nthabbie: I wouldn’t call it defeat. More strategic. Quinn coming back was nice but didn’t bring back the old Liv. She never left. But it did remind her of the important things in life.

Julia: Perhaps. She still knows what she’s capable of, but now she may give herself an opportunity to choose differently…or better.

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4. Quinn managed to fool Rowan and break into Olivia’s home with Robin. What was going through your mind as Quinn confronted her?

Mindset Podcast: I was cheering for Quinn! I knew she wouldn’t be able to kill Liv (but talk about a plot twist, amirite?), but I felt she deserved that moment.

Dorothy: Get her Quinn, get her! Don’t fall for the okey dokey!

Keith: It was satisfying to see Quinn try and stop Olivia from trying to talk her way out of it. I didn’t think anything was going to happen so I was surprised when Olivia got shot.

Nthabbie: Quinn was never going to kill her, so that’s that. She did not fool Rowan, Papa Pope let her go. The confrontation was a bit annoying because wow, does Quinn have nothing better to do with her life besides want to be Olivia.

Julia: Quinn ain’t gonna do it. She talks too much. Liv is going to do something to manipulate the conversation and Quinn will get sidetracked. Other thought: Who shot Liv?! I have a hard time believing B6-13 would do that then leave her. I mean, we don’t know if they drive her to Papa Pope’s house, but…I need answers.

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5. Oh, sweet reunion! Quinn and Robin have finally reunited with Huck and Abby. Where do you think the story will go from here and will Liv have a place in it?

Mindset Podcast: After everything that has happened, I don’t think Olivia will be welcomed back with open arms. If she has truly given up Command, she’ll have to start all over again on her own.

Dorothy: I think things will work out and pick up where they left off. The looks on all their faces were genuine love. I don’t think Liv will be a part of the agency moving forward. No trust. No loyalty. I don’t want to see her welcomed back like that.

Keith: It was also nice to see Quinn reunite with Huck and Abby. Olivia will probably figure into this somehow to maybe ask them for forgiveness but it will be difficult for them to forgive her.

Nthabbie: Rebuilding Pope & Associates might be worthwhile for them but I think Liv has earned the right off in a white horse on some island because her whole life has been a lot and can they let a girl live her best life!

Julia: I think they will stay open with Quinn still running things perhaps, but she’s going to have Rowan to deal with since she tricked him and did actually try to kill Liv. I don’t think Liv will go back because she’s not necessarily going to be welcomed, but she may do something to Quinn on behalf of Rowan.

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6. After being shot, Liv turned to Rowan for help. After everything they’ve been through, what do you think this says about their relationship?

Mindset Podcast: It’s clear that Rowan loves his daughter, twisted though it may be. I’m not quite sure how Liv feels about him-did she go to him out of love or because she has no one else? Let’s not forget she pulled the trigger on him a few seasons ago!

Dorothy: Parent and child bond no matter what. I did like that scene. Choked me up a little…

Keith: Despite everything they’ve been through, they still care about one another. Her confiding in him spoke volumes which means their relationship may not be as fractured after all.

Nthabbie: *Cues Daniel Caesar’s Blessed song* I’m coming back home, to you… That display of affection between the two of them is an indication of how we can’t choose our families so we ride or die for them, no matter how much they may irritate us.

Julia: They’re family and they are all they have. I’m still so conflicted about this relationship though. He’s done some downright awful things to this daughter he says he loves. I just can’t…

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7. In just three weeks, we will finally witness the Scandal and How To Get Away With Murder crossover event. What circumstances do you think will bring Liv and Annalise together?

Mindset Podcast: You know I’ve been digging for clues and I can’t piece it together! I’m going to assume it has something to do with Laurel’s father…he’s rich and connected enough to have ties to the White House.

Dorothy: Have no idea! I’m excited to see. Can’t even imagine what will make them cross paths!

Keith: The only reason that Olivia and Annalise would ever come together is so Annalise can represent Olivia for something or one of QPA’s cases somehow intersects with HTGAWM.

Nthabbie: Perhaps the civil suit Annalise is pursuing might need Liv to assist with getting it to the highest court of law in America with Liv’s expertise. I don’t see any other plausible scenarios besides that.

Julia: Maybe Mama Pope. Or Laurel’s father. It’s gotta be something big and next level. Those are the two characters I can think of who are bigger than the towns they’re in (DC & Philly).

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Final Verdict: The drama is just getting started on Scandal, as Olivia sets her eyes on Annalise’s world of murder.

This week’s episode proves that in its final season, Scandal is pulling out all the stops. Olivia’s resignation leaves a lot of unanswered questions and broken relationships behind. Will she mend the damage she has caused or will she leave this world behind her? Now that the gladiators know Quinn is alive and well, it will be interesting to see how this plays into their anger towards Olivia.

Based on the premise of this season, Olivia seems to have gone over to the dark side. However, upon learning that Quinn is alive in this week’s episode, she does the first selfless thing she has done in weeks. Instead of revealing Mellie’s involvement with Vanessa’s lies, she chooses to step away. Does this mean that the Olivia we all know and love is back? Or is this just another move to accelerate her to the end goal? If Shonda Rhimes has taught us anything, it’s that nothing is what it seems–so be prepared.

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The world of Scandal continues to pull us into the epicenter of its insane narrative–with this week being no exception. While some storylines may be getting old or too predictable, Olivia’s erratic behavior is throwing the audience in for a loop. This episode highlights a glimpse of the old Olivia, but whether or not she is here to stay, is yet to be seen. We hope as Scandal begins to wrap up, the other characters get their time to shine and get closure to their story in the series. After all, isn’t everyone waiting for a David/Abby wedding or Mellie’s happily ever after?

After a three-week hiatus, Scandal will return for the epic crossover event with How To Get Away WIth Murder. The overlap is still unclear, but for those who watch HTGAWM, you know the stage has been set for the crossover. There is a lot of anticipation and excitement surrounding these back-to-back episodes, as the two very dramatic worlds will finally collide–and the two badass women we all love and adore will come together to fight and kick some butt. We can’t wait to see what goes down!

Scandal returns Thursday, March 1st at 9/8C on ABC.