A Megabus special, sidity snacks, and a criminal justice reform case rock part one of the epic TGIT crossover event

After weeks of waiting and anticipating, this week finally brought us the epic crossover event we had been waiting for–The Shondaland merger of Scandal and How To Get Away With Murder. The crossover resulted in two of the fiercest characters coming together to push a criminal justice reform class action all the way to the Supreme Court. In the world of Scandal, who has the resources and power to make this happen? Our dear Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington), of course. We last left Olivia teaching in the midst of a college lecture hall, her new career choice after leaving behind the White House. She gets an unexpected visitor in Annalise Keating (Viola Davis), who needs Liv’s help to fast track her class action all the way to the Supreme Court. As far as Annalise knows, Liv left the White House on good terms, and will be able to help her achieve her goal. Unfortunately for Annalise, this will be easier said than done as Liv has left behind an army of enemies in the political world.

Despite her animosity for Liv, Quinn (Katie Lowes), finds herself keeping track of Liv’s every movement despite Abby (Darby Stanchfield) insisting she move on from her. Meanwhile, Liv refuses to help Annalise but later realizes this is what she stepped into this world for. In order to get the attention of the Supreme Court, Liv goes to Fitz (Tony Goldwyn) for help, for quite possibly the first time in their history. Together, the two along with Annalise, Marcus (Cornelius Smith Jr.), and Michaela (Aja Naomi King) have a meeting to discuss the details of the class action. Much to Liv’s surprise, Fitz informs them that President Mellie Grant (Bellamy Young) has agreed to meet with them in the White House. However, we quickly learn that Mellie intends to delay the class action for a time when its chances of succeeding are higher. Liv sees this as a form of revenge against her, but is unable to convince Mellie to agree.

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This tension pushes Liv and Annalise to their limits as they start to get at each other’s throats. Liv tells Annalise the President refuses to work on the case because of her questionable past, while the truth is completely different. In an attempt to take their fight straight to the source, Liv beings advocating it through interviews and press conferences. Meanwhile, the White House hires QPA to demolish Liv’s chances of winning the support of the Supreme Court justices. They almost succeed when they find evidence to blackmail one of the justices, however, Quinn takes this file to Liv because she realizes that is the type of good intention she wants to run QPA with. This file of evidence gives Annalise and Liv the win they are looking for–a chance to have the case heard by the Supreme Court. This victory brings Annalise and Liv even closer when Liv decides to join Annalise in court for the trial.

Dang, what an episode, right?! Here to discuss the epic first part of the #HowToGetAwayWithScandal crossover is our amazing 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

Torri (@torrij89)– PA real estate agent, occasional photographer, and Shondaland fanatic since 2005

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

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

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1. Part one of How To Get Away With Scandal started off with a bang! Did you enjoy it? Why or why not? Share your thoughts!

Mindset Podcast (@Mindset_Pod): I loved it, I thought it was absolutely perfect. Two black women, the best in their respective fields, coming together for a landmark case that would change criminal justice in [Shondaland’s] America…it was just great! I’m going to have to watch it all again, I know there are some moments that I missed.

Dorothy (@DorothyJGentry): This episode was pure awesomeness. I loved the opening with Liv teaching the class and Annalise asking a question from the back of the room. So classic. I love what Marcus was saying to Liv when he said, ” We’re black, which means I’ll always be here for you. I’ll always root for you. It’s how we do.” I loved seeing these two powerful women doing the DARN THANG!! It was so uplifting. Loved the dialogue. The back and forth. Megabus special. Sidity snack. LOL. Great writing.

Torri (@torrij89): I have been waiting for this crossover episode to premiere ever since Shonda Rhimes announced it was happening on social media! Both Scandal and HTGAWM are two of my favorite TV shows that I never miss tuning into. The performances that Kerry Washington and Viola Davis give us weekly are legendary, and for Shondaland to bring these two queens together on screen to fight together for criminal justice reform almost floored me! I found myself holding back tears of joy less than three minutes into the first hour of the episode.

Myoshi (@BeingMyoshi): I LOVED part one of this crossover! I mean here are two heavy hitters joining forces, and they don’t get off to a good start with each other. You would think they would’ve met and been excited to meet one another especially with the case Annalise first presented in the lecture room. NOPE.

Julia (@DrJuliaPRS): This was a fantastic crossover and it felt right. It didn’t seem forced and everything just flowed perfectly from the collision of their own personal issues and what they were joining forces to do. This was great for the culture!

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2. The “allow me to reintroduce myself” scene was amazing and highlighted Liv and Annalise’s personalities in the best way possible. What did you think of this scene and did you feel it added or took away from the plot development of the episode?

Mindset Podcast: This was one of my favorite scenes. Annalise and Olivia were mirrors of each other; the only women capable of calling each other out. I loved seeing their dynamic, I thought it was very true to their characters, I wasn’t expecting them to be fast friends. I think it added to the plot development; it was important for them to hear each other because what both of them said was true. They both needed to get the chip off their shoulders so that they could move forward with the case.

Dorothy: Absolutely LOVED the beauty shop scene. So authentic and real. So refreshing to see this on TV. I think it was necessary for them to go forth. Calling each other out. But underneath there was still some respect there. You could see it.

Torri: This “allow me to reintroduce myself” scene was the best shade throwing I have ever witnessed. The dialogue between Olivia and Annalise was instantly quotable and meme-worthy. And the fact that the scene took place in a hair salon was perfect to me because the best conversations happen there. Additionally, both Olivia and Annalise needed to be called on their BS because these women tend to have a problem seeing when they are dead wrong. I also knew they would inevitably wind up butting heads because of how strong-minded and in charge both of these characters are, and it did nothing but add to the plot for me.

Myoshi: That scene in the salon between Annalise and Liv gave me life. It definitely didn’t take away from the plot of this episode. After all of the shade throwing, the gloves came off. Here are these two strong-willed women who really don’t like each other but in a way have to help each other for the greater good. When Annalise saw that it was actually Liv that was the cause of Mellie not helping with the case…oh man! I really liked when Annalise said ” You were judging this whole time and it was you.” The look on their faces with the hair clips and rollers just getting all of it off their chest. Then Liv said ” I don’t have to explain myself to anyone, allow me to reintroduce myself ” O-M-G!

Julia: This scene showed so many of the connections amongst all black women and the inner complexities of our community (i.e. colorism, privilege, etc.) This totally set the stage for how black women (despite all of our issues with one another) can come together and do something great for the greater community. This scene was EVERYTHING!!!!

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3. Despite their issues, Quinn pulled through in the end for Liv. Do you think that was the right move or should she have sided with the White House?

Mindset Podcast: Quinn didn’t pull through for Liv, she just knew it would be wrong to tank such an important case just to get back at her. I was so, so proud of Quinn for doing the right thing! I think she still wants justice, so we’ll see what happens between her and Liv.

Dorothy: I think it was the right move – even though I did not want her to help Liv – but I like how she kept her conscience clean and her version of OPA fighting for justice. I didn’t want her to help Liv but I understand why she did.

Torri: Quinn and QPA were on my last nerve this entire episode right until the very end when they needed to be reminded of themselves. From the start when Abby told the joke of “those who can’t do, teach”, confused me to no end because they were all pupils of Olivia Pope and OPA. Quinn’s vindictive attitude towards Olivia is only slightly justified to me because as we can see the woman and her baby are still alive and prospering! Olivia confronting Quinn in that parking lot making her remember why she handed her office and business over to her was the only reason Quinn had a change of heart. Moral of the story is all of them need to humble themselves and realize how they made it to the position they are in, including Mellie Grant and Jake up in that White House.

Myoshi: I had a sigh of relief when Quinn stopped being a baby and helped Liv out. I mean the whole cast was working on my nerves acting like Liv was dead to them in every scene as if she didn’t save their butts more than once. Yes, she was wrong for letting her bestie get “killed” but Quinn lived and still has her family so get revenge later ma’am. I’m glad Quinn smartened up because the White House was using her to get back at Liv at the WRONG time.

Julia: I think she did the right thing. Like she said, she wants QPA to do better and this is her landmark case (for lack of a better term). She would have been no better than the Liv she hated. I think she saw how easy it is to slip on over to the dark side.

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4. Michaela and Marcus totally made it onto our ship radar this episode. Do you like this potential ship or are you #TeamAsher?

Mindset Podcast: Oh my God I LOVE Michaela and Marcus together! He’s much more mature than Asher, whom I honestly think Michaela has outgrown. However, I don’t condone cheating, so she needs to be honest with Asher and break up with him. Even if she doesn’t start a relationship with Marcus, it’s clear she’s unhappy with Asher. She literally said Marcus was everything she thought she wanted in a man, so clearly she feels something is lacking in her current relationship. Anyway, the gang knows, so it’s bound to come out in one of their group fights lol. I hope Michaela tells Ash first!

Dorothy: Mmm…not sure. I really liked the sparks between Marcus and Mellie. They were good together. Passionate. I don’t know about these two…Michaela seems lightweight.

Torri: I love Michaela and always believed that she could do better than Asher. He’s a sweet guy and all but Marcus is definitely more her speed. #Michacus

Myoshi: I’m #TeamAsher because he’s been there from the jump with Michaela. He knows everything and almost went to jail for more than 24 hours for her after the shooting at the party. I mean yes, who wouldn’t be #TeamMarcus. He’s smart, handsome, an activist, and has had some big positions in the White House and D.C. He also has experience in crazy after working at OPA, but he’s not ready for the jail time Micheala will bring him. She has issues of her own and bosses Asher around. Marcus isn’t having all of that LOL.

Julia: Honestly, I really feel bad for Asher because I don’t think Michaela ever actually loved/liked him. Perhaps this was the “best” way for this break-up to occur. It wouldn’t have been nice regardless because Asher is sensitive.

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5. We saw hints of the old, passionate Liv in this episode, and it was great. What did you think about that? Yay or nay?

Mindset Podcast: So, I really, really wanted Liv to be Command, but if there’s any reason to put on the white hat, THIS would be it. I’m not mad at her being a good guy for this case.

Dorothy: BIG FAT NAY!! Like Mellie said, “Olivia will find a way…again. She wins.” I need Olivia to get got. Period. Once she gets got, maybe then I’ll be a little softer. But she did some doggone dirty deeds and I’m a need her to take a dose of karma real soon and have several seats.

Torri: We saw old Liv in this episode because this case that Annalise brought to her on criminal justice being reformed is something she was truly passionate about. Olivia understands that we have a severe problem in this country with the rate of imprisonment of black and brown people, so she just needed the topic brought to her attention in a clear way for her to potentially help.

Myoshi: I missed the old Liv that was handling cases and being a boss because the B613 Liv had me wanting her to be killed off! I liked how she still had her fight for the job but will still give you a hint of “B613, you’re not going to push me around” sass. So I’m on the yay team for old Liv resurrecting herself.

Julia: Yay… because I was really starting to hate her. This is actually a true statement for both Liv and Annalise. When Annalise starting doing work for the greater good to try to gain some redemption, I felt that she was trying to make a deliberate change. I feel the same about Liv’s new-found passion.

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6. Watching Fitz support and encourage Liv to be herself was adorable and endearing. How did you feel about their dynamic in this episode and do you still root for #Olitz?

Mindset Podcast: Meh. I’ve been over #Olitz for quite a while, but I guess this was a nice interaction. I don’t really care if they end up together or not. For me, the true question of this series is if Olivia wants power or love (and not just love from a man).

Dorothy: Yeah it was nice. He truly loves her. Their dynamic was ok. I’m just still blinded by Liv and her deeds. I can’t feel sorry for her or any sympathy or anything right now. I do still root for #Olitz in the end, but I need to see some remorse from her.

Torri: I am team #Olitz for life. Both Olivia and Fitz have this clear understanding of one another that allows them to say exactly what the other needs to hear in trying moments. I love them.

Myoshi: Now you know #Olitz will be back in full force before the show ends. I mean he loves her to the moon and back, even when he’s mad at her you can tell. I did enjoy him giving her the confidence talk and letting her know just because she got called out on who she is doesn’t mean she’s lost. I’m kind of over #Olitz but it’s a never dying love.

Julia: I mean, I think it’s fairly obvious that they would both be in a place to actually have a relationship. At any point before, there was some conflicting issue like MARRIAGE or doing political dirt or whatevs.

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7. What a great start to the TGIT crossover, right? What was your favorite moment from the episode and why?

Mindset Podcast: It was a MASTERFUL crossover. It’s hard to pinpoint one moment as my favorite. The scene in the hair salon is up there of course, but the conversation Liv had with Annalise’s mom was so poignant. For me it highlighted Liv’s dysfunctional family; it was heartbreaking when she told Ophelia she was just being a good mom- that was something she never had. Another great moment was Liv talking Annalise through her panic attack, she handled it so well and I was so proud of Annalise for not drinking. Lastly, Annalise’s speech! My goodness, what a tearjerker! Everything she said was spot on, and I appreciate the writers for shedding light on a very real problem in this country.

Dorothy: As I mentioned above, the beauty shop scene was all that. It’s was just truly a real moment and I think the respect they feel for each other really showed through even though they were dissing each other and name-calling. It was authentic and funny and refreshing to see this on television, not to mention empowering.

Torri: The How to Get Away with Scandal crossover episode was something I will never forget. Kerry Washington and Viola Davis are both national treasures and I’m so happy Shonda Rhimes gave us their two characters together in one storyline before Scandal’s final episode. Though I had many favorite scenes from the episode, my favorite scene was Olivia and Annalise sitting on Liv’s couch with her signature popcorn and wine, and Annalise telling Olivia that her snack of choice was a “Megabus special”, and Olivia’s retort was “No, it’s a bougie snack”. My second favorite moment was the scene between Olivia and Marcus at the bar when he told her why he still answers her calls and meets up with her even though people she has known for years choose not to. And Marcus’s answer back was everything!

Myoshi: I had a few favorite moments lol. My first favorite moment was when Marcus told Liv ” I’ll always stick with you because we are black and that’s what we are supposed to do.” That to me helped to seal the deal for Liv to take Annalise’s case. My second moment was when Liv and Annalise were in the salon. It was funny because who can’t relate to the hair salon talk. That’s where you can get anything off of your chest, even in hair curlers. My third fav was Annalise taking in her first time being in the Supreme Court. She was getting to accomplish the highest regard for someone of color and to sign the same book that Thurgood Marshall had to sign when he first presented a case there. I mean AMAZING.

Julia: My favorite part had to do with Liv & Annalise’s relationship evolution. Just those dynamics were incredibly real. It was also interesting comparing the tone and tempo of dialogue between the Scandal crew and the HTGAWM crew. Both shows have very different tempos and that added even more friction. I loved these two episodes.

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Final Verdict: The fiery culmination of Annalise’s hood attitude and Liv’s extremely determined temperament kicks off the TGIT crossover event

Part one of the TGIT crossover event, cleverly known as, How To Get Away with Scandal, was an epic success. Watching two of Shondaland’s two most powerful black female characters come together was a badass move, to say the least. Their strong and outspoken personalities took over every moment of the episode resulting in one of the strongest episodes in Scandal’s finale season. This particular episode came at an important time amidst the strong call for female empowerment and diversity in the industry. Watching Annalise and Liv go against the world to make something happen was inspiring and motivating to the umpteenth degree. We applaud Shonda Rhimes for creating this crossover and presenting us with two strong black female leads that exuded how badass they were in every scene they performed in.

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Solely basing it on the Scandal half of the crossover, it will be interesting to see how Liv and Annalise’s relationship will grow from here. Will Liv’s involvement in something good and positive manage to the change the minds of all those she has alienated? We sure hope so, because everyone deserves a second chance, right? And now that Liv has been a part of the HTGAWM world, is there a chance she may make the occasional appearance after Scandal’s series finale? One can dream, and dream big we shall.

Scandal returns Thursday, March 8th at 9/8C on ABC!