ABC’s ‘Scandal’ season 4, episode 18 review: Jake Ballard’s warpath; Rowan’s return; Mellie’s sister

More scoop -B613 is in many ways the ghost of “Scandal.” The organization surfaces from time to time, and just about every time it does, it ends up causing some problems as a result. They’ve also felt at times like a beast impossible to take down. Even when it seemed that Olivia Pope had an airtight strategy, Rowan still figured out a way to cause problems.

This group is a poison, and Rowan is the poisonous snake at the end of it. Interestingly enough, you could also compare him to a cockroach if you wanted to keep making the animal analogies. The man won’t die! He was the center of tonight’s epic cliffhanger ending, and one that clearly sets the stage for an insane showdown taking place sooner rather than later.

Elsewhere, the arrival of Mellie’s sister Harmony was a hoot and then some, mostly because we were so reminded how she brings out the worst in Bellamy Young’s character … and we definitely saw plenty of that. There were funny scenes aplenty between Young and Lauren Bowles, and it was actually Fitz who managed to build a bridge between the two again.

As for the case of the week, watching Liv convince a Congressman to accept responsibility for murdering someone 15 years ago was compelling, but the best scenes that came out of it revolved around her convincing his father behind bars that he should not have to die for a crime he didn’t commit. He let his son take the responsibility, and this was a good example of what the show can do very well with these: Create emotional moments with people we barely even know. We almost got a little choked up in these closing moments. Grade: B.

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