Scandal season 7 episode 11 details: Who’s the new Chief of Staff?

Moving into Scandal season 7 episode 11, it feels fair to ponder over one key question: Who’s the new Chief of Staff? After all, Olivia Pope was seemingly fired from the position at the end of this past episode and with that, she’s in a position where she’s going to be forced to watch someone else take the prize. What may shock her is dealing with the emotional consequences of it being Jake. She burned so many bridges and cut off ties with all of her former Gladiators, only to then be burned to a certain extent herself by someone pursuing more power and influence.

The Scandal season 7 episode 11 synopsis below, released Friday by ABC, offers up a nice compliment to everything we’ve discussed already about the promo:

“Mellie’s plans to name Jake as her new chief of staff only propels Olivia to do whatever it takes to make sure that does not happen. Back at Papa Pope’s house, Quinn becomes restless, wondering just how long Rowan intends to keep her and Robin hidden from the outside world. Meanwhile at QPA, Abby, Huck and Charlie decide that it’s time to move forward with new clients when their first case leads to surprising intel.”

In one way, we know already that there are plans to expose Quinn and Robin to the outside world again. Just remember that the aforementioned promo features a stand-off between Quinn and Olivia, a clear reminder that the show has zero intention of locking up Kerry Washington’s character for good. She is going to get a chance to make a big play beyond being trapped within Rowan’s confines?

In looking just beyond Olivia and Quinn, we’re not altogether shocked that this episode is going to feature QPA starting to move forward with some other clients. Sooner or later, they do have to decide to continue business as usual. It’s their job to see new clients and we hardly think that everyone can just stay transfixed on Olivia and that crisis forever. There are bills that need to be paid! We don’t exactly think that it’s cheap living and working in the Washington DC area.

This episode should offer up some big clues as to what the final arc of the season will look like — we’re hoping to get some more scoop on that over time.

What do you think is coming up on Scandal season 7 episode 11? Be sure to share some of your thoughts right now in the comments! Meanwhile, you can also like CarterMatt on Facebook if you do want other insight regarding the ABC series. (Photo: ABC.)