Scandal season 7 episode 3 review: Tony Goldwyn shines as Fitz finds himself

Scandal season 7 episode 3 was one thing above all others: The story of one President Fitzgerald Grant. Ultimately, this was funny — very funny. He was not used to living his own life and doing his own thing, and with that he had some work to do navigating his life as former President. This included understanding how debit cards work and learning how to cook again.

Beyond just Fitz figuring out his own life, there is one other important thing that he had to work to figure out: Some of what he wanted his own future to be. This was not an easy think for anyone to figure out no matter where they are in life … let alone if they are the President. For Fitz, he had a priority in getting his library off of the ground with the help of Marcus, trying to figure out how to feature people like Olivia and have it being more than just a museum. He wanted to spin his legacy in the best way possible while also working to figure out the right way in which to address the reality of what happened.

Olivia’s contributions and role in the museum seemed to be the first point of contention in the relationship between Fitz and Marcus — as a result of that, things started to bubble, getting worse and worse, before they finally started to blow over. Marcus got tired of being in the small town, tired of hearing the stories, and tired of being demeaned. Everything culminated in an epic argument-turned-brawl between the two men that started with name-calling and ended with the Secret Service coming in and putting Marcus in a chokehold before he went on his way.

So who was going to be the person to talk Marcus down, and try and make him understand that there is more to this Fitz than what Marcus saw? Mellie, of all people, who did her best to inform him that appreciation for the former POTUS really comes in waves. (This scene with Marcus and Mellie via phone was beautiful mostly due to the extended, awkward, and longing pause at the very end.)

Another surprise

Fitz found a surprise visitor into his home in Rowan, who came over angry and doing pretty much everything else you would expect. He clued him into the fact that Olivia is now Command, and was none too pleased about it … mostly because he’s not command and you know that there is nothing more that Rowan loves than being Command and spouting off how awesome he is at it.

Ultimately, Fitz didn’t put an extreme amount of stock in what Rowan said at first, choosing instead to reestablish his bond with Marcus after he turned back up. After 100 days away from the public he eventually returned to the city, and with that brought us a touching moment with a man named Steve Candles fighting the good fight. Just this one visit helped Steve get some movement forward in his fight for equality — and to remove a controversial monument in the process.

In the end, Fitz then went to Olivia, and this brought us to the end of this past episode. This brought us a powerful end to a great episode anchored by a tremendous Tony Goldwyn performance.

What do you want to see regarding Scandal season 7 episode 3?

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