Ep 1. It's Handled

Olivia Pope, the brilliant and fearless leader of a crisis management firm in Washington D.C., returns in the highly-anticipated season 3 premiere of Scandal. In this episode, appropriately titled "It's Handled," we find Olivia in the midst of a media frenzy surrounding the revelation of her glamorous affair with the President of the United States, Fitz Grant.

Despite being the most powerful woman in Washington, Olivia is struggling to control the narrative and protect her reputation. As word spreads about her affair with the married President, the media and political world are buzzing with gossip and speculation. Olivia's team of gladiators, including her right-hand man Harrison and her former lover, the mysterious Jake Ballard, are working tirelessly to manage the fallout from the scandal.

Not only is Olivia dealing with the fallout of her affair, she is also trying to navigate a tricky client, Congresswoman Josie Marcus, who is running for President. Marcus has been the victim of a smear campaign by her opponents, and Olivia is brought in to protect her image and win the election. But things quickly get complicated when Josie's past becomes public knowledge, threatening to derail her campaign and ruin Olivia's reputation.

Amidst the chaos, Olivia is also dealing with personal issues. Her father, who she thought was dead, has resurfaced and is stirring up trouble. She's also reeling from the loss of her clandestine lover, Pete, who was killed in a fire that she suspects was set by her own team.

Throughout the episode, we see Olivia struggle to maintain control and keep her secrets hidden while the world watches and waits for her next move. With all eyes on her, she must juggle her personal and professional lives, while navigating the treacherous world of Washington politics.

As the episode unfolds, we are introduced to new characters, including Quinn Perkins, who is struggling to find her place on Olivia's team, and Mellie Grant, the President's wife, who is dealing with her own issues as the affair between her husband and Olivia becomes public knowledge.

"It's Handled" sets the stage for what promises to be an explosive and thrilling season of Scandal. With high-stakes political drama, steamy affairs, and plenty of shocking twists and turns, this show is a must-watch for fans of suspenseful television.