Ep 20. Trump Card

Olivia Pope, the former White House Communications Director turned political fixer, is back in this thrilling season 5 of Scandal. Episode 20 titled "Trump Card" showcases the tension and politics that arise when Olivia takes on a high stakes campaign, all while dealing with her own personal crisis.

The episode centers around the Republican Presidential Primary debate in California, where each candidate takes his or her turn trying to outdo the others. Meanwhile, Olivia's ex-boyfriend, Senator Edison Davis, shows interest in using her to help with his political campaign, but Olivia worries that he may have personal motives that could jeopardize her own career. She must decide whether or not to trust him as she juggles the competing interests of her clients and her own personal needs.

As the episode progresses, Olivia and her team begin to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a prominent Republican Senator before the final Primary debate. In the course of their investigation, they start to unravel the complex web of secrets and corruption at play, leading them closer to the truth. As the debate draws closer, tensions mount as each candidate scrambles to secure their spot on the Republican presidential ticket.

Throughout the episode, we see Olivia struggle with her own personal demons. As the stress of her job and the constant pressure to win take their toll, she begins to question her own motivations. Her unresolved emotions and painful memories of her past relationship with Fitz, the President of the United States, continue to haunt her, leaving her vulnerable to self-doubt and second-guessing.

Despite the personal challenges Olivia faces, she and her team remain focused on the task at hand. Through their intelligence gathering and clever maneuvering, they are able to uncover evidence of the Republican senator's dark and secret past, and they use this information to their advantage to secure their client's position as a presidential candidate.

As the episode nears its climax, the final debate is held, and tensions are at an all-time high as the candidates fight for supremacy. In the end, the winner is announced, and Olivia and her team can finally take a deep breath and celebrate a hard-fought victory.

Overall, Scandal season 5 episode 20, "Trump Card," is a nail-biting political thriller that showcases the intense pressure and sacrifice that goes into the campaign trail. As always, Kerry Washington delivers a stunning performance as Olivia Pope, displaying the conflict and turmoil that comes from managing high-stakes political campaigns while grappling with her own personal struggles. Ultimately, this episode is a testament to the skill and determination required to succeed in the ruthless world of politics.