Ep 22. You Can't Take Command

As the Season 4 finale of Scandal, “You Can’t Take Command” picks up where the previous episode left off with Olivia Pope narrowly escaping the hands of her father, Rowan Pope, aboard a private jet. Rowan, who has always been portrayed as the master manipulator, is now forced to face the consequences of his actions. Meanwhile, at the Oval Office, things are reaching a boiling point as the President is put in a position where he must make a life-altering decision.

The episode begins with Olivia trying to calm down on the plane while also trying to get through to her father – who happens to be the head of a secret government agency known simply as “B613.” Rowan, however, is unrepentant and continues to spout off about how destructive Olivia’s actions have been. It becomes clear that Rowan has no plans to stop manipulating anyone and everyone around him to get what he wants. He attempts to use emotional blackmail to get Olivia to return to his side, reminding her how much he has done for her. Olivia is not swayed by his manipulations, and despite her fear, continues to hold her own.

Meanwhile, back in the White House, Mellie and Fitz are still reeling from the news that their son has been killed. Fitz is understandably devastated, and Mellie struggles to come to terms with her grief. In a powerful scene, Mellie has a breakdown in front of Fitz. The raw emotion of the moment is stunning, and Kerry Washington and Tony Goldwyn deliver fantastic performances.

As the episode unfolds, it becomes clear that Cyrus is becoming more and more paranoid about Rowan. He is convinced that Rowan is going to come after him next, and he is not wrong. True to form, Rowan has a plan to take down anyone who stands in his way. He enlists Jake (Scott Foley) to do his bidding, which puts Jake in a precarious position. He is torn between his loyalty to Rowan and his loyalty to Olivia.

Throughout the episode, the tension is ratcheted up to an almost unbearable level. Rowan’s machinations become more and more insidious, and it seems as though there is no one who can stop him. Fitz is caught in the middle, trying to balance his own grief with the needs of his country. In the end, it falls to Olivia to make a decision that will change everything.

In the final moments of the episode, Olivia is faced with a choice that she has been avoiding for the entire season. She must decide whether to take down her father or let him continue to manipulate every aspect of her life. It is a decision that could literally mean life or death for everyone involved. The scene is a powerful one, filled with tension and drama, and is an excellent example of the show’s ability to create high-stakes situations that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Overall, “You Can’t Take Command” is an excellent episode of Scandal. It is a fitting finale to the season, wrapping up many of the storylines that have been building throughout the previous episodes. The performances are excellent across the board, and the tension is almost unbearable. While there are some plot points that feel a bit contrived, the episode still manages to maintain a high level of quality throughout. Fans of the show will not be disappointed, and those who have never watched it before will likely be drawn in by its compelling characters and high-stakes storytelling.