Ep 5. The Key

Olivia Pope is back with her team of fixers who are tasked with handling some of the most complicated and scandalous cases in Washington D.C. In season 4 episode 5, entitled "The Key," viewers are taken on a gripping ride filled with lies, betrayal, and intrigue.

As the episode begins, Elizabeth North (Portia de Rossi) hires Olivia (Kerry Washington) to help her manage a crisis. Her boss, President Fitzgerald Grant (Tony Goldwyn), is facing an investigation into his affair with Olivia, and Elizabeth is convinced that there must be a way to make the investigation go away.

Meanwhile, Huck (Guillermo Diaz) is still trying to make amends for his past mistakes. He's been visiting a support group to help him cope with his addiction and anger issues, but he's finding it difficult to let go of his past. When he overhears a group of people talking about a man named Cal, who was once involved with B613, he becomes convinced that Cal holds the key to his happiness.

Olivia starts to investigate the investigation, looking for any loopholes that she can exploit. She discovers that the investigation is being led by prosecutor Lonnie Mencken (Michael Trucco), who is a meticulous and ruthless investigator. She realizes that they need to find a way to discredit him if they're going to get Fitz off the hook.

Meanwhile, Abby (Darby Stanchfield) is asked to help First Lady Mellie Grant (Bellamy Young) with a delicate matter. Mellie wants to give a speech about sexual assault, but she's worried that her past indiscretions will be used against her. Abby tries to reassure her that no one is perfect and that her message is still important, but Mellie is still terrified.

As the episode progresses, Olivia and her team navigate a web of deceit and betrayal. They dig up dirt on Mencken, but their plan backfires when they realize that he's not as bad as they thought. In the end, they realize that the only way to get Fitz out of trouble is to tell the truth. Olivia convinces him to come forward and admit his affair with her, in the hope that it will show the American people that he's a flawed but honest man.

"The Key" is a thrilling and emotional episode of Scandal that showcases the talent of its cast and the cleverness of its writing. Fans of the show will be on the edge of their seats as they watch Olivia and her team navigate the treacherous waters of D.C. politics.