Fitzgerald Grant finally forgives Olivia Pope for her role in Defiance in Scandal Season 7, Episode 18, “Over a Cliff”. This pivotal moment marks a significant turning point in their tumultuous relationship, acknowledging the complex web of power, love, and betrayal that defined their connection throughout the series.
Unraveling the Forgiveness Arc: A Journey Through Seasons
The path to Fitz’s forgiveness of Olivia regarding Defiance is not a straightforward one. It is a winding road paved with anger, resentment, and ultimately, a grudging understanding. To fully appreciate the significance of Episode 718, we must first revisit the circumstances surrounding Defiance and its lingering impact on Fitz and Olivia’s relationship.
The Genesis of Defiance: A Pact Born of Love and Ambition
The Defiance voting scandal, engineered by Olivia and Cyrus Beene, was a defining moment in Scandal. Its purpose was to secure Fitz’s presidency, an act motivated by Olivia’s deep love for him and her ambition to shape the world around her. However, this act of manipulation, while successful in the short term, cast a long shadow over their relationship, poisoning it with secrets and distrust. Fitz, a man striving to embody honor and integrity, felt deeply betrayed by Olivia’s actions. He grappled with the fact that his presidency, the very foundation of his identity, was built upon a lie orchestrated by the woman he loved.
The Ripple Effects of Betrayal: Trust Shattered and Rebuilt (Partially)
Following the exposure of Defiance, the relationship between Fitz and Olivia deteriorated significantly. The trust, once the bedrock of their connection, crumbled under the weight of deception. While their love for each other remained a constant undercurrent, it was often overshadowed by resentment and anger. Fitz struggled to reconcile his feelings for Olivia with the knowledge of her role in manipulating the election. Several seasons see them navigate this broken trust, attempting reconciliation only to be pulled apart again by political pressures and personal demons. Their interactions are fraught with tension, showcasing the struggle of forgiveness and the enduring impact of betrayal.
“Over a Cliff”: The Watershed Moment of Absolution
In Season 7, with Fitz out of office and removed from the immediate political fray, he gains a newfound perspective. He witnesses Olivia’s increasing ruthlessness and her descent into the darker corners of power. This observation, coupled with his own self-reflection, leads him to a crucial realization: they are both flawed individuals, driven by a desire to protect what they love, albeit through questionable means.
Episode 718, “Over a Cliff”, serves as the culmination of this realization. Fitz acknowledges that he, too, has made morally ambiguous choices in his pursuit of power and protection. He understands, perhaps for the first time, the pressures and motivations that led Olivia to orchestrate Defiance. It is not necessarily an endorsement of her actions, but rather an acceptance of their shared history and the complex nature of their relationship. This understanding allows him to finally forgive Olivia, freeing them both from the burden of the past. This forgiveness is communicated in a heart-wrenching scene, symbolizing a crucial step towards closure and a tentative hope for their future.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Defiance Forgiveness
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Fitz’s forgiveness of Olivia for Defiance, providing a comprehensive overview of the topic.
1. Why did it take Fitz so long to forgive Olivia for Defiance?
Fitz’s initial reaction to Defiance was one of profound betrayal. He viewed it as a fundamental violation of his principles and a stain on the legitimacy of his presidency. The process of forgiveness was hindered by his own sense of morality and his struggle to reconcile his love for Olivia with her actions. It required him to confront his own flaws and acknowledge that he too had made ethically questionable choices.
2. Was Olivia truly sorry for what she did in Defiance?
Olivia’s feelings about Defiance are complex. While she initially justified it as a necessary evil to secure Fitz’s presidency, she eventually recognized the ethical implications of her actions. Her later involvement in B613 and her increased ruthlessness suggest that she may have grappled with the consequences of her choices, even if she never fully expressed remorse in a traditional sense.
3. Did Fitz forgive Cyrus Beene for his role in Defiance?
While Fitz and Cyrus had a tumultuous relationship, Fitz does eventually offer a form of forgiveness to Cyrus, albeit a different kind than the forgiveness extended to Olivia. It’s a more pragmatic understanding, acknowledging Cyrus’s instrumental role in his success and his own reliance on Cyrus’s political acumen.
4. How did Defiance impact Fitz’s presidency?
Defiance cast a shadow over Fitz’s entire presidency. It fueled public mistrust, provided ammunition for his political opponents, and forced him to constantly defend the legitimacy of his position. The scandal also contributed to his inner turmoil and his struggle to live up to his own ideals.
5. Did Mellie Grant know about Defiance?
Mellie was initially unaware of the full extent of Defiance. However, as the truth began to unravel, she suspected foul play and eventually learned the details of Olivia’s involvement. This knowledge further complicated her already strained relationship with Fitz and contributed to their marital issues.
6. How did Fitz change after leaving the presidency?
Leaving the presidency allowed Fitz to gain a newfound perspective on his life and his relationships. He was able to distance himself from the political pressures that had previously consumed him, allowing him to reflect on his past actions and make amends. This period of self-reflection was crucial in his eventual forgiveness of Olivia.
7. Was Defiance the only morally questionable act Olivia committed during the series?
No, Defiance was just one of many morally ambiguous choices Olivia made throughout Scandal. Her involvement in B613, her manipulation of political events, and her willingness to cross ethical lines in the name of her clients all contributed to her complex and often controversial character.
8. Did Fitz ever fully trust Olivia again after Defiance?
Trust was a constant struggle for Fitz and Olivia. While their love for each other endured, the wounds of Defiance never fully healed. Their relationship remained marked by a degree of uncertainty and a lingering fear of betrayal. Even after the forgiveness, a cautious undertone persisted.
9. How did Olivia’s relationship with Jake Ballard affect Fitz’s forgiveness of Defiance?
Olivia’s relationship with Jake added another layer of complexity to Fitz’s feelings. It created a sense of rivalry and jealousy, hindering his ability to fully forgive Olivia for Defiance. The constant competition for Olivia’s affection fueled his resentment and prolonged the healing process.
10. Did the other characters in Scandal forgive Olivia for her involvement in Defiance?
The other characters had varying reactions to Olivia’s involvement in Defiance. Some, like Abby Whelan, initially felt betrayed but eventually came to understand her motivations. Others, like David Rosen, remained skeptical and struggled to reconcile her actions with their own sense of justice.
11. What did the forgiveness scene in “Over a Cliff” symbolize?
The forgiveness scene in “Over a Cliff” symbolized a significant step towards closure for Fitz and Olivia. It represented their acceptance of each other’s flaws and their willingness to move forward from the past. It also suggested a tentative hope for their future, albeit one built on a foundation of shared experiences and complex emotions.
12. Was Fitz’s forgiveness of Olivia a realistic portrayal of forgiveness in a complex relationship?
The portrayal of forgiveness in Scandal is arguably realistic in its complexities and imperfections. It acknowledges that forgiveness is not a singular event but rather a process that requires time, self-reflection, and a willingness to confront difficult truths. The show captures the struggles and nuances of forgiving someone who has deeply hurt you, even when love and affection remain. The forgiving act wasn’t an instant cure for the damage caused but a vital first step toward rebuilding a semblance of a healthy relationship.