President Fitzgerald Grant, the charismatic but often conflicted leader at the heart of the political drama “Scandal,” faced numerous crises during his time in office, but arguably none were as impactful as the assassination attempt that nearly cost him his life. This defining moment occurs in Season 3, Episode 11, titled “Nobody Likes Babies.”
The Day the Republic Stood Still: Deconstructing the Assassination Attempt
The shooting of President Grant wasn’t just a dramatic plot twist; it served as a pivotal moment that reshaped the narrative, influencing the characters’ trajectories and exposing the deep-seated corruption within the political landscape. Understanding the context surrounding the shooting, the immediate aftermath, and the long-term consequences is crucial for appreciating its significance.
The Build-Up to the Tragedy
The lead-up to the assassination attempt is fraught with tension. Fitz’s second term agenda is met with resistance from various factions, and the political climate is increasingly volatile. Mellie Grant, the First Lady, is navigating her own personal struggles, and Olivia Pope is grappling with her complex relationship with the President while running her crisis management firm. Cyrus Beene, as Chief of Staff, is desperately trying to maintain control and protect the President from all threats, real or perceived. The simmering tensions of these interconnected storylines converge dramatically in “Nobody Likes Babies.”
The Moment of Impact: Replaying the Shooting
The shooting itself is a shocking and visceral sequence. As Fitz is delivering a speech, gunshots ring out, and chaos erupts. While the exact sequence of events might be fuzzy in memory, the overwhelming feeling of panic and uncertainty is palpable. The episode meticulously showcases the immediate reactions of those closest to Fitz, highlighting their fear, grief, and determination to save him.
The Aftermath: A Nation in Shock
The attempted assassination plunges the nation into a state of shock and mourning. Questions of national security and presidential succession arise immediately. The focus shifts to finding the shooter and uncovering the conspiracy behind the attack. This event triggers a ripple effect, exposing hidden alliances, buried secrets, and the ruthlessness of those vying for power.
Decoding the Motives: Why Was Fitz Targeted?
Understanding the motives behind the assassination attempt is critical to unraveling the complexities of the “Scandal” universe. Several factors and characters contribute to the environment that led to this event.
The Role of B613 and its Influence
B613, the black ops organization operating beyond the bounds of the law, plays a significant role in the events leading up to the shooting. Their shadowy influence and manipulation of events are constantly at play. While not directly orchestrating the assassination attempt in this specific episode, their pervasive presence and historical meddling create a breeding ground for political violence and distrust.
Political Enemies and Internal Conflicts
Fitz’s political opponents, both within and outside his own party, also contribute to the climate of animosity that makes such an act possible. His policies, his personal life, and his overall leadership style have garnered him numerous enemies, some of whom would benefit significantly from his removal. The internal power struggles within the White House, particularly between Cyrus and other advisors, create vulnerabilities that could be exploited.
The Shadowy Conspiracy and the Search for Truth
The true mastermind behind the assassination attempt is ultimately revealed to be a complex and unexpected figure. Uncovering this conspiracy becomes a central plot point in the following episodes, forcing Olivia and her team to navigate a web of lies, betrayals, and dangerous alliances. The search for truth is perilous, with those involved risking their lives to expose the dark underbelly of Washington D.C.
FAQs: Diving Deeper into the “Scandal” Shooting
Here are some frequently asked questions about the shooting of President Fitzgerald Grant in “Scandal,” designed to provide deeper insights and clarify key details.
FAQ 1: Who actually shot Fitz Grant in “Nobody Likes Babies”?
The shooter is revealed to be Verna Thornton, a Supreme Court Justice and a close confidante of Fitz’s father. She orchestrated the shooting as a desperate attempt to expose the corruption and injustice she perceived within Fitz’s administration and the larger political system.
FAQ 2: What was Verna’s motivation for shooting Fitz?
Verna, facing a terminal illness, felt betrayed by Fitz’s compromises and perceived weaknesses. She believed that he had become complicit in the very system he was supposed to be reforming. Her drastic action was intended to force a reckoning and expose the truth, even at the cost of her own life and Fitz’s.
FAQ 3: Did Olivia Pope know about the assassination plot beforehand?
Olivia had no prior knowledge of Verna Thornton’s plans. The shooting comes as a complete shock to her, both professionally and personally. She is devastated by the attack and becomes deeply involved in the subsequent investigation.
FAQ 4: How does the shooting impact Fitz and Olivia’s relationship?
The shooting profoundly impacts Fitz and Olivia’s already complicated relationship. It forces them to confront their feelings for each other and the consequences of their choices. The shared trauma and the near-death experience bring them closer, but also exacerbate the challenges they face.
FAQ 5: What role does Mellie Grant play in the aftermath of the shooting?
Mellie assumes a visible and supportive role as First Lady, projecting an image of strength and resilience. However, she is also secretly navigating her own ambitions and using the crisis to her advantage. Her actions reveal a complex and multifaceted character struggling for control in a chaotic situation.
FAQ 6: How does Cyrus Beene react to the assassination attempt?
Cyrus is devastated by the shooting and becomes fiercely protective of Fitz. He works tirelessly to uncover the truth and prevent further harm. His actions are driven by a deep loyalty to the President, but also by a desire to maintain his own power and influence.
FAQ 7: Does the shooting change Fitz’s political agenda?
The shooting does influence Fitz’s political agenda, although not immediately or dramatically. It solidifies his resolve to address certain issues, but also makes him more cautious and pragmatic. The experience also fuels his internal struggle between idealism and the realities of political power.
FAQ 8: What happens to Verna Thornton after she shoots Fitz?
Verna’s involvement is initially concealed. After the attempted shooting, she dies of her terminal illness; thus, the real motives for the assassination remain a secret. The investigation eventually reveals her role, leaving a legacy of betrayal and unresolved questions.
FAQ 9: How does the shooting affect the other characters in the show?
The shooting has a ripple effect on all the main characters, forcing them to re-evaluate their priorities and their relationships. It exposes hidden truths, triggers internal conflicts, and reshapes the dynamics of the entire “Scandal” universe.
FAQ 10: Is there a second assassination attempt on Fitz later in the series?
While there aren’t any additional successful assassination attempts, Fitz continues to face numerous threats and attempts on his life throughout the remainder of the series. The constant danger becomes a recurring theme, highlighting the precariousness of his position.
FAQ 11: How does the show portray the security surrounding the President after the shooting?
The show increases the level of security surrounding the President after the shooting, but also explores the limitations and vulnerabilities of even the most sophisticated security measures. The constant threat of violence remains a palpable presence, underscoring the challenges of protecting a public figure in a world of political intrigue and personal vendettas.
FAQ 12: What is the overall significance of the shooting in the context of the “Scandal” narrative?
The shooting of Fitz Grant is a pivotal moment that fundamentally alters the course of the series. It exposes the deep-seated corruption within the political system, reshapes the relationships between the characters, and serves as a constant reminder of the high stakes involved in the world of “Scandal.” It is a defining event that continues to resonate throughout the remaining seasons.