Olivia Pope’s journey in “Scandal” is paved with complex moral choices and strategic decisions, often blurred by the lines of right and wrong. The pivotal moment when she takes a life, specifically that of Andrew Nichols, occurs in Season 4, Episode 22, titled “You Can’t Take Command.” This article dissects the events leading up to this controversial act, its immediate repercussions, and its long-lasting impact on Olivia and the other characters.
The Road to Ruin: Andrew Nichols’ Betrayal
Andrew Nichols wasn’t always an antagonist. Initially the Vice President under President Fitzgerald Grant, he quickly ascended to a position of considerable power. However, his ambition and hunger for control led him down a path of treachery and manipulation. He masterminded the kidnapping of Olivia Pope, triggering a national crisis and demonstrating his willingness to cross any line to achieve his goals.
His motivations stemmed from a desire to destabilize the Grant administration and position himself for the presidency. He saw Olivia as a valuable pawn and her capture as a leverage point against Fitz. His actions not only threatened national security but also inflicted immense personal trauma on Olivia, creating a deep-seated animosity that would eventually culminate in her fateful decision.
The “You Can’t Take Command” Showdown
The episode “You Can’t Take Command” is a pressure cooker of tension and escalating conflict. Olivia, finally free from captivity, is determined to hold Andrew accountable for his actions. The episode reveals the full extent of Andrew’s scheming, showcasing his ruthlessness and lack of remorse.
The final confrontation occurs in a private setting. Olivia, having learned of his plans to continue his manipulative games and potentially trigger another national crisis, realizes that Andrew poses an ongoing threat that cannot be contained through legal or political means. He represents a loose end, a potential ticking time bomb. The gravity of the situation, combined with her own trauma and the potential consequences for the country, leads Olivia to make the ultimate, and arguably justifiable, decision to take his life.
The Aftermath: Living with the Consequences
Olivia’s decision to kill Andrew Nichols is a turning point in her character arc. It marks a significant departure from her previous ethical boundaries and forces her to confront the darkness that resides within her. The act profoundly affects her relationships, particularly with Fitz and Jake, and shapes her future choices.
The immediate aftermath is filled with secrecy and cover-ups. Olivia, along with her team at Pope & Associates, works tirelessly to ensure that her involvement remains hidden. This requires intricate planning, manipulation, and a willingness to compromise their own morals. The weight of this secret, and the guilt associated with it, becomes a heavy burden that Olivia carries throughout the remainder of the series.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3: Was Andrew Nichols a sympathetic character?
While Andrew Nichols possessed certain charismatic qualities, his actions throughout the series, particularly his role in Olivia’s kidnapping and his subsequent manipulative schemes, paint him as overwhelmingly unsympathetic. His ambition and disregard for human life ultimately make him a clear antagonist.
H3: Did Olivia act alone in killing Andrew?
No, while Olivia was the one who ultimately took Andrew’s life, she had the tacit support and assistance of her team, particularly Huck. Huck helped her locate Andrew and provided the means necessary to carry out the act.
H3: What were the legal ramifications of Olivia’s actions?
From a legal perspective, Olivia’s actions constituted murder. However, due to her influence and the extensive cover-up orchestrated by her team, she faced no legal repercussions. This highlights the show’s exploration of the ethical compromises made in the pursuit of power and the manipulation of the justice system.
H3: How did Fitz react to Olivia’s killing of Andrew?
Fitz was initially unaware of Olivia’s involvement in Andrew’s death. When he eventually learns the truth, he is conflicted. While he understands her motivations and the threat Andrew posed, he struggles with the moral implications of her actions. This creates further tension in their already complicated relationship.
H3: Did Olivia ever express remorse for killing Andrew?
While Olivia never explicitly expresses remorse in a traditional sense, she clearly carries the weight of her decision. Her actions are driven by a sense of necessity and self-preservation, but the act undoubtedly leaves a scar on her conscience. The subsequent seasons explore her struggle to reconcile her actions with her moral compass.
H3: What impact did Andrew’s death have on the political landscape?
Andrew’s death removed a significant player from the political stage. His absence eliminated a potential threat to the Grant administration and paved the way for new power dynamics to emerge. While his death was kept secret, his influence continued to be felt through the various schemes he had set in motion.
H3: How did killing Andrew change Olivia as a character?
The killing of Andrew Nichols marked a significant turning point in Olivia’s character development. It forced her to confront the darkness within herself and to grapple with the ethical compromises she was willing to make to protect her clients and her country. This event contributed to her eventual decision to embrace her power and become Command of B613.
H3: Was killing Andrew the only option available to Olivia?
The show presents the situation as one where all other options were exhausted. Andrew’s history of manipulation and his clear intent to continue undermining the government led Olivia to believe that killing him was the only way to ensure the safety and stability of the nation. However, this remains a matter of debate, and alternative solutions could potentially have been explored.
H3: Did anyone else suspect Olivia’s involvement in Andrew’s death?
While the official narrative was that Andrew died of natural causes or as a result of a pre-existing condition, several characters, including Cyrus Beene, harbored suspicions about Olivia’s involvement. However, due to the lack of concrete evidence and Olivia’s skilled manipulation, their suspicions never materialized into formal accusations.
H3: How did the writers justify Olivia’s decision to kill Andrew?
The writers justified Olivia’s decision by highlighting the extreme circumstances and the potential consequences of allowing Andrew to continue his schemes. They portrayed him as a clear and present danger who posed a significant threat to national security. This created a situation where Olivia’s actions, while morally questionable, could be seen as a necessary evil.
H3: Was this the only time Olivia took a life in “Scandal”?
While this was arguably the most significant and consequential instance of Olivia taking a life directly, she was involved in or indirectly responsible for other deaths throughout the series. This contributed to the overall theme of moral ambiguity and the blurring of lines between right and wrong.
H3: How does “Scandal” use Andrew’s death to explore themes of power and corruption?
Andrew’s death serves as a powerful example of how power can corrupt and how individuals in positions of authority are often willing to cross ethical boundaries to achieve their goals. The show uses this event to explore the complex relationship between power, corruption, and the compromises that are often made in the name of national security.