Before tonight’s shocking return ofScandalon ABC, EW talked to Kerry Washington, a.k.a.
the indomitable Olivia Pope.
But first,SPOILER ALERT!Do not read unless you’ve seen the episode.
Credit: Tony Rivetti/ABC
Shows are moving around all the time.
The length of seasons is constantly changing.
I hoped that our fans would stay with us.
Did it feel different during the shoot?
Childbirth is such a mystery.
You don’t know when a baby is coming.
What was your reaction to the assassination of Frankie (Ricardo Chavira)?I was shocked.
We have already had assassination attempts on our show.
I did not see it coming at all.
Olivia Pope trended after the presidential election.The next morning, yeah.
And you tweeted in response.I did.
However, it also made me anxious because she’s not a real person.
What’s happening to our country is …
I just felt it was important for us to focus on reality and the truth.
It just had to do with the country.
It had to do with our feelings about what had transpired in the real election.
I wasn’t worried about our show.
I was worried about our country.
There was room to create the imaginary world ofThe West Wing.
You’re rocking a lovely cape in the first episode.
Do you rock a lot of capes this season?I do.
Capes are more forgiving for hiding bellies that have babies in them.
How does it feel being back on the air?I missed our fans.
I missed our gladiators as much as they missed us, that’s for sure.
It’s weird to not live-tweet on Thursday night and to not be on that rollercoaster with everybody.
It was very strange.
It’s really exciting and wonderful to be back.
What do you think the chances are of Donald Trump tweeting after your premiere?I don’t know.
Kellyanne Conway said she was a fan of the show.
When did she say that?When I was on Bill Maher [before the election].
I don’t know.
I don’t really want to interpret what her tweets mean.
Scandalairs Thursday nights at 9 p.m.
