Scandal - Season 1 -

: Early episodes utilize a "case-of-the-week" format—like clearing a war hero of murder—to mirror Olivia's own internal struggles with secrecy and forbidden love .

: The season-long arc involving Amanda Tanner, a White House aide claiming an affair with Fitz, serves as the ultimate test for Olivia. She must manage the reputation of the man she loves while knowing he might have betrayed her with someone else.

Olivia’s team at Pope & Associates—Stephen, Abby, Harrison, Huck, and newcomer Quinn—are dubbed "Gladiators in Suits" .