Ms.Olivia Pope or HO-Livia

I've always been a big cable TV watcher ever since I was a little girl; which for those who truly know me certainly comes as no surprise. Who really likes censored TV anyway? Give me true grit over semi glossed reality any day! But, every now and then a network TV show comes along that hits home for me; and "Scandal" featuring the ever so everything Kerry Washington just happens to be one of them. The simple fact that a black woman can have such a high profile character on a prime time network TV show is awesome in its self. Then, throw in this character being simply gorgeous, while sleeping with the president (fictional or not), on top of said female being the smartest character on the show; proves though as African Americans we still have a ways to go, on the equality front lines some progress has been made. The last Black woman we all loved and admired on network TV was "Claire Huxtable". As a respected wife, mother, brilliant legal mind, and all around gorgeous sister; Claire had little black girls everywhere shooting for the stars, hoping to be lucky enough to clutch just a taste of her imaginary life- for real. Fast forward 20 years! Now, not only can a sister have her cake; but she can eat it too- ON TV! Shonda had her finger on the pulse of society real good to foresee the nationwide acceptance this "Scandal" could possibly achieve. For someone in Shondas' position to take a chance this big in her seamlessly flawless TV career- Huge Risk. Usually Black TV writers don't try to push past the normal stereotypes set in place for African-Americans in this medium of entertainment. Keeping their jobs as safe and secure as possible is ordinarily priority one. So, from now on when they talk about big risks equaling huge rewards in the future of TV; all they'll have to say is, "Let's pull a Shonda". Considering the huge success of this program, these characters on "Scandal" will shortly be etched into TV history. Bravo Ms. Rhimes! Job very well done.

Olivia Pope is every woman's fantasy and nightmare equally. This character's power of persuasion is comparable to a witch's magic wand; except Olivia's wand is a cell phone, that she wields like a gladiator with a sword. The fantasy is we all secretly at times want to be her; and the nightmare is we all pray never to come up against her. Even when Olivia Pope is indecisive about what she really wants, somehow she seems to get exactly what she wanted anyway. I don't know One woman who wouldn't want to possess these qualities for herself; regardless if she admits to it or not. So, when I happen upon open discussions about Ms. Pope's character I can't wait to hear what people are going to say. Of course, the most interesting debates are about her on again off again affair with the married President Fitzgerald Grant; which personally I think is one of the best interracial relationships ever displayed on TV. Season 2 Liv &Fitz in the media closet with Stevie Wonder singing, "I Don't Know Why I Love You" in the back drop?! Are you kidding me!! #2FNHOT!! I listen to these women go back and forth, either fighting for Olivia's respect or trying to damn her to hell; and at times this is nearly as entertaining as watching the show. Some of my favorite arguments are about it all being Mellie's fault, or what a coward Fitz is for not leaving an unhappy marriage to be with the love of his life. Well, to listen to the menfolk discuss this topic is even more comical! Mostly all the men I know (that watch the show of course) agree on the fact that Olivia is a HO, and also agree that Fitz would be stupid to not engage in the affair; this is normally when the conversation turns completely misogynistic, forcing me to leave the vicinity promptly. Now, I rarely ever hear anyone side with Mellie; given we all hate her to death for being a soulless political animal. On a few occasions I've heard a misguided soul or two waving a justice for Mellie flag; which prompted me to simply say a quick prayer for their marriage, since it was obvious their husband was a cheating bastard...lol!! All and all its obvious that America Loves a Good "Scandal"; and if you don't believe me, just check the ratings baby- Huge Audience. 

Personally I don't care whether Ms. Pope is a Slut or a Saint. What I do care about is this character has become a gladiator for Black women on TV; giving us the ability to open doors that were previously closed. Can a Black woman successfully lead a cast in a prime time network television show? We can now say yes to that. Can a Black woman as a leading lady maintain high national viewership as well as approval; while carrying on a believable affair with a White man- on TV? Or, with a married White man- on TV? Or, a married White man still married to a White woman? Better yet, a married White man who's President of the United States?! We can now emphatically say yes to all these questions. Bravo ladies, awesome work! Before Olivia Pope the answer to these questions would've either been a flat out "No" or just completely gone unanswered altogether. Before Olivia Pope there would be no reason (or good enough data) to justify Green Lighting a project like "Scandal". So now I want to keep it funky with you all, and drop this mad science like an atomic bomb! Humans being are just that- human beings. Success is success, sex is sex, and Love is Love.  If a Black woman is good enough to save the Presidents' ass, then she should be equally good enough to get some of that Presidential "Hot Sex on a Platter" Amen. Mistresses aren't always dumb girls, and dumb girls aren't always mistresses. Honestly, most of the dumb girls I've known have been wives. Hell, I was stupid enough to marry my ex-husband! On a more serious note, I just wanted to take out this time and say thank you to:

Shonda, Kerry, Tony, Bellamy, Columbus, Darby, Jeff, Katie, Joshua & Guillermo. Thanks for giving us something great to do with our Thursday nights for 3 Seasons; and thank you for helping to change the perception of my people in TV Land! Don't forget to watch and support this awesome TV show. "Scandal" Thursday nights at 10pm est on ABC. So, do you think Fitz really killed Liv's Mom or what?!