5eps21: Scandal - Season

: Jake attempts to escape Rowan Pope’s influence, even sending a secret plea for help to Olivia via Edison. Rowan, however, maintains his "master of the universe" status by forcing Jake into the political spotlight to secure a half-billion-dollar inheritance.

: After a season of being sidelined, Cyrus maneuvers himself into the VP slot for the Democratic ticket, solidifying his role as a primary antagonist for the upcoming election. Finale Impact Scandal - Season 5Eps21

chooses Cyrus Beene as his running mate, marking Cyrus's successful return to a position of power. : Jake attempts to escape Rowan Pope’s influence,

The episode sets the stage for the final seasons by establishing two formidable tickets: vs. Francisco Vargas/ Cyrus Beene . It effectively closes the chapter on Fitz’s presidency and transitions Olivia from a "fixer" to a political mastermind mirroring the methods of her father. Finale Impact chooses Cyrus Beene as his running

: President Fitz finally learns Olivia’s "big secret"—her abortion—which leads to a moment of shared understanding rather than a typical explosive confrontation. Major Character Shifts

: The episode revolves around the Republican and Democratic candidates finalizing their tickets.

selects Jake Ballard as her VP candidate, a move orchestrated by Olivia to save Jake from her father’s control.