SCANDAL (fka: Damage Control)...AMANDA’S ROOM WHITE HOUSE OVAL OFFICE CHEZ HENRI CONFERENCE ROOM . SCANDAL “Sweet Baby” DAY / NIGHT CHRONOLOGY NIGHT 1 A1,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,A11,

-NOTICE- © 2011, ABC Studios. All Rights Reserved. This material is the exclusive property of ABC Studios and is intended solely for the use of its personnel. Distribution to unauthorized persons or reproduction, in whole or in part, without written consent of ABC Studios is strictly prohibited.

EXEC. PRODUCER: SHONDA RHIMES EXEC. PRODUCER: BETSY BEERS

CO-EXEC. PRODUCER: JUDY SMITH

SCANDAL (fka: Damage Control)

“Sweet Baby”

Written by Shonda Rhimes

Directed by

Paul McGuigan

FINAL DRAFT October 5, 2011

Shoot Dates: 3/8/11 - 3/25/11

Reshoot Date: 10/4/11

SCANDAL

“Sweet Baby”

CHARACTER LIST

ABBY WHELAN CYRUS HARRISON WRIGHT HUCK OLIVIA POPE PRESIDENT “FITZ” FITZGERALD GRANT QUINN PERKINS STEPHEN FINCH Aide Ariel Masse David Howie Amanda Tanner Lisa Mellie Grant Oskar Polish Ambassador Polish Ambassador’s Wife “Sully” Sullivan St. James Vlad Wally Georgia

SCANDAL

“Sweet Baby”

SET LIST

INTERIORS EXTERIORS

OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM WAREHOUSE DISTRICT CORRIDOR WAREHOUSE STEPHEN’S OFFICE OLIVIA’S OFFICE GEORGETOWN BROWNSTONE LADIES ROOM STAIRWELL LAFAYETTE SQUARE PARK BAR CAMP DAVID WAREHOUSE PARK ELEVATOR MATTY’S PUB APARTMENT BUILDING CORRIDOR WASHINGTON DC MORGUE DC STREET PAIGE’S APARTMENT/LIVING ROOM SMITHSONIAN MUSEUM CAMP DAVID MAIN HOUSE BANK SECURITY OFFICE POLICE STATION HOLDING HOLDING CELL HOSPITAL CORRIDOR AMANDA’S ROOM WHITE HOUSE OVAL OFFICE CHEZ HENRI CONFERENCE ROOM

SCANDAL

“Sweet Baby”

DAY / NIGHT CHRONOLOGY

NIGHT 1 A1,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,A11,

B11,C11,D11,E11,F11,G11,11, A12,B12,C12,12,A13,B13,C13, 15,17,19,A20,B20,20,21,24,27

DAY 2 27,28,29,30,AA31,A31,31,32,

33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41, 42

NIGHT 2 43,44,45,46,47,48,49,50, 51,52,53 DAY 3 54 NIGHT 3 55,56,57

SCANDAL: "Sweet Baby" 10-5-11 FINAL 1.

SCANDAL(aka DAMAGE CONTROL)

(aka Untitled Shonda Rhimes Pilot)

"Sweet Baby"

ACT ONE

NOTE: The pace of the dialogue is lightning fast. Theseare not people who linger over words.

FADE IN:

A1 EXT. DC STREET - NIGHT A1

Quick shots: The Capitol Building, a pair of high heeledfeet hurrying along a sidewalk, a woman jaywalks across abusy street...

1 INT. BAR - NIGHT 1

A Washington DC bar. Upscale. Young and intense in thatway that means everyone is holding a martini and scanningthe room for people more important than they are. It's notdrinks, it's a competition. And the winner is HARRISON (late20s). At least, he ACTS like the winner. Right now, he'sat a table, drink in hand. QUINN (20s) comes in. Quinnhates the fact that people assume that because she is pretty,she is not smart. Because she is. Smart.

QUINNHarrison Wright?

HARRISONQuinn Perkins.

QUINNI can't stay.

HARRISONWhat are you drinking?

QUINNI can't stay. I'm sorry. I onlycame because Lori wouldn't give meyour number so I could cancel and Ididn't want you to be waiting herebecause getting stood up in thisparticular bar is like falling facedown on a runway and even though Idon't know you, Lori's got thisannoying habit of meddling, so itseemed only decent to-

(CONTINUED)

SCANDAL: "Sweet Baby" 10-5-11 FINAL 1A.

1 CONTINUED: 1

HARRISONWhat are you drinking?

QUINNI can't stay, is what I am saying. I don't do blind dates.

(CONTINUED)


1 CONTINUED: (2) 1

HARRISONMy parents met on a blind date. Been inseparable ever since.

QUINNI'm happy for your parents. And foryou because it means you exist. ButI-

HARRISONThis isn't a blind date.

QUINNWhat?

HARRISONIt's a job interview. What are youdrinking?

He's flagged down a waiter. Quinn hesitates, then sits.

QUINNDirty martini. -- What do you meanthis is a job interview?

HARRISONThis is a job interview.

QUINNYou're a baby lawyer. You're 12years old.

HARRISONI'm 28 years old.

QUINNWhy aren't we sitting in an officein a law firm?

HARRISONBecause that's not how we do jobinterviews.

QUINNI didn't apply for a job with you.

HARRISONYou did.

(CONTINUED)


1 CONTINUED: (3) 1

QUINNI didn't.

HARRISONYou did.

Quinn stands. She's no longer amused.

QUINNOkay, you know what? This hasbeen...whatever, but I don't do blinddates so-

HARRISONAsk me who I work for.

QUINNWhat?

HARRISONYou really wanna ask me who I workfor.

QUINNFine. Who do you work for?

HARRISONOlivia Pope.

Quinn sits back down. Stunned.

QUINNOlivia Pope? THE Olivia Pope?

(glee to insanity todespair)

Wait. Shut up. Wait. (don't fuck with me)

Is this some kind of ploy to make mestay on this date?

Harrison reels in his fish.

HARRISONQuinn, this is not a blind date. Onblind dates, I like to buy a woman dinner because it makes her morelikely to either sleep with me orgive me a second date. When I buyyou dinner, you'll know I'minterested. You did apply for a jobwith me.

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)


1 CONTINUED: (4) 1

HARRISON (CONT'D)The way I know you applied for a jobwith me is that I have your resumeon my iPad. The way I know you wouldkill puppies to get this job is thatyou stopped breathing when I saidthe name Olivia Pope. Which is atell, your tell, and you should lookat that because I'm going to offeryou a crap salary and you'll have totake it because you never learned tobreathe in and out without stopping. But don't feel bad about it becausewe all get paid crap salaries becausewe're the good guys. I'm a good guywhich means I don't generally liebut I did to you. This is not a jobinterview.

QUINNWait. I don't...I'm confused.

HARRISONOlivia already told me to hire you. The job is yours. If you want it. It's the best job you'll ever have. You will change lives, you will slaydragons, you will love the hunt morethan you ever dreamed. Because OliviaPope is as amazing as they say. AndI am not a baby lawyer, I am agladiator in a suit. Because that'swhat you are when you work for Olivia. A gladiator in a suit. You wanna bea gladiator in a suit?

His enthusiasm is mesmerizing. And true. Quinn nods.

HARRISON (CONT'D)You gotta say it.

And Quinn takes a deep breath...

QUINNI wanna be a gladiator in a suit.

TITLE CARD.

2 OMITTED 2


3 INT. WAREHOUSE ELEVATOR - NIGHT 3

OLIVIA (30s) rides up. Stylish but weary, too smart for herown good. People tend to underestimate her. That's amistake. Next to her is STEPHEN (30s), he carries a SMALLBLACK SUITCASE. STEPHEN's handsome and male and brilliantin a way that makes you worried you'll do somethinginappropriate like lick him. Right now, he's very unhappy.

STEPHENWe're gonna get killed.

OLIVIADid you propose? Weren't you goingto ask her tonight?

STEPHENI was doing this tonight -- 'Liv,we're gonna get killed. We're shortthree million dollars.

OLIVIASo you flaked. -- Why are we short?

STEPHENThe Ambassador couldn't come up withthe rest, which is a problem, it's avery big problem and why we shouldn'teven be going in there right now --And I did not flake. I'm working. For you.

OLIVIADon't worry, they'll take what wegive them -- did you at least buythe engagement ring?

STEPHENOlivia. Ukranian mobsters do not'take what you give them,' they justshoot you. So we have bigger problemsthan me not proposing to mygirlfriend. We are in a situationhere. Focus. Do what you do.

A beat.

(CONTINUED)


3 CONTINUED: 3

OLIVIAYou really should have proposed...

And the elevator opens onto...

4 INT. WAREHOUSE - CONTINUOUS 4

Where two men in expensive suits are waiting. They looklike businessmen. Or stockbrokers. Let's call them OSKAR(40s) and VLAD (50s). They're Russian and scary. There's aBOX on the table in the corner. Olivia is calm, confident.

OLIVIAGood evening, gentlemen.

OSKARYou got the money?

OLIVIAOf course. All three million.

She nods to the suitcase Stephen's holding. He holds it upas if to say 'here it is,' smiles weakly. Oskar and Vladglare at Olivia.

OSKARWe said six.

OLIVIADid we?

OSKARWe did.

OLIVIAI have three.

OSKARThat's a problem.

Stephen shoots Olivia a look, like "told you."

OLIVIAWell, it's all the Ambassador had onsuch short notice, so you'll justhave to take it.

(CONTINUED)


4 CONTINUED: 4

Olivia moves towards the box on the table. Vlad shifts, andwe suddenly notice he's got a gun resting on his thigh. Stephen sees it right away, puts out a hand to stop her.

OSKARLeave the three. When you come backwith the rest, we have a deal.

OLIVIAThat's not gonna happen, Oskar.

OSKARNo?

OLIVIANyet. What's going to happen is,you and Vlad are going to take thethree million and leave right nowfor Dulles to make your flight tothe Motherland. The reason you'regoing to want to go right now, besidesthe fact that it's just good travelsense to leave yourself enough timefor International check-in, is inexactly four hours and fifteenminutes, both of your names are goingto suddenly 'pop up' on HomelandSecurity's no-fly list. Lucky foryou, you're booked on a flight thatleaves in two and a half hours. Soif it were me, I'd much rather spendthree million dollars in Kiev thanhere in Georgetown, way more bangfor your buck. In fact, it may evenfeel like six once you're there.

Olivia smiles sweetly at Oscar, who looks slightly worried. He exchanges a look with Vlad, then nods.

(CONTINUED)


4 CONTINUED: (2) 4

OLIVIA (CONT'D)Good boys. So if we have a deal,I'm gonna take what we paid for.

They nod. Olivia steps forward, gently picks up the box.

OLIVIA (CONT'D)It was a pleasure doing businesswith you. I thank you. My clientthanks you. I hope to never see youagain.

And she and Stephen back out the door with the box.

5 EXT. WAREHOUSE - CONTINUOUS 5

Stephen and Olivia head for their cars with the box.

STEPHENGod, I love this job.

6 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/LOBBY - NIGHT 6

The office is old and interesting, as elegant, warm and vintageas Olivia herself. Harrison and Quinn step off the elevator.

QUINNDo I look okay?

HARRISONToo much cleavage. Olivia will talkabout you. Just take it in.

He passes HUCK, high fives him as he moves by.

HARRISON (CONT'D)That's Huck. He's our tech guy. Used to be CIA. Right, Huck?

(CONTINUED)


6 CONTINUED: 6

HUCKI don't talk about that. New girl?

HARRISONNew girl.

Huck keeps moving.

QUINNAre you sure she's here? It's late...

HARRISONShe's here. She's always here.

They round a corner and inside the glass walls of theconference room, Olivia, Stephen and ABBY (30s) are visible. They're eating Chinese food, Olivia's sitting on the table,shoes kicked off, the basket beside her. ABBY's cheerfuland witty but really she's a predator in sheep's clothing.

HARRISON (CONT'D)That's Stephen and that's Abby. He's a litigator, she's aninvestigator. And that's...

QUINN(awestruck)

Olivia Pope. (beat)

Wait. Why did she wanna hire me? Imean, me?

HARRISONCome on.

7 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/CONFERENCE ROOM - CONTINUOUS 7

Olivia has one hand inside the basket. We can't see why.

OLIVIAI'm not doing it.

ABBYWell, I'm not doing it either.

STEPHENDo NOT look at me.

Harrison and Quinn enter.

(CONTINUED)


7 CONTINUED: 7

HARRISONHow'd it go?

OLIVIAWe gave them three million, theygave us the package.

STEPHENTwo guns to her head, the womandoesn't flinch.

OLIVIAWe're just waiting for pick up. Toomuch cleavage.

She's looking at Quinn.

QUINNI'm sorry, I didn't know I was cominghere...can I just say, I'm a hugefan, I so admire your work in theWhite House, it's an honor to workfor your law firm.

She's nervous, gushing.

OLIVIAWe're not a law firm. We're lawyersbut this is not a law firm.

STEPHENLaw firms are for pansies.

OLIVIAWe...solve problems.

ABBYManage crises. Save reputations.

QUINNOf course. Right. Still...an honor.

OLIVIAHarrison feed you a line about beinga gladiator in a suit?

HARRISONLiv...

QUINNHe did. And I'm ready. To gladiate. Or...whatever.

(CONTINUED)


7 CONTINUED: (2) 7

Olivia reaches into the basket. And pulls out a baby. Anactual live baby. Holds it like a grenade.

OLIVIAYou know how to gladiate a diaperchange?

Quinn stares at the baby, stunned. Then the elevator dingsand three white men in suits rush in followed by the POLISHAMBASSADOR and his WIFE. When she sees the baby...

WIFEBAZYLI!

She's crying, moving forward, pulling the baby from Olivia'shands into her arms. The Ambassador turns to Olivia.

AMBASSADORThank you, thank you. When theRussians kidnapped him, Ithought...but you've returned my sonto me. Thank you.

And he pulls her in for a hug. One of the men in suitsdiscreetly hands Stephen a check. He checks the amount,smiles. The ambassador is still hugging Olivia.

AMBASSADOR (CONT'D)Anything I can do for you. Anything.

STEPHENIf you have a second child, Oliviais a beautiful name.

OLIVIAMr. Ambassador, you can take yourson back to your consulate and keephim safe. And you can never tellanyone about this. The FBI is sickof me.

AMBASSADOROf course. Thank you, thank you.

And they go. Stephen holds up a hand for silence and ourguys wait, a little breathless, until the Ambassador's groupis out the door before...they celebrate. Some high fives,some cheers. Stephen spins Abby around; she breathes himin, flustered. Olivia beams, pulls on her coat. Ready tohead home.

OLIVIAGood work, everyone.

(CONTINUED)


7 CONTINUED: (3) 7

And then Huck enters. Urgent.

HUCKWe've got incoming.

(CONTINUED)


7 CONTINUED: (4) 7

STEPHENIt's after hours. We're going home. Take a message.

HUCKNot on the phone. Here. And youwanna talk to him.

Olivia heads out. Everyone follows her.

8 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/LOBBY - CONTINUOUS 8

Olivia and the others enter. There's a MAN (32) there. Handsome and charismatic in a John Edwards way. He has anoticeable limp -- a war injury that only makes him seemmore heroic. Right now, though, his shirt and part of hisface are covered in blood. He eyes them panicked and lost. And Olivia slips off her coat. Knowing her day isn't over.

MANI...I didn't know where else to go. I had a friend...he recommended you.

OLIVIAYou're Sully St. James.

He nods. Immediately Stephen, Harrison and Abby whip outtheir iPhones. Start searching. Speak low to one another.

STEPHENWar hero?

ABBYIraqi Attacker.

Sully's frantic.

SULLYYou gotta help me. Somebody has tohelp me. Please...

(devastated)My girlfriend. She's dead. And thepolice think I killed her.

Harrison very calmly uses his phone to take a photo of Sully. Then he leans over to Quinn.

HARRISONWelcome to Olivia Pope and Associates.

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT ONE


ACT TWO

9 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/OLIVIA'S OFFICE - NIGHT 9

Through the glass we can see Sully sitting in the conferenceroom. Someone's given him a towel and he uses it to wipethe blood from his face. Outside the glass, Harrison,Stephen, Quinn and Olivia watch him. Abby arrives, handsout a sheaf of papers.

ABBYLieutenant Colonel Sullivan "Sully"St. James, age 32, did two tours inIraq, was injured saving the livesof his entire unit. A war hero.

STEPHENAnd not just any war hero. The firstliving Marine awarded theCongressional Medal of Honor foraction in any war since Vietnam.

ABBYA famous war hero. Working class,patriotic, comes from a long line ofsoldiers. Here he is with thePresident. Also? Sexiest Man Alive2010.

She passes the photos forward. Olivia looks at them.

OLIVIAPoster boy for the military.

ABBYAnd for the conservative right. That's how he makes his living. Hegives expensive speeches. Makes afortune. He's anti-choice, pro-gun,hates the gays and likes it whenkids pray in school.

STEPHENAbby-

ABBYI'm just saying he sickens mepolitically, I'm not saying weshouldn't help him. From what Icould find, Sully's a straightshooter, no dirty laundry.

(CONTINUED)


9 CONTINUED: 9

OLIVIAEverybody has secrets.

ABBYWell he's not showing any.

(CONTINUED)


9 CONTINUED: (2) 9

HARRISONWho's the dead girlfriend?

Abby hands Olivia a photo. The dead girl smiles out at us,happier times.

ABBYPaige Montgomery, 27. Rich girl,good family.

Huck arrives.

HUCKIt's on the police scanners. Girlwas found dead in her apartment,three shots to the head.

HARRISONThree? That's not an accident.

HUCKSully called 911 but took off beforethe police arrived.

Quinn raises her hand. They look at her.

QUINNWhat do we...can I ask? What do wedo? I mean, if we aren't defenselawyers, we're not the StatesAttorney, it looks like he did itso...what do we do? What CAN we do?

OLIVIAAnything and everything. Our job isdamage control. First, we interviewSully.

Olivia looks in at Sully...

10 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/CONFERENCE ROOM - NIGHT 10

Our team (Olivia, Abby, Stephen, Quinn, and Harrison) arewith Sully. Stephen paces the room -- he's not a sitter. Quinn follows Harrison's lead and takes notes. Sully'semotional, trying for composure.

SULLYI was gonna propose. We were gonnaget married. She was...Paige waseverything to me...she was my bestfriend...


A11 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/OLIVIA'S OFFICE - NIGHT A11

Harrison, Abby, Stephen, Huck, Olivia and Quinn. Olivia'stalking.

OLIVIAWe listen to him. We watch him.

B11 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/CONFERENCE ROOM - NIGHT B11

Quinn's watching, moved. But everyone else is just watching.

OLIVIADid you kill her?

SULLYNo! I would never...I loved her.

HARRISONWhere'd the blood come from?

C11 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/OLIVIA'S OFFICE - NIGHT C11

Harrison, Abby, Stephen, Huck, Olivia and Quinn. Olivia'stalking.

OLIVIAIn this moment, we are the judge andwe are the jury. The media and thepublic opinion.

D11 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/CONFERENCE ROOM - NIGHT D11

And we're back to Sully and our guys...

SULLYI went to her apartment. I...I foundher like that. I held her. Shewas...there was so much blood. Icalled the police. And then Ijust...I panicked. I'm on TV, youknow? I didn't know what to...Ithought they would think I did it. I panicked...I'm sorry...

E11 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/OLIVIA'S OFFICE - NIGHT E11

Back to Olivia talking to the team.

(CONTINUED)


E11 CONTINUED: E11

OLIVIAThis is the moment when we decidewho he is.

F11 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/CONFERENCE ROOM - NIGHT F11

Back to Sully and the team...

STEPHENWhere were you? During the murder?

SULLYI was...I don't sleep very well. After the war...my arm hurts, I don'twanna take pills...so I walk at night. Around the neighborhood. I waswalking. I stopped in at Matty'sPub, had a beer. Kept walking. Then I went to see Paige...

ABBYDo you own a handgun?

(CONTINUED)


F11 CONTINUED: F11

SULLYNot since I left the military.

(beat, emotional)I can't believe...she's gone, she'sreally gone...Oh God...

Olivia, Abby, Stephen and Harrison exchange looks, weighingthis.

G11 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/OLIVIA'S OFFICE - NIGHT G11

Back to Olivia and her team...

OLIVIAThen we take a vote.

11 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/CORRIDOR - NIGHT 11

The team huddles. Olivia, Harrison, Stephen and Abby. Quinnwatches, it's all moving so fast.

STEPHENI vote no. The guy's a fugitivecovered in blood, not once in thatinterview did he mention wonderingwho killed Paige or say he wanted usto find her killer. We all knowthat's a red flag. He did it.

HARRISONI don't think he did. He's a soldier,a government-issue trained killingmachine, he'd have to be an idiot toget her blood all over himself, call911 and then run. But I still voteno. It's a media hand grenade.

ABBYI don't wanna take it because it'stoo messy, too much work. And Ihate Republicans.

A12 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/OLIVIA'S OFFICE - NIGHT A12

Olivia and the team...

OLIVIAMy vote always comes down to my gut. My gut tells me everything I need toknow.


B12 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/CORRIDOR - NIGHT B12

Olivia stares in at Sully. Shaking, covered in blood, lost.

OLIVIAWe're taking the case.

Stephen throws up his hands. Exasperated.

(CONTINUED)


B12 CONTINUED: B12

STEPHENWhy do we even bother voting?!

Stephen glares at Olivia. She snuggles into him. Soothinghim.

OLIVIAYou're pretty and smart...so pretty,so smart...

And Stephen gives in because, yeah, he's pretty and smart.

C12 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/OLIVIA'S OFFICE - NIGHT C12

OLIVIANext I set the rules.


Olivia looks at Sully. Intense.

OLIVIAWe're going to get you a clean shirt-

A13 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/STEPHEN'S OFFICE - NIGHT A13

Abby shows Sully into the office. Hands him a fresh shirtstill in drycleaning plastic.

OLIVIA (O.S.)-And put you in Stephen's office. You are to stay there. No phonecalls. Not to work, not to friends,not to press. No one.

Sully hands Abby his cell phone. She unhooks the landlinephone from the wall and leaves, taking the phones with her.

OLIVIA (O.S.) (CONT'D)This is on us now. Your job is tostay in that office and let us doour job.

Sully sinks down on to the sofa. Lost.

B13 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/OLIVIA'S OFFICE - NIGHT B13

OLIVIAThen I warn them. I always warnthem.


C13 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/CONFERENCE ROOM - NIGHT C13

And we're back on Sully and our team...

OLIVIAI have one rule. Do not lie. Notto me or to anyone who works for me. You lie, all bets are off. Got it?

Sully nods.

OLIVIA (CONT'D)Now, is there anything you wannatell me? Because now's your chance.

Sully ducks his head. And we wait, nervous. But when heraises his head, we see that his face is streaked with tears.

SULLYI didn't kill her. She was my bestfriend. I loved her.

(CONTINUED)


C13 CONTINUED: C13

OLIVIASully? It's never going to be okay. She's dead and there's nothing I cando about that. And I'm sorry foryour loss. But the rest? We canfix the rest.

Olivia puts out her hand, takes Sully's. Full of compassion.

13AND14

OMITTED 13AND14


Harrison and Quinn watch as Huck rolls a wooden step ladderinto the room.

OLIVIA (O.S.)Then we go to work...

16 OMITTED 16

17 INT. APARTMENT BUILDING CORRIDOR - NIGHT 17

A police investigation is in progress, cops coming in andout of one of the apartments. Abby approaches homicidedetective WALLY. Cheerful.

(CONTINUED)


17 CONTINUED: 17

ABBYHey Wally. Body still here or didthe morgue take it already?

WALLYGo home. I'm not telling you a thing.

ABBYYou don't have to. I'll just take aquick peek at the crime scene.

WALLYNot on my watch.

ABBYHow's your wife, Wally? She's what,six months pregnant? Does she knowabout the stripper?

WALLYYou're a real bitch, you know that?

ABBYI do know that, Wally.

Wally sighs. Abby beams, sweet.

18 EXT. GEORGETOWN BROWNSTONE - NIGHT 18

Olivia rings the doorbell. Insistent. Never stopping untilit is yanked open. DAVID (40s) glares at her, bleary-eyed.

DAVIDWhy am I not surprised that you'reon this?

OLIVIAYou have to give me 48 hours beforeyou arrest or charge Sully St. James.

DAVIDI was sleeping.

OLIVIAThe US Attorney's Office never sleeps. You told me that once.

DAVIDI was being ironic.

OLIVIA48 hours before you arrest or charge.

(CONTINUED)


18 CONTINUED: 18

DAVIDOlivia, you don't have the muscle ofthe White House behind you anymore. You're just a private citizen whois, by the way, annoying-

OLIVIAHe's a decorated war hero. He's apatriot. You realize the blowbackyou'll get for rushing to judgmenton a patriot?

DAVIDThe blowback you'll create?

OLIVIAWell...yes. That's my job.

DAVIDDo you actually have the naive beliefthat waking me up in the middle ofthe night and threatening me is thecorrect path to getting your way?

OLIVIAI wasn't threatening you. He didn'tkill her. My gut says he didn't.

DAVIDYour Spidey senses aren't evidence. I've been on the phone with Homicide. He killed her and ran.

OLIVIA48 hours before you arrest or charge.

He starts to shut the door. Olivia wedges her body in thedoor's path, keeping it open.

OLIVIA (CONT'D)I can have a reporter out here in 20minutes. With cameras. Asking whyyou are persecuting an innocent,handicapped, Congressional Medal ofHonor winner. Perhaps because he'sa well-known conservative Republican and you are considering a bid on theDemocratic ticket next year?

(beat)Just to be clear? That? Was methreatening you.

A beat. David eyes her.

(CONTINUED)


18 CONTINUED: (2) 18

DAVIDYou have until morning.

OLIVIA36 hours.

DAVID24 hours.

OLIVIASold. Pleasure to see you again.

She's already heading away. David stares after her.



Harrison and Quinn begin to pin pieces of paper to the walls. Photos of Paige and Sully. Harrison pins two typed up pages.

QUINNWhat are those?

HARRISONTwo statements for the press. Oneif he's arrested. One if we clearhis name.

They work a beat.

QUINNSo you guys don't have secretariesor assistants or anything? It'sjust...you guys?

HARRISONSecretaries and assistants havefriends who are also secretaries andassistants. They talk. We? Don'ttalk. To anyone.

Olivia moves past the door. Calling out.

OLIVIAWe have 24 hours!

A20 INT. PAIGE'S APARTMENT/LIVING ROOM - NIGHT A20

As cops swirl around the crime scene, Abby stands in thecenter of the room. Pulls out her camera. Turns slowly,taking photos of every angle of the room. Clicking, clicking,clicking on the dead body on the living room floor.

B20 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/CONFERENCE ROOM - NIGHT B20

Harrison and Quinn pin up Abby's crime scene photos.

QUINNSo you guys don't try cases? Youdon't go to court?

HARRISONIf we do our job right, we neverneed to go to court. Look, the reasonwe're not a law firm? We don't haveto play within the rules of the law. We're fixers, crisis managers.

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)


B20 CONTINUED: B20

HARRISON (CONT'D)We make the problems of our clientsgo away. Big or small. It's notabout solving some crime. It's notabout justice. It's about our client.

20 INT. WASHINGTON DC MORGUE - NIGHT 20

Stephen enters. Smiles at LISA. She doesn't smile back.

STEPHENLisa...

LISANo.

STEPHENLisa...

LISANO. You didn't call me.

STEPHENI'm an ass.

LISAWho slept with me and didn't callme.

(CONTINUED)


20 CONTINUED: 20

STEPHENI'm getting married.

She pauses, surprised.

LISAYou? You are getting married. You.

STEPHENHer name is Georgia, she teaches 3rdgrade. Which is why, as much as I'dlike to, I can't do it with you inthe freezer anymore.

LISALook at that. He evolves.

(beat, grudging)What do you want?

STEPHENI need you to fast track an autopsy,slip me the report. Body just camein. Paige Montgomery.


Harrison and Quinn pin up photos from the autopsy, copies ofthe report.

QUINNIs it true Olivia is close friendswith the President?

HARRISONYou ask a lot of questions.

22 OMITTED 22


23 OMITTED 23


Olivia's on the phone, pacing. Huck appears in the doorway.

HUCKYou want me to hack?

Olivia holds up a finger, telling him to wait.

OLIVIADuffy, I'm not saying don't writeyour article. I'm saying he's adecorated war hero who loved hisgirlfriend and maybe you can wait tosay he did it until you have all thefacts. I'm saying the autopsy reportdoesn't tell us anything except thatshe was shot three times so it wouldbe overzealous to describe this as acrime of passion. I'm not gonnatell you how to do your job, you'rebrilliant, I'm just saying. -- I'llgive you the autopsy report off therecord but you're going to have togive me something. -- Okay. Thankyou.

She hangs up. Looks at Huck.

OLIVIA (CONT'D)Hack.

Huck takes off. Olivia dials the phone again.

OLIVIA (CONT'D)Maureen. Hi, it's Olivia. No, Ihaven't called him yet. No, no, heseems like a nice guy and I appreciateyou trying to fix me up, it's just...Listen. I know you're working up astory on the Paige Montgomery murder and I have the autopsy report here...


25AND26

OMITTED 25AND26


Huck works on his laptop, hacking. Behind him, Harrison andQuinn work. The wall is slowly filling. Huck prints somepages.

HUCKI hacked her Facebook, I'm workingon her email. I hate Google. It'slike a wall with razors at the top. I gotta get over it without losing afinger.

He hands over the papers and goes. Harrison and Quinn pinthose to the wall.

QUINNI'm not complaining. But we've beenhere all night.

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)


27 CONTINUED: 27

QUINN (CONT'D)Don't you people ever sleep? Don'tany of you have wives, boyfriends,kids, lives...?

HARRISONNo.

QUINNOh.

HARRISONGladiators. In suits.

We watch as the wall is slowly filled. We time lapse to DAYand pull back to see Harrison, Quinn, Abby, Olivia and Stephenstanding there. Olivia is staring at the completely filledwall, everyone else is staring at Olivia. Waiting. Then:

OLIVIAWe need more.

STEPHENThe guy's alibi is water, bloodyclothes and he's a runner. He killedher.

ABBYDefinitely killed her.

Olivia points at one of the crime scene photos.

OLIVIAThere. Gun was found on the scene.

ABBYI'll work the cops. Find out ifthere are any fingerprints on thegun.

Then she points to Facebook photo of Sully and Paige together.

OLIVIAAnd there. Look at them, look howhe's looking at her. The bodylanguage. He loves her.

STEPHENA guy in love only kills if he has amotive. If he has a motive, we needto find it before the police do.

(CONTINUED)



OLIVIAWe need more.

Olivia's iPhone beeps. She reads the text. Her face changes.

OLIVIA (CONT'D)I have to step out. I'll be back.

She leaves. Quinn looks at everyone.

QUINNSo what happens now?

HARRISONShe wants more. We get more.

28 EXT. LAFAYETTE SQUARE PARK - DAY 28

Olivia walks through the park directly across from the WhiteHouse. Reaches CYRUS (late 50s), his face betraying theexhaustion of a grueling job. A few steps away, a man withan earpiece waits for Cyrus. Cyrus and Olivia have the easeof old comrades.

(CONTINUED)


28 CONTINUED: 28

OLIVIAWhat.

CYRUS(chiding)

Hi. Hello. How are you.

OLIVIAHi, hello, how are you. What.

CYRUSYou working the Sully St. James thing?

OLIVIAI'm trying to stamp out the flames. If you guys could refrain fromcommenting...

CYRUSWhat's your gut say?

OLIVIAHe didn't do it.

CYRUSYour gut's never wrong. We'll stayquiet. But keep me in the loop.

OLIVIAYou didn't ask me here to talk aboutSully St. James.

CYRUS(reluctant)

He needs a favor.

And Olivia's face closes down. Not liking this.

OLIVIAI don't work for him anymore.

CYRUSHe trusts you.

OLIVIAI don't work for him anymore.

CYRUSAnd yet you came when I called.

A beat. Then Olivia puts her arm through his, leans on him. Giving in. But guarded. Sorry for him, protecting herself.

(CONTINUED)



OLIVIAWhat.

CYRUSThere's a girl, an aide. Going aroundsaying she's sleeping with him.

OLIVIAIs she?

CYRUSLiv-

OLIVIABill Clinton, Monica Lewinsky. JohnEdwards, Rielle Hunter. Is she?

CYRUSNo. You know him, he's not thatguy...I need you to shut her down.

And we're on Olivia as she takes this in.

OLIVIAI need to see him.

CYRUSLiv, that's not possible-

OLIVIAYou want me to shut her down? ThenI need to look him in the eye andknow he's not lying.

CYRUSHe's not... Look, the man's scheduleis insane. He has no time to seeyou.

Olivia hardens.

OLIVIAHe wants the favor, he wants myservices, I don't work for himanymore. So you tell the Presidentof the United States to make time.

And she walks away.

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT TWO


ACT THREE

29 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/OLIVIA'S OFFICE - DAY 29

Olivia's changing her shoes, staring in at Sully as he sits,head down, in Stephen's office. Abby and Stephen are hoveringin her doorway.

STEPHENYou're going?

OLIVIAI'm going.

STEPHENTo Camp David.

OLIVIAI won't be gone long.

STEPHENYou're going to Camp David to meetwith the President...why?

OLIVIAMeeting in the White House is tooofficial. Press is there.

ABBYHe wants you to take your old jobback, doesn't he? He's wooing you.

OLIVIAHe's not wooing me. We're friends.

STEPHENYou and I are friends. He's theleader of the free world. -- Yourlife makes me feel unsuccessful.

OLIVIAStay on Sully, text me if anythinghappens. I'll be back soon.

Olivia grabs her travel mug of coffee, heads out. Abby andStephen follow.


30 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/STAIRWELL - DAY 30

Olivia heads downstairs, Abby and Stephen follow her.

STEPHENHey. Should I really do it?

And Abby keeps curiously quiet during the following:

OLIVIAYes.

STEPHENI'm talking about asking Georgia tomarry me.

OLIVIAYes.

STEPHENBecause I was thinking I'd buy aring today but now with Sully...

OLIVIAStephen, do you want me to talk youinto it or out of it?

STEPHENInto it. Out of it. No. Into it.

OLIVIANormal lives. That's the dream. You love her, she loves you. Normalpeople get married.

STEPHENYou won't even date.

OLIVIAI'm not normal.

AA31 EXT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES OFFICE BUILDING - DAY AA31

Olivia reaches her car. Abby holds out her hand.

OLIVIANo.

ABBYYou know you're not allowed to havecoffee in the car.

(CONTINUED)


AA31 CONTINUED: AA31

OLIVIAI spilled once.

ABBYThat time in Dallas. That time inBoston. Election night...

OLIVIALeave me alone.

ABBYSame reason why no one's allowed togive you gum...

Olivia climbs in her car.

OLIVIASully didn't do it.

STEPHENHe did.

OLIVIAThen prove it.

A31 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/CORRIDOR - DAY A31

Harrison heads down the hall. Quinn rounds a corner. Alittle breathless.

QUINNHuck finally managed to hack Paige'semails. I've been reading them andI think I found something. Paigesent an email to a friend, ArielMasse. On the night of the murder,they were supposed to attend anembassy party together.

She's proud of herself. Until:

HARRISONSo why didn't she go?

QUINNI...I don't know.

HARRISONABBY!!

He looks at Quinn.

(CONTINUED)


A31 CONTINUED: A31

HARRISON (CONT'D)Don't ever say I don't know. Oliviadoesn't believe in I don't know. She asks you why, you better have ananswer.

He heads away. Quinn nods to herself. Lesson learned.

31 INT. SMITHSONIAN MUSEUM - DAY 31

Abby talks to ARIEL MASSE (26), a museum docent.

ARIELYeah, Paige and I had plans to gothe French Consulate dinner. Usuallyshe goes to those things with Sullybut my father got me on the invitelist and it was just a plus one so...

ABBYWhat happened?

ARIELShe called at the last minute andcanceled. No big deal.

But Ariel's shifting back and forth, eager to get away.

ABBYAriel. If there's something you'renot telling me...

Ariel hesitates.

ARIELYou have to understand. Paige lovedSully. She used to be, we both usedto be, you know, party girls. Alwaysout, always with a different guy. We did stuff. Drugs. But then Paigemet Sully and she just...settleddown with him. It made her familyreally happy. They were amazingtogether...

(emotional, crying)I just can't believe she's dead.

ABBYAriel, you can cry. That'sunderstandable. But it's not goingto make me go away. What aren't youtelling me?

(CONTINUED)


31 CONTINUED: 31

Off Ariel...

32 EXT. CAMP DAVID - DAY 32

Two MARINES stand guard at the gates of Camp David. Olivia'sSUV pulls up. She rolls down her window.

OLIVIAOlivia Pope.

She hands one Marine her driver's license. Pops the back ofthe SUV so the other Marine can search her car and peer underit with one of those mirrors on a pole thingies they use. There's a conspicuous coffee stain on her blouse. She takesoff her blouse, puts her suit jacket on over just her bra. Looks at the Marine who eyes her, confused.

OLIVIA (CONT'D)I spilled.

33 INT. CAMP DAVID MAIN HOUSE LIVING ROOM - DAY 33

Olivia is shown in by an aide. Cyrus is waiting.

OLIVIAHi, hello, how are you.

They share a grin.

CYRUSBetter. They're here, they'll beout in a moment.

OLIVIAThe First Lady came? She knows aboutthis?

CYRUSIt's not like during the Election,Liv. The rigors of the White Househave bonded them, the marriage isstronger than ever.

And then MELLIE GRANT (50s) enters the room. Mellie'severything we'd want in a First Lady -- warm, strong andfunny. The every woman.

MELLIELiv!

OLIVIAMellie.

(CONTINUED)


33 CONTINUED: 33

They hug. They genuinely like one another.

MELLIEYou never call, you never write...

OLIVIAYou're a little busy. How're thekids?

MELLIEJerry's adjusting to White Houselife pretty well. Karen...she missesher friends, hates the Secret Service. How are you? Are you dating anybody? Because there's a guy over at theCouncil's Office that I think youwould hit it off with...

OLIVIAI'm good. Really. Thanks.

And then her attention is diverted because PRESIDENTFITZGERALD GRANT (50s) is striding into the room. Fitz ishandsome, charismatic, brilliant and humble. Kennedy-esque. We like him immediately.

FITZLivvie.

OLIVIAMr. President.

And under the watchful eyes of Mellie and Cyrus, they shakehands. Warm but formal.

34 EXT. CAMP DAVID - DAY 34

Fitz, Cyrus and Olivia stroll the grounds, two Secret Serviceagents following not far behind.

FITZI know you have your hands full withthe Sully St. James thing. I can'tthank you enough for taking this on.

Cyrus hands Olivia a packet of papers.

CYRUSHer name is Amanda Tanner. She's 27. I've got rumors she might be talking.

OLIVIAAnd you can't fire her.

(CONTINUED)


34 CONTINUED: 34

CYRUSNot without a nightmare on our hands. Look, she's yet to go the press. I'd like to put a stop to it beforeshe does.

FITZIt's not right. It makes me looklike a dirty old man.

OLIVIAI have to ask...

And Fitz stops walking.

FITZNo. I never. I would never. No.

And she looks at him a long beat. Judging.

FITZ (CONT'D)You've known me for a long time. Longer than most. You know I didnot fall for some young girl. Youknow there's only one person I love.

He's earnest. Needing her to see that he's telling the truth.

CYRUSMellie and Fitz are happy together. He'd have no reason to cheat. Liv...

She hasn't taken her eyes off Fitz, weighing him. But now:

OLIVIAI'll handle it. Consider it handled.

She smiles. Fitz smiles back.

FITZYou should come back to the WhiteHouse. We need you on our side.

OLIVIAI like working for myself. But I'venever left your side.

And she means it. Cyrus claps them both on the back.

CYRUSThe band is back together.


35 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY 35

Harrison and Quinn work on their computers. Olivia movespast the door, turns and comes back.

OLIVIAWhere are we?

HARRISONWaiting for forensics on the gun tocome in.

Abby flies in. She does a little dance.

ABBYPaige is a whore! She was screwingsome guy named Tom Henderson!

She slaps a photo of Tom Henderson on the wall.

ABBY (CONT'D)She canceled on the embassy party tomeet up with him. We have anotherviable suspect! 'Cause Paige is awhore!

(off their looks)Yeah, I know. Calling a dead persona whore is inappropriate. I'm coldand mean, whatever. I'm gonna rundown Henderson, see if I can makesomething stick.

And she goes. Olivia looks at Quinn.

OLIVIAQuinn. I need you to find outeverything you can about an AmandaTanner. You have an hour and then Ineed you to come with me.

And Olivia's gone. Quinn looks at Harrison.

HARRISONImpress her.

And Quinn is off.

36 EXT. PARK - DAY 36

Quinn stands in the park with Olivia. Olivia's watchingpeople walk their dogs. Looking for someone.

(CONTINUED)


36 CONTINUED: 36

QUINNCan I ask what we're...?

OLIVIAYou are acting as my witness. Juststay by my side, don't say anything.

(CONTINUED)



Finally, she spots a young woman walking a dog. AMANDA TANNER(27). She walks up to her, Quinn close behind.

OLIVIA (CONT'D)Cute dog. Golden Retriever?

AMANDAYeah. His name's Thomas Jefferson. Which is lame, I know, but he's veryPresidential. Aren't you, TJ?

Amanda beams at the dog. Olivia's voice is even, professionaland devoid of any warmth.

OLIVIAAmanda. It would be a mistake tothink that there will be noconsequences to you telling liesabout the President.

Amanda stiffens. Quinn looks at Olivia, surprised.

AMANDAHow do you know my name? Who areyou?

OLIVIAMy name is Olivia Pope. And I wantto be clear that I'm not here in anyofficial capacity. I'm only here towarn you. Because you should knowwhat could happen. It could becomehard for you to find employment,your face would be everywhere, peoplewould associate you with a sexscandal. All kinds of informationabout you could easily becomeavailable to the press. For example,you've had 22 sexual partners? Thatwe know of. Also there's that uglybout of gonorrhea. And yourfamily...Your mother's mental illness. A psychotic break? 2 years in BedfordHospital? I bet that's private. She runs a daycare now, right?

Amanda's tearing up, beginning to shake.

AMANDAHe said he loved me. He gave methis dog.

(CONTINUED)



OLIVIASee, it's those kind of lies thatcould hurt you if you said them to other people. People not as nice asme. -- I'll give you some freeadvice. Hand in your resignation. Then pack up your dog and your things,get in your car and go. Find a smallcity. Minneapolis, maybe. Or Denver. Get a little job, meet a boring boy,make some friends. Because, in thistown? Your career is over. You aredone.

AMANDAWhy are you doing this to me? I'm agood person.

OLIVIAYou know who was also a good person? Monica Lewinsky. And she was telling the truth. But she still gotdestroyed.

Amanda grabs her dog's leash, hurries away. Quinn standsthere, shell-shocked. Olivia looks at her.

OLIVIA (CONT'D)If you get subpoenaed in front of agrand jury, you can testify as anofficer of the court that I wasworking on my own, I didn't blackmailor threaten her. If you don't getsubpoenaed, this never happened.

And she heads out of the park. It takes Quinn a moment tofollow her. Up ahead, Olivia dials her cell.

OLIVIA (CONT'D)(into the phone)

It's handled.

She hangs up. And we realize she looks sick to her stomach.

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT THREE


ACT FOUR

37 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/LADIES ROOM - DAY 37

Huck enters. Peers under the stalls. Quinn's feet arevisible. The sounds of sniffling are audible.

HUCKAre you crying?

QUINN (O.S.)This is the ladies room!

HUCKAre you crying?

QUINN (O.S.)No.

HUCKYes, you are.

QUINN (O.S.)I'm not.

HUCKYou are.

The stall door opens. Quinn comes out, wiping her face.

QUINNFine. I'm crying.

HUCKWell...don't let Olivia see you doingthat. She doesn't believe in crying.

QUINNShe doesn't believe in...what isthat? Who says that?

HUCKOlivia. She says that.

Huck turns to go.

QUINNCan you just tell me...Why did shehire me? She must get hundreds ofresumes, why me? What about me...whatabout me says "stand next to me whileI decimate a girl walking her dog?"

(CONTINUED)


37 CONTINUED: 37

Huck examines her.

HUCKYou're here 'cause you've read thearticles about her, followed hercareer in the White House, heardabout the thing she did with thehostages...you worship her, you wannabe her, you think if you're nearher, if you stand in her light, you'llfinally do stuff that matters. Because you need to believe there'ssomething greater than a 9 to 5 crapjob, that there's a higher purpose,that your life has meaning. Becausethe world feels big and you feellost. Am I right?

(CONTINUED)



He is. We can see it on Quinn's face.

HUCK (CONT'D)Olivia Pope fixes things. That'swho she is. You? Need fixing. Idon't know your story, I don't needto know, we all have a story. Everyone in this office needs fixing. You're a stray dog. And Olivia tookyou in. Don't question it.

Huck grabs some paper towels and hands them to Quinn.

HUCK (CONT'D)No crying. We don't cry. Ever.

Huck leaves. Quinn wipes her tears and heads out.


Olivia stands in front of the bank of TVs that make up oneof her walls. They're all on, sound off. Except for one. On one, live footage of the President plays. He heads fromhis helicopter, waving and smiling for the press. HoldingMellie's hand. Cyrus is with them. A REPORTER speaks.

REPORTER (V.O.)The President and the First Lady arejust now returning to the White Housewhere tonight they will be hosting aState Dinner for President Sarkozyand the French First Lady...

She eyes the image. Unsettled. Grabs her cell, dials.

OLIVIAPut him on. I just need a second.

And on the TV screen, we can see Cyrus handing the Presidenthis cell phone.

OLIVIA (CONT'D)Did you buy her a dog?

(CONTINUED)


38 CONTINUED: 38

We can see the President's lips moving on the TV but we hearhim in Liv's phone.

FITZWhat?

OLIVIAJust answer the question.

FITZNo. Of course not. Why do you ask?

OLIVIADo me a favor. Turn your head alittle to the left.

And he does. So she can now see his full face on the TVscreen. She gets close to the screen, stares into his eyes.

OLIVIA (CONT'D)Okay. Sorry. Forget I asked. Thankyou, Mr. President.

And she hangs up. On TV, Fitz hangs up. Olivia nods toherself. Reassured. Stephen comes in.

OLIVIA (CONT'D)How big are we?

STEPHENSully's on the crawl on the big threecable news stations. All over Drudge. Network news is still hours away butDiane Sawyer's already sniffing.

Abby enters with Harrison.

ABBYI've got good, I've got bad, I'vegot ugly. The Good: Tom Hendersonspilled his guts the minute I leanedon him. Bad: he has an airtightalibi.

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)



ABBY (CONT'D)He was working as a bouncer at aclub at the time of the murder. 100witnesses. Ugly? Henderson claimsSully KNEW he was sleeping with hisgirlfriend. Which gives Sully motive.

HARRISONEven uglier: The gun used in themurder? Had Sully's fingerprintsall over it. Which gives Sully means.

OLIVIADammit!

And Olivia heads out of her office.

39 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/STEPHEN'S OFFICE - DAY 39

Olivia storms in, Stephen, Harrison and Abby right behindher. Sully's sitting on the sofa, he looks up surprised.

OLIVIADid you know Paige was sleeping withTom Henderson?

SULLYWhat?

OLIVIADID YOU KNOW?!

SULLYHey, I hired you. You can't yell at-

STEPHENYes, she can. She can do whateverthe hell she wants because withouther, you are definitely going tojail. You might go to jail anywaybut you're definitely going if youdon't answer our questions. My guessis 20 years but if they get fancy, alife sentence is a possibility. Isthat what you want?

Sully is cowed.

OLIVIADid you know Paige was sleeping withTom Henderson?

(CONTINUED)


39 CONTINUED: 39

Sully pauses a long time. Then:

SULLYYeah. Yeah, I knew.

And our guys sigh, so disappointed. And then they go intobattle mode. Stephen turns to Harrison, Olivia to Abby:

STEPHENLook over our statement. Make sure it uses thewords "war hero" and"decorated by thePresident" as manytimes as possible. And get our defenseattorney down here-

OLIVIAGet me five soldiers,preferably with bars ontheir uniforms, who arewilling to attest to Sully'sheroism and kindness onthe record-

SULLYWait, wait, I know what you think, Iknow what it looks like. But I didnot kill Paige. Paige used to, sheslept around a lot before...Thisguy, this Tom...I would have forgivenher. I did not kill her. You haveto believe me.

OLIVIASully, your fingerprints are on thegun-

SULLYBecause I picked it up off the floor! Look, I'm a soldier. I've killed. Dozens of men. I've looked into thefaces of men as I killed them. Iknow what it means to take a life. I don't even know how a person coulddo that to someone they loved. Iloved Paige. She was my best friend. She knew me, truly knew me like noone ever has. She was my best friend. I didn't kill her.

And he's earnest and open and in so much pain. Off Olivia...



Olivia comes in with Stephen and Abby.

OLIVIAGo find somebody, ANYBODY, who cansay they saw Sully at the time ofthe murder. Make his alibi stick.

ABBYLiv-

OLIVIAI believe him. Abby, I believe him. Go make his alibi stick.

Huck comes in. Shuts the door behind him.

STEPHENI'll get the car.

OLIVIAIn a minute. Huck, did you talk tomy guy?

HUCKYeah.

OLIVIAYou got it?

HUCKI got it.

STEPHENWhat?

And Huck produces a small velvet box. Sets it on the desk.

OLIVIAOpen it.

Stephen does. A selection of rings gleam up at him.

OLIVIA (CONT'D)Three are antique, the rest are new. Clarity, cut and color - highestquality. He's offering you a paymentplan and a 30% discount. You pickthe one you like and we'll send therest back.

(CONTINUED)


40 CONTINUED: 40

STEPHENThey're engagement rings.

OLIVIAYes.

STEPHENThey're engagement rings.

OLIVIAFor getting engaged.

STEPHENThey're engage-

OLIVIASTEPHEN. You have a reservation. 8pm. Chez Henri. Best table. Huckalready called Georgia, she's meetingyou there. Pick a ring. Marry thegirl. Be normal.

STEPHENYou can't just...you're bullying me.

OLIVIAGeorgia gave you six months to proposeor she was walking out.

STEPHENShe was bullying me too.

OLIVIAAs long as I've known you, you'vedated a series of women I can onlydescribe as trashy and too young foryou and most of all stupid. Georgiais funny and fun and old enough andbrilliant, and she loves you andyour six months is up and you knowyou want to marry her, we all knowyou want to marry her, so pick adamned ring already so you can gofind an alibi for Sully St. James!

Stephen is quiet. Then, grudgingly, he points at a ring.

STEPHENShe'll like this one.

HUCK/OLIVIAExcellent choice.

(CONTINUED)



STEPHENYour boss is a bully.

But he's beaming. He heads out with Huck. Abby hangs backuntil he's gone. Looks at Olivia, mournful.

ABBYI need the speech.

Olivia comes to stand right in front of Abby. Patient.

OLIVIA(the millionth time)

Stephen is not the man for you. Your love for him is misguided andwill only lead to humiliation andpain. If you were to confess yourlove, it would only lead tohumiliation and pain. If you wereto sleep with Stephen, it would onlylead to humiliation and pain. Youare an amazing beautiful strong womanand someday you are going to meet aman who gets that. He is the rightman for Georgia. But for you?

ABBYHumiliation and pain.

OLIVIAExactly.

ABBYThank you. I needed that.

She's so sad. Olivia hugs her. Feeling for her.

OLIVIABoys are stupid.

41 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/LOBBY - DAY 41

Olivia heads into the lobby. To the sound of arguing. Anervous Quinn blocks Amanda who is trying to get past her.

AMANDAI want to see her!

QUINNShe's not available-

AMANDALet me through-

(CONTINUED)


41 CONTINUED: 41

OLIVIAAmanda.

Quinn and Amanda both turn to see Olivia. Amanda moves toher. Desperate and emotional.

AMANDAI want you to give him a message.

OLIVIAThat's not appropriate.

AMANDANot appropriate? Not appropriate? You came to me. And I know he sentyou, I know you can get him a message-

OLIVIAThis conversation is over. Pleaseleave.

Olivia presses the elevator button.

AMANDAI quit my job, okay? I did it. Now please, give him a message-

The elevator arrives. Olivia holds open the door.

OLIVIAI will call security.

And Amanda gets on the elevator. Olivia leans in, pressesthe button for the first floor. As the doors close, Amandakeeps her eyes on Olivia. And says...

AMANDAI am telling the truth. I am.

And the doors close. Olivia breathes. Then she turns tosay something to Quinn. But she never gets to say it becausethe other elevator dings. Opens. David is there, withhomicide detective Wally and a few uniformed cops.

DAVIDTime's up, Liv. I have a warrant.

OLIVIAI still have 40 minutes.

(CONTINUED)



DAVIDFine. Forty minutes. And then Iwant Sully St. James in handcuffs.

Olivia sighs. Points at the men, stern.

OLIVIAYou stay out here. Nobody crossesthat doorway.

She turns to Quinn, speaks low.

OLIVIA (CONT'D)Get Abby on the phone, tell her we'vebeen invaded. Tell her time is up.

42 EXT. MATTY'S PUB - DAY 42

Stephen waits outside the bar. He's staring up at something. Abby comes out of the bar, hanging up her cell.

ABBYI showed Sully's picture to everyonein the bar. No one saw him the nightof the murder. And Liv's got copsin the lobby. He's finished.

But Stephen's staring up. An odd smile on his face.

STEPHENMaybe not.

And he points. Abby follows his finger. And sees that heis pointing at a bank. There's a security camera there,pointing down at the street.

43 INT. BANK SECURITY OFFICE - NIGHT 43

Stephen and Abby stand in the small office. HOWIE (50s)sits with his back to a bank of video cameras. Arms folded. They're waiting. And then Harrison hurries in.

HARRISONI have five hundred dollars in cashand a pizza.

ABBYHowie, meet your five hundred dollarsand your pizza.

HOWIEDeep dish, sausage and mushroom?

(CONTINUED)


43 CONTINUED: 43

HARRISONYeah.

HOWIEShow me.

Harrison opens the box, shows Howie the pizza. Howie nods,takes the cash and counts it. Stephen looks at his watch.

STEPHENWe have a ticking clock here, Howie-

HOWIEI'm counting.

Finally Howie finishes counting the money. Then he turnsback to his video monitors.

HOWIE (CONT'D)Now, what do you wanna see?

ABBYLast night. Between 10 and midnight. The bank camera that points northeast,towards Matty's Pub. Speed through...

Howie does. And then Abby points.

ABBY (CONT'D)Stop! Right there.

HARRISONIs that...Sully?

They stare at the monitors a beat. A little stunned.

STEPHENWe're going to need a copy of that.

44 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/STEPHEN'S OFFICE - NIGHT 44

Sully is there, pacing. Abby, Stephen, Harrison and Oliviaenter.

OLIVIAWe don't have a lot of time. Thepolice are here. So I need you tolisten.

Olivia nods at Abby who moves to the DVD player and pops ina disc.

(CONTINUED)


44 CONTINUED: 44

SULLYWhat's going on?

OLIVIAWe were able to verify your alibi.

SULLYYou were. That's good, right?

But he looks wary.

OLIVIASully, you're the most decoratedsoldier since the Vietnam War. Youcome from a family of soldiers. Youmake your living giving speeches forthe conservative right. And you'vesaid it over and over again: Paigewas your best friend. Not your lover. Your best friend.

Abby hits play. And on the tape, we see security camerafootage of Sully walking alone. And then a man approachinghim. They greet each other with a long, intimate kiss andthen head away together. Olivia looks at Sully. He staresinto space. Not wanting to watch.

OLIVIA (CONT'D)Coming from where you come from,being who you are, being a gay soldierisn't something you feel you cantell anyone. But Paige knew, didn'tshe? She was your best friend. Sheknew you were gay, the two of youhad a deal.

SULLYYou can't show that tape to anyone.

OLIVIAI need the name of the man you werekissing.

SULLYYou can't show the tape, you can'thave a name.

OLIVIAIt's your alibi.

SULLYNo. I'm not...you can't tell peoplethat I'm gay. I'm a hero.

(CONTINUED)



ABBYThe police have a warrant for yourarrest. All due respect, peoplefinding out you're gay is no bigdeal compared to that.

SULLYNo. I'm a hero. I honor the uniform.

OLIVIASully-

SULLYI HONOR THE UNIFORM.

He's intense, insistent. Olivia leans in.

OLIVIASully? Look at me. The rules havechanged. Don't Ask, Don't Tell isover.

SULLYThat's just talk. I'm a conservativeRepublican. I'm publicly anti-gay. I'm a deacon in my church. They'retalking about running me for Congressone day. I am Lieutenant ColonelSullivan St. James, I am a hero, Ican't be gay.

OLIVIABut you are. This is who you are. This is your alibi. Let us helpyou.

STEPHENCome on, Sully...

And Sully hesitates. Then:

SULLYNo.

And he gets up and heads out.

OLIVIASully...

45 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/LOBBY - CONTINUOUS 45

Sully strides into the lobby. Olivia, Abby, Harrison andStephen follow. David and Wally wait there with a slew ofpolice.

(CONTINUED)


45 CONTINUED: 45

WALLYSullivan St. James, you have theright to remain silent, if you giveup that right...

And Sully is handcuffed. Eyes on Olivia the whole time.


Quinn gets her purse, grabs her coat. Huck comes in.

HUCKYou seen Olivia?

(CONTINUED)


46 CONTINUED: 46

QUINNSully was just arrested. Oliviawent to the police station.

HUCKOh...

He stands there, unsure.

QUINNWhat's up? I'm on my way there...

HUCKI got a strange call. Some girlnamed Amanda Tanner?

QUINNWhat about her?

HUCKShe's in the hospital. She tried tokill herself.

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT FOUR


ACT FIVE

47 INT. POLICE STATION/HOLDING - NIGHT 47

We're on Sully as he's photographed for his arrest. Facingforward. Flash. Turned to the side. FLASH. His face blank.

48 INT. POLICE STATION - NIGHT 48

Abby comes in, meets up with Stephen, Harrison and Olivia.

ABBYReporters are starting to gatheroutside.

OLIVIACrap.

STEPHENOur defense attorney is with Sullynow. But he didn't seem optimistic.

ABBYWhat do we do?

OLIVIAHis entire public image, his entireself-image, is built on this lie. If he won't let us use the alibi...

HARRISONCan we leak it?

OLIVIAHe's our client. We have to do whathe wants. -- I hate this.

Olivia's cell beeps. She checks the text. Her face changes.

OLIVIA (CONT'D)I have to go.

HARRISONNow?

OLIVIAIt's after six. They won't arraignhim until morning. I'll be back. Get in to see Sully. See if you canchange his mind.

She heads out. Harrison heads for the officer at the desk. Stephen checks his watch.

(CONTINUED)


48 CONTINUED: 48

STEPHENGeorgia's gonna be waiting at ChezHenri. I could cancel...

ABBYWe'll work on Sully. Go.

(off his hesitation)GO.

STEPHENOkay. Thanks.

ABBYGet down on one knee. Women likethat.

And he heads out. Abby watches him go, a little dejected.

49 INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - NIGHT 49

Quinn sits with Amanda, who sleeps. She looks up to seeOlivia striding down the hall. She gets up, comes out.

OLIVIAWhat happened?

QUINNShe slashed her wrists.

OLIVIAAny press sniffing around?

QUINNNo. No one. One of the nurses toldme her dad's flying in. He'll behere in the morning.

OLIVIAOkay. She hasn't spoken to anyone,no nurses or doctors about...anything?

QUINNJust to me.

OLIVIAGood. Stay with her.

She turns to go. Quinn steps forward.

(CONTINUED)


49 CONTINUED: 49

QUINNOlivia. You said to trust your gut. My gut says she's telling the truth.

OLIVIAShe's not.

QUINNHow do you-

OLIVIABecause I know the President.

QUINNOkay, it's just...she was going onand on about how there's this littlesecret room off the Oval Office wherethey'd meet and I've read about theWhite House, there is a little room-

OLIVIAIf you read it, she read it. Peopleare crazy, they get fixated on famouspeople, they stalk them-

QUINNBut I don't think she's crazy.

Olivia pauses.

OLIVIATell me why.

QUINNOkay. She tried to kill herself butshe didn't want to die. She calledyou right after she did it. Becauseshe wanted him to find out she washurt and come see her. She thoughthe would do that.

OLIVIAQuinn-

QUINNShe was going on and on about howshe thought he'd come and call her"Sweet Baby" and everything would befine-

OLIVIAWhat?

(CONTINUED)



Olivia's frozen.

QUINNWhat?

OLIVIAWhat did you say?

QUINNThat he'd come if she was hurt...

OLIVIAAnd he'd call her...

QUINN"Sweet Baby." And I was just thinkingthat if she-

But Olivia is already walking away. Quinn stands there. Then she heads back in to sit by Amanda's bed.

50 INT. WHITE HOUSE OVAL OFFICE - NIGHT 50

An AIDE ushers Olivia into the Oval Office. Fitz isn't there.

OLIVIAWhere is he?

AIDEIt'll just be one moment.

Olivia stands there. Her cell rings.

OLIVIAStephen? I can't talk now. -- What'swrong? -- Okay, I'll be there. I'mcoming. -- Maybe half an hour. --Because I'm doing something. I'llbe there. I have to go.

She hangs up. Just stands there. And then the door opens,Fitz strides in followed by Cyrus and two aides. They're intuxedos. Fitz beams when he sees her.

FITZLivvie! This is a surprise.

Olivia says nothing. Just looks at him. And Fitz's smilefades. They stare at one another.

(CONTINUED)


50 CONTINUED: 50

FITZ (CONT'D)We're going to need the room, please.

Cyrus is confused but he can tell this isn't good.

CYRUSSir, you have to give the toast tothe President of France in tenminutes, maybe you can do this atanother-

FITZWe need the room.

And Fitz and Olivia stand frozen until Cyrus and the Aideshave cleared the room. When they hear the door close:

FITZ (CONT'D)Livvie-

Olivia just looks at him. So incredibly hurt.

OLIVIASweet baby? Sweet baby? SWEET BABY?!

He raises a hand. Points up. And Liv's eyes follows hisfinger.

POV: Security cameras in the ceiling show us Liv and Fitz.

Liv and Fitz automatically step off to one side of the room,out of camera range. Speak low.

FITZYou left me.

OLIVIA(furious whisper)

BECAUSE YOU ARE MARRIED! Becauseyou said you wanted to try to dedicateyourself to your marriage! Becauseyou're the leader of the free worldand I wanted you to be a better man,I wanted you to be the man Icampaigned for, helped get elected,VOTED FOR!

Fitz moves closer to her. She backs away.

OLIVIA (CONT'D)Don't touch me. Don't you dare touchme. Don't you...

(CONTINUED)



But he's touching her. Taking her face in his hands. Theirfaces so close together that they could be kissing. Andthey almost are in a hot heated, faces pressing togetherway. It's incredibly sexual, incredibly sexy. More intimatethan a kiss. They both lose themselves in it for a beat. Then Olivia pushes him away.

(CONTINUED)



OLIVIA (CONT'D)Did you give her that dog?

FITZLivvie-

OLIVIADid you give her that dog?

Fitz moves in again.

FITZI love you.

And Olivia slaps him, losing her ability to be quiet. Andstarts yelling.

OLIVIAShut up! I believed you! You cloudedmy judgment! You made me mistrustmy gut because I wanted to believeyou! I destroyed that girl! Shetried to kill herself!

The door opens, Cyrus enters.

CYRUSI just want to say that we can hearyou screaming from out-

And he pauses. Because Fitz and Olivia are too close together. Too heated. And because Fitz's mouth is smudged with lipstick. Cyrus goes from casual to official in an instant.

CYRUS (CONT'D)Mr. President, go to the residenceand clean yourself up.

FITZCy, Livvie was just filling me in onthe Amanda Tanner situation-

CYRUSYou have lipstick on your mouth. GOTO THE RESIDENCE AND CLEAN UP!

And Fitz, with one last glance at Olivia, leaves by theresidence door. Olivia and Cyrus are alone. He's staringat her the way you stare at a strange animal unlike any you'veever seen.

CYRUS (CONT'D)Mother of God.

(CONTINUED)



And it's clear from Cyrus' face that he's shocked. And sherealizes...

OLIVIAYou didn't know. He tells youeverything...

CYRUSHe didn't tell me this.

OLIVIABecause it didn't matter enough.

He looks at her a long moment, feeling sorry for her.

CYRUSLiv-

OLIVIAI have to go.

And Olivia strides past him, out of the Oval Office. Cyrusstands there. Taking it in.

CYRUSMother of God.

51 INT. CHEZ HENRI - NIGHT 51

An elegant busy French restaurant. Olivia enters, still alittle frazzled but together. Goes to the hostess.

OLIVIACan you tell me what table-

STEPHENLiv-

Stephen's peering at her from the coat check room.

OLIVIANever mind.

And she heads over to him.

OLIVIA (CONT'D)What are you...you're in a coatcloset. What do you need, did youforget the ring or something-

STEPHENI have the ring.

(CONTINUED)


51 CONTINUED: 51

But he looks just sick with fear and panic. So Olivia'stender with him.

OLIVIAYou can do this.

STEPHENThat's the thing. I don't think Ican.

OLIVIATell me.

STEPHENWhat if...what if I mess it up? What if I marry her and I cheat orshe gets bored with me or...

(struggling)What if she doesn't love me enough? I'm not a good guy, Livvie. What ifshe leaves me?

And that was incredibly hard for him to say. Olivia takeshis hands in hers. Eyes on his.

OLIVIAI gotta trust my gut. And my gut'swhat?

STEPHENNever wrong.

OLIVIANever wrong. And my gut tells methat she's in this. She's in thiswith you. And if it doesn't work,it doesn't work. But you have totry. Because if you try, if youleap and you try and it doesn't workout...it's not on you.

And he's starting to relax.

STEPHENIt's not on me.

OLIVIAYou can do this.

STEPHENOkay, okay. I can do this.

(CONTINUED)

SCANDAL: "Sweet Baby" 10-5-11 FINAL 60-61.


OLIVIAYou can do this. Go. Be happy. Get some normal.

He kisses her cheek. And then he heads out. And Oliviapeers out of the coat closet to watch as Stephen stridesthrough the restaurant to a table where GEORGIA (30s), apretty sweet woman, sits. As Stephen gets down on one knee. Pulls out a ring. As he speaks, passionately but nervously. And then Georgia squeals and kisses Stephen and he puts aring on her finger. As the whole restaurant applauds.

And then, as Stephen beams with happiness, Olivia ducks backout of sight. And then alone in the coat check room, Oliviastarts to cry. Really cry. Painful gut-wrenching sobs. Stephen's joy making her heartbreak so much more present. She allows herself just a moment. And then she pulls herselftogether, sucks her tears back in and heads out.

52 OMITTED 52

53 INT. POLICE STATION/HOLDING CELL - NIGHT 53

Abby sits with Sully. Sully is stone-faced, not looking atthem. Olivia rounds the corner and an officer lets her intothe cell. Abby approaches.

ABBYHe's gone all military on us. Hewon't talk.

OLIVIAGive us a minute.

Abby heads out. Olivia sits down beside Sully. He won'tlook at her.

OLIVIA (CONT'D)We may never know who killed Paige. But this isn't about you not goingto jail for Paige's murder. This isabout you not living a lie. Sully,I saw that kiss. You love that man.

(CONTINUED)



OLIVIA (CONT'D)Whoever he is. You love him. You'vebeen living with a secret for a reallylong time. I know what that's like. I honestly do. And you think you'redoing it for the right reasons. Youthink you're doing it for your countryand for the people who look up toyou. But the thing is, who you are,who you love, that shouldn't be asecret. It shouldn't have to be asecret. Should it?

A long, long beat. And then just as Olivia's giving up,just as she's standing...Sully looks up at her.

SULLYJohn Latimer. That's his name. AndI do. Love him.

54 INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY 54

A cadre of reporters has gathered. Cameras and lights. Andin front of them all stands Sully St. James in a full dressmilitary uniform. A few soldiers stand with him. An Americanflag hangs behind him. And just off to one side of him, wesee Olivia. As invisible as we've ever seen her. But justbefore Sully's going to speak, he glances back at her,nervous. And Olivia presses a gentle hand to his back. Soothing him. Urging him forward. And Sully turns back tothe reporters. Calm. Confident. Strong.

SULLYI am honored to have served mycountry. I am honored to have beeninjured serving my country. Andmost importantly-

55 INT. OLIVIA POPE AND ASSOCIATES/STEPHEN'S OFFICE - NIGHT 55

ON THE TV: We're still watching Sully's press conference.

SULLYI am honored to be a gay man whoserved my country.

It's a moment. A victory. Flashbulbs go off. Questionsare shouted. The press goes crazy. We pull back to find:Abby and Stephen. Watching. Proud.

ABBYThe other soldiers are a nice touch,don't you think?

(CONTINUED)


55 CONTINUED: 55

STEPHENYou have good ideas.

He slings an arm around her. And Abby breathes him in.


Harrison, Huck and Quinn are taking down the photos and paperson the wall and putting them in a box. They're almost done.

QUINNSo...Sully's innocent. He didn'tkill Paige. Then who did?

HUCKDoesn't matter.

HARRISONIt matters. Just not to us. Allthat matters to us is Sully. That'sthe job.

HUCKLook, I take all this stuff to thepolice. Maybe it helps 'em. FindingPaige's killer is their job.

He heads out with the box. Quinn's quiet a beat.

QUINNYou said we were the good guys.

HARRISONWe are.

QUINNReally? I mean...is Olivia? Is sheone of the good guys?

HARRISONNo.

(off her disappointment)She's not one of the good guys. She's the best guy.

Quinn takes that in. Harrison tilts his head, measuring hertemperature. Then gently:

HARRISON (CONT'D)It's not enough to say it. You gottabelieve it.

(CONTINUED)


56 CONTINUED: 56

QUINNGladiators. In suits.

HARRISONThat's what I'm talking 'bout.

And they share a smile.


The office is dark, bathed only in the light of the TVscreens. Olivia stands, looking at a frozen image of Sullyon each TV.

CYRUS (O.S.)Nice work on Sully St. James.

Olivia looks up. Sees Cyrus moving into her office. HisSecret Service agent's just outside the doorway.

CYRUS (CONT'D)He wants to see you.

OLIVIATell him to go to hell.

CYRUSI'm just the messenger.

And he starts to move away. But Olivia stops him with:

(CONTINUED)


57 CONTINUED: 57

OLIVIACyrus? You tell him that he betterhope to God Amanda Tanner doesn'twant to come forward with her story. Because she just became my client.

Cyrus freezes. The color draining from his face. And thenhe goes.

Alone, Olivia clicks a button on the remote and the sixseparate TV images becomes ONE GIANT IMAGE of the screen asshe hits play:

SULLY(on TV)

More importantly, I am honored to bea gay man who served my country.

And as the flashbulbs go off, we see the light from flashesplaying on Olivia's face as she stares at the screen. Alone. Strong. A gladiator in a suit.

And then she presses the OFF button on the remote andeverything goes BLACK.

FADE OUT:

END OF SHOW

Documents

SCANDAL (fka: Damage Control)...AMANDA’S ROOM WHITE HOUSE OVAL OFFICE CHEZ HENRI CONFERENCE ROOM . SCANDAL “Sweet Baby” DAY / NIGHT CHRONOLOGY NIGHT 1 A1,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,A11,