katrinapavela

Me writing 5,000 words on a regular basis about Scandal and Olitz:

And then I think about the fact that three months ago, I wrote nearly 13,000 words about a fucking 10 minute scene in two days!!!!!!! Lol, I am procrastinating trash. 

Olitzologist reporting for duty. Let’s talk about these three Olitz kisses from season 4 in the context of Olivia’s desire (not sex) and Fitzgerald’s journey of restraint.

1. The three kisses above represent the only times Olivia and Fitz have kissed in the present day Scandalverse timeline (dreams do not count (406, 410); neither do imagined phone sex kisses (407)). Do you notice the synchronous progression of Olivia’s active embrace of Fitz along with Fitz’s increasing restraint? There’s a story here.

   In 404, not knowing that she spent 2.5 months on an island with another man, Fitz joins Olivia’s body to his in an embrace where he beseeches, millimeters from her mouth, “Didn’t you miss me?” Weak in the knees, Olivia responds in the affirmative. She finally sucks on his mouth to show just how much she missed him. She stops the kiss because she’s being dishonest, having lied to Fitz earlier that she went to the island alone. Fitz backs away from her.

    In 407, a hopeful, but slightly intoxicated Fitzgerald, seduces Olivia over the phone, laying her out on the Oval desk, while also laying out the choice before her. Is he what she wants? Olivia is turned on by the phone exchange, but Fitz stops it before it can go further.

    In 408, we get the second kiss. Again, Fitz tests what (who) it is that Olivia wants. He tells her there is no price to pay. If she wants it, it’s hers. “Kiss me,” he goads. Not able to take her eyes off his mouth, Olivia lunges for the kiss, body-waving into Fitz as she enjoys herself. Fitz abruptly stops the kiss, looking oh so pleased with the results of his little test. You’re still the one, dude. 

    Finally, In 422,  after finding out there was a major price to pay, and both having tried to carry on separate lives–pursuing separate and related goals–they come back to the middle of who they are. Fitz doesn’t take a step toward Olivia until after she replies to “What happens now?” with “whatever we want”. He then presents himself to be kissed. Can the whatever we want begin right now? Olivia says yes by embracing Fitz’s planted form before her, slowly capturing his lips with tenderness and surety. Gone is the sense of reluctant capitulation from 404; the anxiety over the consequences in 408. It’s whatever they want. And boy, does Olivia Pope want Fitzgerald Grant. It’s never not been true. 

2. You must have noticed by now that when Fitz is fearful, or desperate to be seen or heard by Olivia, he draws close (all up in the personal space, drawing her body to his, showing up at her door, etc); when Olivia is fearful and uncertain, she pushes away and creates distance (colluding on a pregnancy to save his presidency, going back to her Gladiators, flying halfway across the world, etc). This season we have watched them move away from desperation and fear toward letting go. Letting go has allowed them to accomplish individual goals, without which they could not have reconciled (truthfully) on that balcony. 

Dear Danny:

First let me say what an excellent job you do on the set of Scandal. The hair department sure does werrrrrkkk! You and Ms. Tonya are just beyond. And I appreciate you engaging with us Gladiators on Twitter. Having said that, I must raise a grievance about the hair of my favorite presidential unicorn on Scandal, Fitzgerald Grant (Mr. Tony Goldwyn). This is not simply about his front Superman Curl (#TheCurl), it’s about the shortness of his hair since episode 214. When Fitz’s curls are too short, the fandom dies a little inside.

I have put together a few images of Fitz’s hair (a la the ‘Goldilocks’ tale) to explain. Please indulge me: 

WHY:

As you can see, the hair is entirely too short at the nape of the neck and extending several inches upward to Tony’s crown. The sides are also too tapered for a man with such glorious curly locks. 

WHY:

The proportionality of the curls on the top of his head to the back of his nape is slightly off. The back of Tony’s hair is a bit too long. One could argue that his hair here is unbecoming of a Republican President. Personally, it’s fine but I’m just making an argument. 

And finally…

WHY:

Look. At. Him. J/K. The proportion and distribution of the curls are harmonious at the crown, hairline, sides and nape. Sheer perfection. 

I realize that filming will be coming to an end soon, but perhaps you can do me a solid for episode 222. If not, please keep this letter in mind for season 3.

I hope that my message is clear, and that I haven’t been too cheeky. If Tony is giving you a hard time about this, just give him a lollipop (or a cupcake) when he’s seated in your chair to distract him. That way, you can easily follow these guidelines. If he still has a problem, tell him to take it up with me on Twitter (@number1feeling). 

Thank you for your time and talent,

Episode 21: Ex Factor

Summary:

Daddy's away in Italy, but Olivia will play. House, that is, with a long-time friend who moves back to D.C. They share laughs and deep vulnerabilities they've never admitted out loud. Olivia and Fitz keep in touch with cute and flirty calls. OPA takes on a pro bono case at Marcus's behest, but things just don't seem to add up in this romance scam. Fitz returns to see Olivia has fulfiled a wish for him.

Ff.net:

AO3:

https://bit.ly/4rLDJ8Y

As Always Ep. 20: ‘Joy and Pain’

Summary:

Olivia and Fitz head to NYC to visit Fitz's family, and it brings up some complicated feelings for her as she nears her 3rd trimester. Fitz manages the stress of an important project, and it has implications for Olivia. Sandr, Eli's girlfriend, proves a pivotal ally for Olivia. Olitz sexytime included.

Ff: https://bit.ly/4s1aKyG

Ao3: https://bit.ly/4b0eCtO

I really want Olivia and Fitz to have a sincere talk like this in Scandal’s final season. This scene right here hurt my heart in the best way. Clearly, as an Olitzer, I do not wish for the possible Olitz scene to end the way this one does with Lawrence and Issa. However, I do want some emotional honesty, where, OLIVIA (for a change) accepts some fucking personal responsibility for herself and choices she’s made, hurt she’s caused. I’d be happy with some acknowledgment from Fitz of how he’s grown capable of loving her in a less selfish way, one that isn’t so dependent on her for his happiness. 

Please do not go out on some whack ass resistance narrative with a woman who remains internally void of so much humanity, in sacrifice of that achievement. One of the most profound things we can do as human beings is to feel. I miss that about Olivia. Great for her rising to the top (sincerely), but what does it mean if everything else that makes life valuable is gone?

http://bit.ly/2EUyAEt

Welp,