'Scandal' Returns to Primetime: What We Need from Olivia Pope

We've been saving our white hat, popcorn and red wine for this day. "Scandal" finally returns from its mid-season break tonight. When we last saw Olivia Pope, she had been kidnapped after pulling a "90210" and deciding to choose herself over the two lovers fighting for her affection. It may well have been the most stable and focused decision she's made during the entire series. And yet, even with that decision, our leading lady couldn't escape the drama.

A missing Olivia Pope isn't the only thing intriguing us. Here are a few things we'd like to see from "Scandal" during the second half of the season.

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SCANDAL - ABC's "Scandal" stars Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope. (Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty Images)

Where's Olivia?

Hopefully, the first things we learn are who kidnapped Olivia, why and how it was done so quickly. It took mere seconds. (At this point she really should know that she needs better security.)

Could it be her father holding a grudge because his only daughter tried to murder him which shouldn't be such a big deal given Papa Pope's personal history with Olivia? Is this Fitz trying to exert a power play to win back the woman who's kept his eye wandering since the series began? Or, is this the work of some new political powerhouse we have yet to meet? Our fingers are crossed that Jan. 29 will reveal all.

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SCANDAL - "Where's the Black Lady?" - With Olivia still missing, the team comes together to do whatever it takes to find her and get her home safely, on "Scandal," THURSDAY FEBRUARY 5 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. (Photo by Kelsey McNeal/ABC via Getty Images)

We Need More Mellie

Even if you disliked Mellie before season four, once you saw drunk Mellie, cry-baby Mellie and smelly Mellie, there was no turning back. The fictional first lady's response to her son's death and her husband's secret suicide attempt showed viewers a side where even her most fervent detractors had to embrace her.

Just when she's getting back to normal, Mellie Grant is unknowingly dealt another blow when the audience learns her lover, the vice president, secretly is sleeping with the chairperson of the Republican National Committee. Mellie cannot seem to catch a break.

And after watching her slowly make her way back from the brink, grabbing what she wants and seemingly finding a way to be happy in the White House, she's unknowingly repaid with treachery. Andrew, why? Do you remember how she responded when Fitz squashed her relationship with the vice president? We're betting all-out crazy Mellie makes a grand entrance when she learns of Andrew's bed-hopping betrayal. Here's to hoping there's some '90s-style "Melrose Place" inspired slap fighting between Mellie and Elizabeth North.

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SCANDAL - "The Fluffer" - Abby steps in as Olivia's proxy and takes on duties at the White House. Meanwhile, the team continues to investigate B613, and someone throws a wrench in Reston's presidential campaign, on ABC's "Scandal," THURSDAY, APRIL 3 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Ron Tom) JOE MORTON, KHANDI ALEXANDER, KERRY WASHINGTON

It's Time for Pope Family Reunion

Whenever Mama or Papa Pope are in a scene, they own it. Olivia seems like a shriveled flower compared to her domineering parents, who so easily grab the attention. Rowan Pope always is schooling the audience and Olivia, and Maya Lewis is just so insane you want to see more of her. A stronger Olivia meeting with her familial foes could bring the biggest bang of the season.

But now that Liv has shown she literally would shoot her father to be free of him and shown her mother no mercy, we'd love to see this trio get back together. We want it so badly, we'd even take it in a familial counseling session where surely the therapist would have to be murdered before the session's end. Problems with Popes.

ABC via Getty Images

SCANDAL - "More Cattle, Less Bull" -The team investigates Democratic Congresswoman Josie Marcus, while Olivia and Mellie have a surprising run-in during the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Meanwhile, Jake and Huck get closer to the truth about Operation Remington, which could lead to devastating results, on ABC's "Scandal," THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. (Photo by Richard Cartwright/ABC via Getty Images) KERRY WASHINGTON, SCOTT FOLEY

Olivia's Fabulous Fashion

Part of "Scandal's" soapy fun is the clothing. The audience waits to see not only how'll she'll react, but also what she's wearing when she reacts. Does this meeting with a lover call for fancy dress or a more relaxed look? What kind of white outfit will she display? Even if you're over Olivia Pope and her life choices, you could never be over her look.

First published January 29 2015, 7:35 AM

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/tv/scandal-returns-primetime-what-we-need-olivia-pope-n283521