'Scandal' is getting a Donald Trump-esque character
LOS ANGELES -- The presidential race on Scandal is going to get a visit from Donald Trump -- well, sorta.
In this Thursday's episode the ongoing race for the presidency sees yet another major shakeup when a character enters the race and proves to be a Donald Trump-esque force -- a big-talker with a radical agenda.
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Much like the real man, says Bellamy Young, who plays Mellie, this character is really going to shake things up.
"I can tell you that I think Susan nor Mellie is thrilled to see someone else in the race because they thought it was going to be a grudge match between the two of them and they'd each made strategies for that. So everyone's nonplussed," she told Mashable before a panel for the show at this year's PaleyFest. "And anyone that irreverent just really throws a kink in things, but it's great fun to watch."
Indeed it is. The episode, airing Thursday, was screened for those in attendance at the panel, held at the Dolby Theater. While spoilers will not be revealed here -- including the identity of this Trump-inspired new contender -- suffice to say the introduction left the audience riled up in the best way. And star Kerry Washington said it's only the beginning.
"If you think the debates you've seen in the real world are fun..." she said.
Creator Shonda Rhimes admitted that writing about a presidential campaign on the small screen while one has been going on in real life has presented some unique challenges -- especially given the high drama that has transpired during this election cycle.
"We did have some moments where I would run back to the writer's room the next day and say, 'Hey, this is dialogue we have to cross out because it kinda already sorta happened,'" she said.
Fitz, meanwhile, is amused by this wrench thrown into everyone's carefully laid plans, says Tony Goldwyn. At least, he is at first.
"He thinks it's hilarious and ridiculous and then he's not so sure. It's similar to ... my reaction to the actual campaign. Where I'm like, 'Woah,'" he says.
Thankfully, Young says Mellie is up for whatever challenge comes her way.
"Down the road, you will not be disappointed," she says.
Scandal airs Thursdays on ABC.
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Sandra Gonzalez was a Senior Television Reporter at Mashable. A Texas native, she spent almost four years in New York City before leaving the land of superstorms for Los Angeles, where she was introduced to these terrifying things called "rolling earthquakes."Previously, she was with Entertainment Weekly, where she wrote about every show that could fit into her perfectly crafted TV schedule and anything ever touched by Shonda Rhimes.You can reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter @theSandraG
