Scandal (TV Pick of the Week)

Cast of Scandal (abc.go.com)

On the recommendation of a co-worker, I watched the first episode of Scandal online.  I really didn't need to add another TV show to my list since I have a hard enough time keeping up with the DVR, but this show is great! So it has been added to the DVR.   The premise is that Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) is a crisis manager, a kind of cross between a lawyer (which everyone who works for her is) and a Public Relations specialist.   She deals with problems that usually have some sort of stake in the white house.  For example, in episode 1, a celebrated war hero is convicted of murder and in episode 2, the leader of a prostitution ring is forced to give up a list of her clients which include many influential men of Washington.  Oliva does a great job at covering up PR messes and has a fun-to-watch team to help her out.

The show is Grey's Anatomy (it's creator is the same Shonda Rhimes) meets the West Wing; including some of the same characters.  Meredith's father from Grey's plays Cyrus Beene the President's aid and right hand man (played by Jeff Perry).  The fast talking characters and Josh Malina make me think Aaron Sorkin is involved with this show, is he?  The West Wing's Will (Malina) plays a federal prosecutor (I think).  It's interesting because rather than the regular lawyer situational, it gives viewers a look at what might be happening behind the scenes.

For now it seems the show is on Thursday at 10pm on ABC - good time slot which kicked Private Practice to Tuesday.  Shariously catch up online and start watching Scandal!