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Scandal’s Joe Morton Teases Mid-Season Premiere: It’ll Be ‘a Love Fest or a Lot of Blood’

When we last left Scandal after its mid-season finale in November, Fitz and Olivia were over (farewell, Olitz), and Rowan Pope and Jake were close to a truce. But will they keep the peace?

Scandal superfans will find out when the show returns Thursday, February 11 — with a six-month time jump. But Us Weekly Video got some exclusive early scoop from Papa Pope himself, Joe Morton, who teased viewers with how his tumultuous father-son-frenemy relationship with Jake (Scott Foley) is going to unfold on the Shonda Rhimes–created drama. 

Joe Morton
Joe Morton

“The only thing I can say is that the last thing you saw was Jake and I walk into the house. One can only imagine what can happen after that,” he told Us. “It’s either going to be a love fest or a lot of blood.”

Related: Photos: TV's Most Shocking Deaths

Morton is hoping that his powerful and conniving character, the father of Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington), will stir up trouble in another way in the second half of season 5, by getting a bit more political.

Joe Morton on 'Scandal.'
Joe Morton on ‘Scandal’

“We have an election year coming up, so I don’t know if Shonda’s going to play with that or not and how Rowan would fit in all of that,” Morton said. “I suppose if I were to fantasize it would be interesting if he backed a candidate or ran for office himself.”

Morton’s character is known for his monologues, electrifying voice and evil ways, but Morton believes that Rowan isn’t all that bad. “I have to think that he’s a good guy,” the actor, 68, said of his TV alter ego. “The idea is that villains do what they do because they think what they do will make the world a better place.” 

Joe Morton on 'Scandal.'
Joe Morton on ‘Scandal’

So how did Joe Morton, an accomplished stage actor, land the role of prime time’s resident evil father? And what is life really like on the set of the ABC hit show? Watch the video above to find out! 

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