Could it be? Will he never have a chance to stand in the sun ever again!? Scandal fans were left shocked (and confused!) when Scott Foley’s sexy character Jake Ballard was supposedly killed off at the end of Thursday night’s episode “I’m Just a Bill.”
Foley, 42, joined Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) and the rest of the gladiators in season 2. He quickly became a fan favorite — and dreamy eye candy! The Felicity alum, who played former “command” of B-613 and Olivia’s lover, confirmed his departure via Twitter after the show, leaving viewers emotional and downright angry!
Take a gander at 3 reasons why we’ll miss him below:
1. Shirtless Jake Is the Best Jake
Duh! Whether he’s about to get naughty with Olivia, or wants to just break a sweat, shirtless Jake is always a good time. He recently bared his chest moments before Olivia was kidnapped from her swanky apartment. “Fun fact: @scottkfoley was less than thrilled but very game about running around outside in his undies. After I’d made him dance. #Scandal,” show creator, Shonda Rhimes, tweeted at the time. (Rhimes previously killed off Foley’s character Henry Burton on Grey’s Anatomy.)
2. No More Team Jake!?
What’s a show without a love triangle? Ballard’s tragic demise means that fans won’t be able to take sides between “Team Jake” and “Team Fitz.” After all, it won’t be surprising if Olivia ends up with the POTUS (Tony Goldwyn) making jam in Vermont one day. Or will it?
3. Standing in the Sun — Alone
No more getaways! The phrase “standing in the sun” was becoming just as popular as the show’s “it’s handled” one-liner before Jake’s sudden goodbye. Olivia mentioned it to Fitz at one time or another, but it was Jake who nearly made it his catchphrase. He always hoped that one day Olivia would leave the political world behind and start a new life with him at a minute’s notice.
Want more? Read some of the best reactions on how other fans are feeling during this difficult time:
@scottkfoley is this real life I still can’t get over last nights @ScandalABC
— Jocelyn Hoyt (@JocelynHoyt1) April 17, 2015
As a #Gladiator I have to try to remind myself that this is just a show ….it’s just a show….@actorbrianwhite @scottkfoley #Scandal
— Amanda Rouse (@rouseamanda) April 17, 2015
Eeeks!!! Don’t kill the hottest guy (@scottkfoley) in #scandal #savejake
— Joy Francisco (@joy_francisco) April 17, 2015
I’m not watching #Scandal anymore if @scottkfoley is gone.
— ximena muñoz ledo (@ximeniux) April 17, 2015
@scottkfoley you aren’t dead right…
— Chelsea Coyle (@_chelseacoyle) April 17, 2015
@scottkfoley A lot of viewers are very upset by last night’s upset!
— Jardinami Lake House (@Jardinami_Diane) April 17, 2015
@scottkfoley we need answers are you really gone because I’m going to cry #ScandaI @LyssAshley75
— Carol Lynn (@CarolStephens5) April 17, 2015
why does shonda keep killing scott foley’s characters ??????????????
— soph (@robbinsaltman) April 17, 2015
@scottkfoley scandal won’t be same without u????damn I hate this!!!please come back!
— Renata (@DelilahLt) April 17, 2015
@scottkfoley I really enjoyed your character. I’ve been following ur career since felicity. I think unit has been my fav. U will be missed
— Danielle Paquette (@Danielle12082) April 17, 2015
@scottkfoley NO!!! i dont believe this!! please tell me you’re lying
— Yolisa_Jasoni (@mayolzeeee) April 17, 2015
#FlashbackFriday Remember when Jake was alive and well and the best character on @ScandalABC @ScandalWriters @scottkfoley
— Hannah (@hanngoo) April 17, 2015
