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Scandal Tackles Rape Culture, Abortion, and More Controversial Topics — Watch the Video Recap!

Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) has 99 problems and the fact that her dad is an evil super-spy is definitely one. This week on ABC’s Scandal, Liv and her team of gladiators/murder-happy lunatics (looking at you, Huck) continued to track down Papa Pope, but the episode also dealt with some super-controversial subjects like rape culture and abortion. Get caught up on everything you missed in the penultimate episode of season 4 with our video recap!

Related: PHOTOS: Olivia Pope's Best Scandal Styles

1. Russell Got A Manicure (And Not In A Fun Way)

In the mood for a side of torture with your Scandal? Quinn (Katie Lowes) grilled Olivia’s ex-boyfriend, Russell (Brian White), and let’s just say she gave him the worst manicure ever by slicing off his nail. And yes, Huck (Guillermo Díaz) licked his lips throughout this entire scene. Shudder.

2. Jake Ballard Dropped The L-Word

Stop everything: Jake Ballard (Scott Foley) got super emotional while talking to Olivia about his #SuperSpyProblems, and then said “I’m in love with you!” while Olivia gazed at him adoringly. Unfortunately, she didn’t say it back. Good, awkward times.

Related: PHOTOS: Get Olivia Popes Scandal Style For Less!

Kerry Washington Scandal
Olivia Pope has it handled on ABC’s Scandal.

3. Scandal Tackled Abortion

Olivia’s client this week was a military rape victim, and Liv helped her get an abortion in what ended up being a pretty groundbreaking scene –– especially for network television. Liv held her client’s hand during the procedure, as the show took a strong pro-choice stance.

4. Mellie Took On Rape Culture

Mellie (Bellamy Young) for president! FLOTUS came out strongly against the way sexual assault cases are handled in the military, and threw her husband under the bus while doing so. Of course, Fitz gave her the green light, but still –– this is a big win for America’s first family!

5. Papa Pope Meets Mellie

In yet another shocking Scandal twist, Mellie met with Olivia’s father just moments after a B613 operative rescued Russell from Huck’s clutches. Looks like Team Gladiator won’t find out what B613’s increasingly mysterious “Operation Foxtail” is quite yet –– but one thing’s for sure: FLOTUS is involved.

Watch the Scandal finale on Thursdays, May 14 at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.

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