Will ‘Scandal’ Season 6 Introduce A Pregnancy Storyline For Olivia?

Amanda Remling

“Scandal” fans will have to wait a couple months to find out what happens next with Olivia (Kerry Washington) and the others. Photo: ABC

Well, the Season 5 finale of “Scandal” was certainly interesting. The ABC series took a surprising turn in the final few moments of Thursday’s episode when it was revealed that Rowan’s plan all along was to get Jake’s name on the Republican ticket. But that wasn’t the only big shocker in the finale. Fitz finally found out about Olivia’s abortion.

The Olivia (Kerry Washington) and Fitz (Tony Goldwyn) storyline is something fans have been waiting to see play out for a couple months. It finally happened last night, and it’s safe to say viewers didn’t see Fitz’s reaction coming. Instead of getting upset that Olivia didn’t tell him about their child, he was actually supportive and respected her decision. Of course, Olivia didn’t know he was talking about that. She still believes Fitz is in the dark about the abortion, and thought her ex was simply talking about her decision to make Jake (Scott Foley) their vice presidential nominee.

“Fitz’s about-face is completely a function of his love for Olivia,” Goldwyn explained to the Hollywood Reporter about his character’s choice. “He cannot reject her, no matter what. Part of deeply loving someone is a predisposition to see the world through their eyes, and this is a huge moment for Fitz. He was pro-life and, more relevant, he wanted a child with Olivia more than anything in the world. But he somehow understands that Olivia made a very personal choice and he instinctively respects that.”

Fitz still has it stuck in his head that Vermont could be a reality for him and Olivia. However, based on Olivia’s actions in the Season 5 finale, it appears they’re on separate pages. Despite saving Jake and essentially confessing her love to him, Olivia has basically turned into her father. Rowan (Joe Morton) created a monster, and there's no telling how that will play out in Season 6. But an important thing that could have an impact on the next season is something that’s happening off-screen. Kerry Washington is pregnant with her second child.

“Scandal” chose not to write in Kerry Washington’s first pregnancy in 2014, instead strategically hiding her baby bump with clothing, handbags and clever camera angles. Will the series take that route the second time around?

Washington and “Scandal” creator Shonda Rhimes appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” Thursday night when they were pressed by the show’s host about whether they already had a “game plan” for Olivia. All Rhimes would reply is, “Absolutely, of course!”

Fans of the series will have to tune in next season to see how they handle Washington’s pregnancy. However, they may have a bit of a wait ahead of them. As TV Line notes, there is speculation the shortened sixth season of “Scandal” may not premiere until mid-season.