Scandal season 7 episode 2 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

Olivia Pope navigates complex relationships and political tensions during a state dinner aimed at securing a nuclear treaty with Bashran. She deals with professional challenges, including diplomatic negotiations with President Rashad and seating arrangements. Meanwhile, Cyrus Beene grapples with his seating next to a tech mogul with political ambitions. The episode also follows the QPA team using fake identities to network at the dinner, revealing personal and professional conflicts. Olivia's secretive relationship with Curtis Pryce faces scrutiny, leading to a confrontation about her authentic self. The state dinner concludes with uncertain outcomes for the nuclear treaty and evolving personal dynamics among the characters.

Full Episode S07E02 Recap

### The Five-Star Service - **Setting**: A luxurious hotel room - **Characters**: Olivia Pope, Curtis Pryce - **Dialogue**: Olivia and Curtis discuss the convenience of five-star hotels and their evolving relationship, with Curtis showing interest in extending their relationship beyond the hotel room. - **Key Events**: - Curtis expresses his desire to take their relationship outside the hotel room. - Olivia firmly states her assistant handles her schedule, emphasizing her busy life. - Curtis offers to accompany Olivia to a state dinner, but she declines, highlighting the professional nature of their interactions. ### The State Dinner Preparation - **Setting**: The White House - **Characters**: Olivia Pope, various White House staff, President Grant - **Dialogue**: Discussion about the historical significance of state dinners and the logistics of the current dinner. - **Key Events**: - Olivia Pope oversees preparations for the state dinner for the President of Bashran. - She encounters various challenges and pressures related to the dinner, including guest seating arrangements and diplomatic nuances. ### Tension with Cyrus - **Setting**: Olivia Pope's office in the White House - **Characters**: Olivia Pope, Vice President Cyrus Beene - **Dialogue**: Cyrus expresses frustration about being seated next to tech mogul Fenton Glackland, suspecting it's due to both being gay. - **Key Events**: - Olivia explains Cyrus's seating arrangement is due to Glackland's significant political contributions. - Cyrus vents about the political maneuvering and implications of the dinner. ### QPA's Involvement in the State Dinner - **Setting**: QPA (Quinn Perkins & Associates) office - **Characters**: Abby Whelan, David Rosen, Huck, Charlie - **Dialogue**: Abby and David discuss obtaining invites to the state dinner to attract high-profile clients. - **Key Events**: - QPA strategizes to attend the state dinner for networking and gaining visibility. - They use fake identities to gain access to the event. ### The State Dinner - **Setting**: The White House during the state dinner - **Characters**: President Grant, President Rashad of Bashran, Olivia Pope, various guests - **Dialogue**: President Grant and President Rashad discuss the nuclear treaty, revealing Rashad's reservations. - **Key Events**: - Mellie Grant attempts to persuade President Rashad to sign a nuclear treaty. - Rashad expresses concerns about appearing weak and facing internal threats. - QPA members, under aliases, mingle with guests, gathering information and networking. ### Cyrus and Glackland's Interaction - **Setting**: The state dinner - **Characters**: Cyrus Beene, Fenton Glackland - **Dialogue**: Cyrus and Fenton discuss politics and Glackland's interest in running for governor. - **Key Events**: - Fenton reveals his political ambitions to Cyrus, seeking advice. - Cyrus is initially dismissive but realizes Fenton's serious intentions. ### Olivia's Confrontation with Curtis - **Setting**: The White House - **Characters**: Olivia Pope, Curtis Pryce - **Dialogue**: Curtis questions Olivia's authenticity and challenges her about their relationship. - **Key Events**: - Curtis confronts Olivia about their secretive relationship and her manipulative tendencies. - Olivia rebuffs Curtis, asserting her independence and control over her personal life. ### The Aftermath of the State Dinner - **Setting**: The White House and various locations post-dinner - **Characters**: Olivia Pope, President Grant, QPA team, Curtis Pryce - **Dialogue**: Discussions about the outcomes of the state dinner and personal relationships. - **Key Events**: - President Rashad leaves abruptly, signaling a failure in negotiations. - Olivia and President Grant reflect on the challenges of their positions. - QPA team members deal with personal conflicts and revelations. - Olivia gives Curtis an exclusive story about an upcoming nuclear summit. ### Closing Scene - **Setting**: Olivia's office and various locations - **Characters**: Olivia Pope, Curtis Pryce, Cyrus Beene, QPA team - **Dialogue**: Reflective and forward-looking conversations about the future and their roles. - **Key Events**: - Olivia plans her next steps after the state dinner's mixed outcomes. - Curtis gains a deeper understanding of Olivia's world and motivations. - Cyrus contemplates his political future after his interaction with Fenton Glackland. - QPA team members reconcile their professional and personal identities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Curtis Pryce and what is his relationship with Olivia Pope?

Curtis Pryce is a character interested in Olivia Pope, attempting to extend their relationship beyond professional boundaries.

What is the significance of the state dinner in this episode?

The state dinner is a crucial diplomatic event for President Grant, aimed at securing a nuclear treaty with President Rashad of Bashran.

Why is Cyrus Beene upset about his seating arrangement at the dinner?

Cyrus Beene is upset because he is seated next to Fenton Glackland, suspecting it's because they are both gay.

Who are the main characters involved in the state dinner preparations?

Main characters include Olivia Pope, President Grant, and various White House staff.

What are the concerns of President Rashad regarding the nuclear treaty?

President Rashad is concerned that agreeing to the treaty will make him appear weak and vulnerable to internal threats.

What is QPA, and why do they want to attend the state dinner?

QPA (Quinn Perkins & Associates) is a crisis management firm that wants to attend the state dinner to network and attract high-profile clients.

How does Fenton Glackland interact with Cyrus Beene at the dinner?

Fenton Glackland discusses his political ambitions with Cyrus Beene, seeking advice on running for governor.

What is the outcome of the state dinner regarding the nuclear treaty?

The outcome is uncertain, as President Rashad leaves abruptly, signaling potential failure in treaty negotiations.

What personal conflict does Olivia Pope face with Curtis Pryce?

Olivia faces a conflict with Curtis over the nature of their secretive relationship and her manipulation tactics.

How do QPA team members cope with their personal and professional challenges post-dinner?

QPA team members reconcile their professional duties with personal conflicts and revelations.

Watch Scandal season 7 episode 2 Online

Pressing the Flesh