'Scandal' Review/Recap: "Put a Ring on It"

Nora Dominick ‘17/ Emertainment Monthly Assistant Stage Editor

“It sounds like a shotgun wedding?” “It is and you’re the pregnant bride.” Cyrus (Jeff Perry) and Olivia’s (Kerry Washington) first conversation sums up this week’s episode of Scandal.  The show took a trip down the aisle this week when Cyrus had to tie the knot with his hooker fake-fiance Michael (Matthew Del Negro). When Scandal last left off with this storyline, Cyrus and Michael were forced to get engaged after some scandalous photos of the two of them were publicly shared. Now, Scandal’s less than happy couple get married in the latest episode entitled “Put a Ring on It.”
This episode of Scandal did not just show the preparation and wedding of Cyrus and Michael but it flashed back to Cyrus’ previous two marriages. For the first time fans got to see Cyrus and his marriage to his first wife, Janet (Emily Bergl). This set of flashbacks were brief but it showed how much Cyrus has grown as a character. When fans first were introduced to Cyrus in season 1 he was a happily, open-gay man. Perry has taken Cyrus through a major character progression and having these flashbacks in this episode helped showcase that. Scandal also took a trip down memory lane and showed Cyrus and James (Dan Bucatinsky) in the early stages of their relationship. This episode was also a stroll down memory lane for fans. When James was killed last season, it was a shock to the Scandal fans. Perry and Bucatinsky continue to have unbelievable chemistry and this episode was very reminiscent of the classic Scandal days.

Michael and Cyrus definitely don’t have a conventional relationship and it has not been explored in recent weeks. Scandal explored Michael and Cyrus’ relationship with the preparation and their eventual wedding. Del Negro and Perry have had a very hostile relationship so far but it took a turn for the better. When Michael is seen making out with another man in a bar, Olivia snaps into fixer mode and convinces Mellie (Bellamy Young) to hold the wedding at the White House. Of course nothing can go without an issue because the crazy, amazing Sally Langston (Kate Burton) decides to out the shame marriage on her talk show. There were two amazing scenes this episode between Michael and Cyrus that made fans believe this couple could actually survive.
The first amazing scene showcases Del Negro’s incredible talent. Playing a very sleazy and hated character is never easy and Del Negro does an amazing job at playing the part. This week he strips away this persona and reveals an emotional side to Michael. When Cyrus decides he wants to take down Michael at his family’s dinner, fans could tell this wasn’t going to go well. Del Negro breaks down during dinner with his parents when he finds out they’re only attending the wedding because Elizabeth (Portia de Rossi) is paying them. Del Negro’s ability to strip away the hardened exterior of Michael and show a man who just wants to be accepted by his parents is amazing.

The other extraordinary scene between Perry and Del Negro comes on the day of their characters wedding. When Michael confides in Cyrus that he has dreamt of his wedding his entire life and now the day has come and no one loves him, Cyrus launches into an amazing monologue. He says, “We are not going to fall in love and that is a relief to me because I cannot disappoint you, and hurt your more than I already have… I can’t destroy your image of me, break your heart or damage your soul. I have nothing in you to break. You see me for what I am, a filthy monster…” Perry has always been an incredible force to be reckoned with and this monologue further proves it. His ability to bring Cyrus from moments of pure anger to incredible happiness is simply amazing. Perry and Del Negro shine in this episode of Scandal.
Scandal fans were in for a real treat when it got back to basics with Olivia and Fitz (Tony Goldwyn) this week. Fitz has been absent in storylines these last few weeks however they made up for it with his latest scenes with Olivia. In flashback scenes it’s revealed that Fitz gave Olivia a family heirloom ring the day of Cyrus and James’ wedding. In an amazing scene that is filled to the brim with sexual tension, Fitz tells Liv, “Wear this. If you wear this, even if you hate me I’ll know we will be okay while you’re out there…” Washington and Goldwyn continue to have amazing chemistry and show the foundation of Fitz and Liv. In present day, Fitz sees Liv sporting the ring at Cyrus and Michael’s wedding and the faintest smile shines across their faces. Washington and Goldwyn continue to be one of the main backbones of the show and this throwback to vintage Scandal was definitely one for longtime fans.
Scandal this week was filled to the brim with new and exciting storylines. while being rooted in the past. It was especially refreshing to find out more about Cyrus and his past relationships. This episode was a little dull compared to last week’s but it was mostly because it was focused on character development. With an episode solely focused on Cyrus and Michael, other characters fell through the cracks and made the episode drag out. It looks like next week Scandal will pick up the intensity.
Scandal airs on Thursdays at 9/8c on ABC.
Overall Episode Grade: B+