On Scandal Season 6, episode 4, which airs at 9 p.m. EST Thursday on ABC, Mellie is on the precipice of becoming the president of the United States, but she is not yet 100 percent in the clear to accept the position.
While Cyrus has been arrested for orchestrating the murder of president elect Francisco Vargas, Olivia realizes that he must be proven guilty before he is ruled out as a presidential hopeful. Cyrus is hellbent on proving his innocence, despite there being considerable evidence against him.
In Scandal Season 6, episode 3, Tom Larsen, a former secret service agent with whom Cyrus had an affair, confessed to being involved with Vargas’ murder on Cyrus’ command. At this time it remains unknown whether Tom is telling the truth or if he is acting out as a jilted lover. Nevertheless, Cyrus is currently imprisoned on charges that would lead to his execution if confirmed.
An episode 4 promo shows Cyrus’ telling Olivia that he did not order Francisco Vargas killed, urging her to trust her gut. The episode synopsis details that Olivia and her team will discover new evidence about the shooting that could possibly clear Cyrus’ name. Meanwhile, Mellie is dancing and celebrating her impending inauguration, as per an episode 4 sneak peek.
Cyrus most likely won’t be able to hold the presidential office, even if his name is cleared. In episode 3, current president Fitz Grant told Cyrus his options were to submit to an investigation and step down as a presidential hopeful or to be arrested. Cyrus refused this offer as was left virtually unprotected with the attorney general pressed charges against him.
Will Olivia be able to prove that Cyrus killed Francisco Vargas? We will find out in the upcoming Season 6 episode 4, called “The Belt,” which is best viewed on television or live online through ABC Live.
Scandal Season 6 episode 4 premieres at 9 p.m. EST on ABC.
