Finally, Olivia Pope!

I love Scandal.

And I know I'm not alone.

As an actress, this show has been a huge encouragement. Quality writing, a compelling story, well developed characters; a rare thing these days. I also tend to pay close attention to shows that include women of color.  At the same time, I have been confronted with the realization of the deep void of relatable characters during my television viewing life. Until now.

I had the rare opportunity to study the pilot script during an on-camera acting class. My teacher asked me to prepare the Olivia Pope scenes. From that first reading I could tell Scandal was going to be a phenomenal show. I was a fan even before it began. When I later found Kerry Washington would be Olivia Pope, I was overjoyed! I had just seen her in Race on Broadway, and even had the opportunity to audition for the role of Susan (understudy).

I remember relating to the Molly Ringwald characters in Sixteen Candles and Pretty in Pink.
Ally McBeal is another character I could relate to. As well as some Meg Ryan characters (You've Got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle, When Harry Met Sally)  However, none of these characters actually looked like me. I wondered would (or could) a woman of color ever be cast in a similar role?

There was a ray of light in a web series created by Issa Rae. The character in this project mirrored some of my life experiences, thoughts, and world views. And she is a woman of color! Would there be more of the same for women of color? Similarly, women like Mindy Kaling are making their unique voices heard despite the pervasive stereotypes imposed upon our hues.

Without discussing existing stereotypes (that gets old quick), I will say that in addition to the cultural stereotypes that our peers subject women of color to, the media tends to contribute to these stereotypes as well. I don't blame them, the formula is safe. It guarantees viewers and subsequently ratings. However, many of us have been alienated. I believe with the person of Olivia Pope, those of us who  have been alienated are able to finally relate to a strong, intelligent, successful woman yet vulnerable (with flaws like the rest of us!). In a way, this has made Scandal that much more lovable.

Until Season 3...