Scandal is like a really good David E. Kelley series sans excessive quirkiness or unnecessary overt juvenile obsession with sex (not that there isn’t any, just not treated in an adolescent manner): strong flawed characters with distinct personalities, lots of rapid fire dialogue, similar story lines–one overarching story line that actually involves main characters, stand alone sensational story line in each episode, each story revealing tidbits about main characters’ past & decisions reflecting their internal lives. Once again, the lead female character’s love interest is not only weak in comparison, but surprisingly so considering his job. I never watched the West Wing, but it felt like it may be like that show meets Boston Legal. Everyone is a lawyer, but only one episode took place in a courtroom. The cast is insanely diverse, but it is just the way things are–there are no story lines that overtly deal with the issue of race, which was nice for a change. Almost felt like I was watching British tv. The women are strong & numerous, but unlike race, gender is brought to the forefront of each storyline, particularly in reference to sexuality & power structure. Women are still vulnerable to traditional roles (nun or whore) & denigrated for engaging in same sexual behavior as male counterparts even when in power or holding expertise, but somehow while allying with power, the narrative finds a way to subvert the overt male power holder & champion the woman, particularly in the 3rd episode of the first season. I would be interested in getting a queer theory reading on this series, particularly since it appears that the person that seems to be cast as the overarching villain is gay–is it reinforcing stereotypes of treacherous gay male or subverting them by permitting him to have so much power in the first place like Olivia Pope without overtly commenting on his gayness? Not sure. While not overtly commenting on being gay or a person of color, it does seem to be an important subtext, particularly with respect to Olivia’s love interest & her “job,” but further analysis would include spoilers!