What’s On: To Mark the 100th Episode of ‘Scandal,’ Olivia Imagines a “What If” Alternate Reality
Scandal (9/8c, ABC): There are so many “what if’s” to consider when it comes to Scandal—perhaps the most pertinent being “what if” the show still made a lick of sense anymore. But no matter. It’s still a wild, melodramatic ride, culminating most recently in Huck’s (Guillermo Diaz) miraculous escape from death. Taking a pause from the current assassination/conspiracy storyline, the show celebrates its 100th episode with Olivia (Kerry Washington) imagining an alt-world that might have been if she hadn’t conspired with Mellie (Bellamy Young) and Cyrus (Jeff Perry) to rig the election for Fitz (Tony Goldwyn). How would things have transpired had there not been a Fitzgerald Grant administration? Would it have been a more wonderful life for all? Such burning questions.
Trial & Error (8/7c, NBC): Airing on a special night, in advance of next Tuesday’s back-to-back season finale, Josh (Nicholas D’Agosto) must decide whether to put Summer (Krysta Rodriguez) on the stand when she becomes a suspect. Beleaguered defendant Larry (John Lithgow) won’t hear of it, but it may be Josh’s best strategy after 28 long days in the courtroom.
The Amazing Race (10/9c, CBS): The dreaded “where is my passport” dilemma could derail one of the racing couples in this surprisingly enjoyable Team Complete Strangers season. As the competition moves to Zanibar, Tanzania, a blind double U-turn tempts fate and strategy.
Inside Thursday TV: ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy (8/7c), which will hit its 300th (!) episode next season, explores the relationship of Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) and Nathan (Martin Henderson) when they’re stuck next to each other on a plane. … Bernadette’s (Melissa Rauch) maternity leave is over on CBS’s The Big Bang Theory (8/7c), and she and Howard (Simon Helberg) aren’t at peace with leaving little Halley in day care. … Christy (Anna Faris) has a new boyfriend (sitcom veteran Bret Harrison) on CBS’s Mom (9/8c), and when his healthy lifestyle rubs off on her, it makes everyone else kind of sick. … Discovery’s documentary Sacred Cod (9/8c) explores the collapse of the cod-fishing industry in New England, attributed to climate change and over-fishing that has depleted the cod population and prompted a ban by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. … NBC’s The Blacklist: Redemption spinoff concludes (10/9c) with Scottie (Famke Janssen) and Howard (Terry O’Quinn) battling for control of Halcyon and its treacherous technology.
