Critics praised "Wild Card" for its pacing and the way it shifted the show's dynamic. By moving away from the "Olitz" romance, Scandal was able to return to its roots as a political thriller. The episode was noted for its sharp dialogue and the strengthening of the female characters, particularly Mellie and Abby, who are forced to navigate the patriarchy of the capital on their own terms. Conclusion: Setting the Stage for the Finale
If you are watching Scandal for the first time on Hulu or Netflix, is the episode where you realize the show has fundamentally changed. The first 2.5 seasons were about a woman trying to be good in a bad world. Season 3 and 4 were about survival. But scandal 5x12 is about moral surrender. scandal 5x12
