10 Reasons Why Olivia Pope Would Be Crazy Not To Fall For Captain Jake Ballard
In case you live under a rock and didn’t know, yesterday was the season four premiere of "Scandal." The show's premiere has been one of the most highly-anticipated of the fall season.
ABC debuted a new “Thank God It’s Thursday” line-up, which consists of "Grey’s Anatomy," "Scandal" and the new hit starring Viola Davis, "How to Get Away with Murder."
Needless to say, instead of attending my usual happy hour, I went straight home last night to prepare for this momentous occasion.
Social media were ablaze yesterday as millions of viewers tweeted about "Scandal" Thursdays and everyone’s former B613 commander, Captain Jake Ballard.
If you’ve been a loyal gladiator from the beginning, you have likely had your misgivings about Jake. Sure, he’s gorgeous and has a smile that’ll sweep a girl right off her feet, but he’s had some creepy stalker moments, and he killed one of our favorite characters!
On the other hand, we have Fitz, President of the United States and Olivia’s long-time love. While I was hopeful as a viewer for a happy ending between the two when I first began watching the show, I have to admit, my hopes have waned.
We’ve come so close in the past, yet are still so far from that ever-elusive reveal of their affair to the world.
Like the boy who cried wolf, I’m having trouble believing Shonda Rhimes when she implies, yet again, that there’s a happy ending in sight for Fitz and Olivia. Last night’s scene of the pair walking past each other unfazed is perhaps the most honest portrayal of their relationship on screen yet.
At the end of the day, Olivia’s choice is harder than Sophie’s, but I know for whom I’m rooting. Between President Fitzgerald Grant and Captain Jake Ballard, I’d pick Jake Ballard every single time -- here are 10 reasons why:
1. Jake isn’t whiny
Rhimes intentionally switched the gender stereotypes in this show to have Fitz play the damsel in distress and Olivia be the one rushing to the rescue. This is why so many people complain of Fitz being whiny and needy.
While I do appreciate Rhime’s effort to be innovative with regards to gender roles, I can’t help but constantly find myself pleading for Fitz to just be a man! These are words I’ve never had to utter when referencing Captain Jake Ballard.
2. Jake has no baby-mama drama
Fitz has one major con working against him: He’s married! No one wants to come between the president and the First Lady. Olivia Pope is no Marilyn Monroe; she’s better than that and deserves a man who's actually single and able to commit to her.
Jake offers all that and more.
3. Jake can kick serious butt
Fitz may have the secret service on his side, but in a one-on-one combat situation, I’d want Jake next to me every single time. Fitz would definitely be knocked out and useless within the first five minutes.
4. Jake isn’t power hungry
Sure, he became a little crazy as Commander of B613 for a while there, but the important thing to note is that he left that all behind for Liv.
Meanwhile, Fitz has promised to leave the White House and Meli, time and time again, without any followthrough. Don’t talk about it, Fitz; be about it.
5. Jake tells it like it is
Last night, Jake laid it all on the line, telling Olivia exactly what he can do for her that Fitz can’t, and why she’s stupid for even thinking of him since their return to DC.
This left most viewers slack-jawed and wide-eyed. There are no words.
6. Jake works the hell out of a Navy uniform
We love a man in uniform, and seeing Jake Ballard in his crisp, white Navy suit is like Christmas every time.
7. Jake is emotionally available
Jake is not afraid to share his feelings and fight for what he wants. He’s emotionally available, and he doesn’t withdraw his affections on a political whim or flip-flop on his commitments, like Fitz.
8. Jake has quiet strength
Jake doesn’t have to be the center of attention. He can be the back-up date and wait patiently for his turn because he’s sure of what he has to offer and knows that his time will come.
9. Jake is not afraid to take action
Leave the world behind and move to a deserted island in the middle of nowhere? Done. Just say the word.
10. Jake puts Olivia above all else
Above orders or loyalty to his country, Jake puts Olivia at number one. He's the kind of man we all want in our lives.
What are you waiting for, Olivia? It's a no-brainer. Go back to that beach while you still can!
