Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) may be on the outs with the White House, but she’s taking a big step to get back into the Oval Office. Brace yourselves, “Scandal” fans. The most unlikely team-up that the ABC series has ever introduced is happening in episode 11, “The Candidate.”

Olivia is now working on Mellie Grant’s (Bellamy Young) presidential campaign. Yes, you read that right. The former First Lady is working with her ex-husband’s former mistress to ensure that she becomes the first female president of the United States.

“Scandal” viewers got their first taste of Olivia and Mellie’s partnership during the midseason premiere Thursday night. Although Olivia’s plate was full with a hacking fiasco at the NSA, Mellie approached her to read her new tell-all book. Olivia initially didn’t want to get involved, but after an interesting talk about “power” with Rowan (Joe Morton), the Gladiator tossed off her white hat. Olivia’s desperate to get back in control at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue – and Mellie is her ticket in.

But is Mellie ready for Olivia to run her campaign? The synopsis for episode 11 teases that the Virginia junior senator “may not be prepared” for what Olivia’s “help” entails. However, it sounds like she may definitely need her. Mellie may not be the only female presidential candidate. Liz North (Portia de Rossi) wants Susan Ross (Artemis Pebdani) to run. But can Susan handle the pressure?

Olivia and Mellie won’t be the only ones with their hands full in episode 11. The episode description for “The Candidate” adds that Abby (Darby Stanchfield) and Cyrus (Jeff Perry) will butt heads “when a profile piece on Fitz [Tony Goldwyn] comes into question.”

Watch a sneak peek video for “Scandal” Season 5, episode 11 below:

“Scandal” airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. EST on ABC.

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