Prepare for an onslaught of drama when episode 12 of “Scandal” Season 5 airs next Thursday.

This past week’s installment of the ABC series was relatively calm. Olivia (Kerry Washington) and Mellie (Bellamy Young) joined forces to prepare the former First Lady for the upcoming election, while Liz (Portia de Rossi) began planting the seeds for Susan (Artemis Pebdani) to run. Elsewhere, Fitz (Tony Goldwyn) got his flirt on with a reporter, and Cyrus (Jeff Perry) threw in the towel as Chief of Staff. Episode 11 ended with Cyrus eyeing his next project — the campaign for the Governor of Pennsylvania.

Things will certainly unravel when episode 12, titled “Wild Card,” airs on Thursday, Feb. 25. The synopsis and promo video teases that Fitz will remain preoccupied “with his own interests” — the reporter. While the hookup might be causing Abby (Darby Stanchfield) to stress, Cyrus has not a care in the world. He’s too busy focused on his “next master plan.” But is the Governor of Pennsylvania even interested in working with Cyrus?

Liz is certainly one step ahead of Cyrus when it comes to backing a presidential candidate. However, her plan to make a mark on the White House is a little risky. She’s using David (Josh Malina) to “mastermind a plan of her own.” Is David blind to Liz’s manipulation, though? Or does he care just as much about gaining control of the Oval Office?

Finally, the episode description for “Wild Card” adds that Olivia will be eyeing Jake (Scott Foley) as she tries to figure out what he has up his sleeves as the new head of the NSA. “Scandal” viewers know that anything involving Rowan (Joe Morton) can’t be good.

Season 5, episode 12 will air on ABC on Thursday, Feb. 25 at 9 p.m. EST. Watch the promo video for the upcoming installment of “Scandal” below:

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