We’re counting down the days until Christmas by looking back at Christmas episodes from a variety of TV shows. Tonight we’re talking about “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” from Scandal. What Christmas episode tropes did this episode use? Let’s take a look.
Basic Info
Directed by: Tom Verica
Written by: Mark Wilding
Episode Number: Season 5, Episode 9
Where to Watch It: Hulu
Hating Christmas
Quinn says that “everybody over the age of ten saves Christmas.” But, she ends up being happy when Charlie steals a Christmas display so that they can celebrate together.
Gifts
David gets Elizabeth a nice bracelet, but she doesn’t feel like their relationship is at a point where there’s a need for presents. He gives the bracelet to Susan instead, after she gives him liquor and he realizes that he didn’t have anything for her
Susan gives Elizabeth a scarf.
Christmas Songs
“Silent Night” plays over a montage. At the very end, “Ave Maria” plays.
Christmas Cookies
Although she and Fitz aren’t married, Olivia is now spending her time doing the thankless worth of a housewife. This is highlighted when a woman asks her for help and, instead of getting an exciting new task from a client, the woman asks her to track down the recipe for snickerdoodles.
Christmas Decorating
In the opening montage, Olivia handles all the important tasks for Christmas, recalling the time Mellie warned about how much time she would have to spend decorating White House Christmas trees.
Mellie herself is seen with her children around a beautifully decorated tree at the end of the episode. In the same sequence, Olivia sits down in front of her own tree at her own apartment, after her break up with Fitz.
I’ll Be Home for Christmas
When Congress is going to sign a bill that could potentially defund Planned Parenthood, Mellie filibusters. She mentions several times how sorry she is that this is causing everyone to miss their holiday travel plans.
