'Scandal' Season 5, Get Here Faster!

TV finale season always brings me so many mixed feelings. On one hand, I'm excited to see how my favorite shows leave off, and on the other hand, I'm sad to see them go for the summer. And where Scandal is concerned, all of those emotions count double, especially with the shaky ground so many of my favorite characters and relationships currently stand on. Who even knows what's going to happen to Jake? Will there even ever be a hearing for the whole B613 thing? I have so many questions, and if showrunner Shonda Rhimes is feeling particularly villainous, I don't think I'm going to like some of the answers. But now that the Season 4 finale is airing, it's time to look ahead to the future. What's going to happen when Scandal Season 5 premieres? [UPDATE: ABC has announced that Scandal will premiere on Sep. 24.]

I'm a little nervous to see how the season ends, especially after Guillermo Diaz has said that Scandal will see multiple deaths in the season finale (or not). But even if a few of my tears land in my red wine, it'll be great television, and as much as I'll miss it, the show will be back in a few months. And the way things are now in the Scandal universe? There are tons of possibilities for truly interesting storylines.

Here are a few predictions for Season 5. Rhimes, if you're reading this, please take notes.

Mellie Will Be A Badass

After that stunt she pulled in last Thursday's episode, blaming Fitz for handling the military rape situation all wrong, our famed First Lady is gaining all kinds of favor with the citizens of Virginia. She has a good chance of becoming senator, and it's going to be amazing to see her hold that kind of power. She might be an evil genius, but she's so much fun to watch. I can't help but kind of want to be her.

We Will Fall In Love With Vice President Ross

At first, Susan Ross seemed pretty unassuming, but now, she's one of my favorite characters. It's obvious that she's a force to be reckoned with, and I hope that the show continues to develop her character next season. She's taking charge, even when Fitz expects her to take a backseat to his decisions and just smile and nod, and I love that about her. Next season, she should take a much larger role. And speaking of the fictional POTUS...

Fitz Will Continue To Be The Worst

Listen, I know there are tons of people out there who are head over heels for Fitzgerald Grant and his star-crossed relationship with Olivia, but I'm just not one of them. Yes, he did win a few points with how supportive he's being of Mellie and her potential bid for presidency (finally), but in general, he still sucks. Although there's definitely hope that he'll change, I don't see his character evolving too dramatically in Season 5, and that's a shame.

Olivia Will Have More Emotional Damage To Deal With

In an interview with People, Bellamy Young said Olivia Pope will be "distraught" in the Season 4 finale, so I assume we'll be seeing the aftermath of whatever that means when Season 5 comes back up. I'm willing to bet that at least one of the promised deaths will have a huge direct affect on her. Please don't be Jake, please don't be Jake, please don't be Jake.

Scandal Will Give Quinn An Actual Storyline

I'm tired of seeing her be a boring Huck 2.0. I want to see Quinn as an individual, and not just in shared scenes where she's helping Huck rip toenails off and other stuff that makes me hide my eyes every time she comes on screen.

There Will Be So Much More Blood

Is it just me, or is Scandal becoming particularly gory? I think it might be bringing in the viewers for shock value, so let's expect more of that, too.

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