Eli Pope, also known as Rowan, and affectionately (or fearfully) dubbed Papa Pope, is one of the most compelling characters on Scandal. As the enigmatic head of the top-secret government organization B613, Rowan is introduced as Olivia Pope’s estranged father in season 3. A master manipulator with a chilling demeanor, Eli has a deep, complex relationship with Olivia, oscillating between love and ruthless control.
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His introduction was nothing short of epic, and from that moment, he commanded every scene he was in. His monologues didn’t just enhance the storyline—they elevated the entire series, leading up to a finale speech that’s etched in TV history. Eli’s presence was synonymous with respect and fear, driven by an unrelenting quest for control.
Here are 8 Times Eli/Rowan/Papa Pope Got Us All Together on Scandal—because while he was reading his castmates, he was reading all of us too.
Eli Pope vs. President Grant (The Boy)
Season 3 Episode 10 | “A Door Marked Exit”
Papa Pope vs. Olivia
Season 7 Episode 18 | Over a Cliff
Rowan vs. Olivia
Season 3 Episode 1 | “It’s Handled”
Papa Pope vs. Edison
Season 5 Episode 20 | “Trump Card”
Papa Pope vs. The Republic
Season 7 Episode 18 | “Over a Cliff”
Eli Pope vs. Olivia
Season 4, Episode 7 | Baby Made a Mess
“You never choose one of them over me, again. I won’t have it”
Eli Pope v. Olivia
Season 3, Episode 11 | “Ride, Sally, Ride”
Eli Pope vs. Olivia
Season 6 Episode 01 | “Survival of the Fittest”