Scandal: Joshua Malina, Scott Foley blog 'You Got Served'

Consider it handled. Each week, Scandal fan favorites Josh Malina and Scott Foley, who play David Rosen and Jake Ballard, respectively, join forces to bring you behind-the-scenes scoop. Here, they revisit episode 5 of season 5. Check back each week for more — and of course, send feedback to us at @EW and to the guys at @JoshMalina and @scottkfoley.

Joshua Malina: Hey dude.

Scott Foley: Dude.

JM: So … 505, also known as “You Got Served.” This episode was directed by a first-timer, Kevin Bray. I really liked working with him. He was confident and quick, two qualities I appreciate in a director. There’s so much to keep track of in the world of Scandal. It seems like a daunting task to step in cold and direct an episode. Sometimes we get a script and I myself can’t remember all the pertinent details and plot twists that came before. When that happens, I call my dad. I use him generally as my external hard drive of information, and this extends to Scandal. I know that I can call him with a question, and he’ll be able to set me straight.

SF: Y’know, you could probably pose your Scandal-related questions to the writing staff.

JM: I suppose so, but I’d rather interact with my dad. In addition to answering my queries, he’ll usually tell me that I look thin. I don’t get that kind of positive feedback from the writing staff. People often ask me whether I’d be interested in directing an episode of the show. I point to my inability to keep track of the show’s intricate plot as one of the reasons why that will never happen.

SF: The other reasons being…

JM: Disorganization, poor visual sense, laziness, and weak interpersonal skills.

SF: Don’t forget your inability to focus.

JM: I’m sorry. What were we discussing?

SF: See what we did there?

JM: Funny, funny stuff. But tell me, Scott, Tom Verica recently tweeted that you were out on a scout or something like that? Are you prepping to direct an episode?

SF: I am going to be directing an upcoming episode but recently was just following Tom around to get a lay of the Scandal pre-production land. It’s a bit more hectic here compared to other shows I’ve directed and Tom had asked me to take a look so that I’d be familiar with the process when my episode comes around. It’s not until the end of February, so I’ve got a bit of time.

JM: I look forward to it. I’ll be easy to work with, I promise.

SF: Now … 505! There’s a whole lot that happens in this episode. You actually figure quite prominently into it as a matter of fact; well done, sir!

JM: Thanks. Did I look thin?

SF: For me this episode was all about that speech that Liv gives. The I-wish-I’d-never-laid-eyes-on-him speech. It’s such a great bit of writing and KW did, as always, a fantastic job with it. I really believed that although she was forced into a corner, she truly meant every word that she said. Also, Mellie getting booted off of the senate committee that she basically started was a bit of a shock, I thought. And the phone call to Cyrus from Fitz at the end! Such a great moment, acting to Mellie as if nothing of importance was happening when you just know Cyrus was loving his life. Oh! I almost forgot: Leo Bergen! The show just gets better for me every time he pops up on screen. His energy and passion — and general sleazeball-ness — are always a welcome addition and watching him and Liv together just makes it all the better.

JM: Agreed. I am a big Paul Adelstein fan. Newbies should know that he is married to How To Get Away With Murder’s Liza Weill, A.K.A. Scandal’s …

JM and SF in unison: Amanda Tanner!

JM: Jinx.

SF: This episode also had the first scene between Jake and Elise and Olivia, and we had fun shooting it. The ladies had known one another in the past (off screen) and I think it gave us all a sense of ease in playing an intentionally uneasy scene. I know that you don’t watch the show, but what were the high points for you?

JM: For me the real high point of the episode was when I got paid. In terms of on-camera moments, though, I enjoyed the opportunity to work with both Tony and Kerry in this episode. My path only crosses theirs occasionally, and I always enjoy it. You know, together they are known as “Olitz.”

SF: I did know that.

JM: Oh. Well, that’s all I’ve got. I’ll try to dig deeper for our next blog.

SF: Do.