Scandal
Thursday, 9 p.m., ABC
In the season finale of “Scandal,” presidential candidate Mellie Grant (Bellamy Young) calms down from the shock of Susan Ross (Artemis Pebdani) dropping out of the race. Mellie’s rival is senator Francisco Vargas (Ricardo Chavira). Series star Bellamy Young spoke to The Post about Mellie’s evolution from first lady to ex-wife of President Fitzgerald Grant (Tony Goldwyn) to bold politician. Shocking twist: Young revealed that the “Scandal” cast doesn’t see the final cut of the show until it airs.
Why doesn’t the cast know how episodes will play out?
We usually film 18 minutes more than fits in a [42-minute] episode. So [creator] Shonda Rhimes has all the components to make it what she wants it to be. Sometimes she loves all of those minutes and we spawn a second episode. But we lose 12 to 18 minutes of performances.
When you watch “Scandal,” you’re seeing it for the first time?
Yes. We just did a Smithsonian panel and they screened the show for the audience, but we hadn’t seen it so we didn’t know what happened. And in the green room, Shonda said, “And then I moved this. This came from that last episode.”
So what has Mellie learned this season?
In one way, she’s emancipated and unfettered. In many other ways, she’s made horrible missteps. It’s been great to watch her have great crises of confidence.
How does Mellie look back on Fitz?
Back in college they found each other, and as you so often do in gender politics you let the man go first. You pave his way and you think there’ll be reciprocity down the road. That reciprocity did not come. And so we met Mellie in her ugliest hour, after she’d been cheated on. Really losing herself in pain. But these were always the dreams in her heart. I think it’s cathartic to have her finally on her road again.
You suffer from migraines. Does all the yelling on the show ever give you a headache?
No. It’s a catharsis. I’m so non-confrontational in my real life, I get it all out at work.
There are rumors Season 6 might be delayed because of Kerry Washington’s pregnancy. What do you know about that?
I have no idea about that and Kerry speaks for Kerry.
AND HERE’S MORE TO WATCH THIS WEEK:
Modern Family
Wednesday, 9 p.m., ABC
DeDe Pritchett (Shelley Long) is getting remarried, and Manny (Rico Rodriguez) convinces the family to take a train to the wedding. Meanwhile, Cam (Eric Stonstreet) and Phil (Ty Burrell) geek out when they see their favorite author on the train.
Empire
Wednesday, 9 p.m., Fox
Hakeem (Bryshere Y. Gray) feels the pressure of his fiancée, Laura (Jamila Velazquez), as he struggles to find a place for her in his busy life. Meanwhile, despite his frustration with the family, Jamal (Jussie Smollett) makes a sacrifice for Lucious (Terrence Howard) from which it will be hard to recover.
The Good Wife
Sunday, 9 p.m., CBS
Series finale. Peter Florrick (Chris Noth) decides to take the deal he’s been offered: two years in prison. As Jason Crouse (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) had predicted and feared, Alicia (Julianna Margulies) agrees to visit him. Peter is confident he can start over again. Alicia then gets a text message informing her that the jury has come back. It’s too late to accept the plea bargain. Co-starring Christine Baranski and Matt Czuchry.
Chelsea
Wednesday, 3:01 a.m., Netflix
Series debut. The irrepressible Handler, an author and potty-mouthed chat show host, brings her sarcasm and style to Netflix, for the streaming service’s first talk show. “Chelsea” will air Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The first week’s guests include actors Drew Barrymore and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Person of Interest
Mon. and Tues., 10 p.m., CBS
The Machine experiences a glitch, supplying Reese (Jim Caviezel) with the numbers of people not involved in crimes, while locking out Finch (Michael Emerson) after identifying him as a threat.
The Vampire Diaries
Friday, 8 p.m., CW
Season finale. Despite their best efforts to help Bonnie (Kat Graham), Damon (Ian Somerhalder), Enzo (Michael Malarkey) and Caroline (Candice King) realize drastic measures need to be taken. Elsewhere, Enzo keeps Bonnie preoccupied by bringing her back to their cabin, but when his plan takes an unexpected turn, Damon makes the ultimate sacrifice to save his closest friends.
Game of Thrones
Sunday, 9 p.m., HBO
Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) meets her future. Tommen (Dean-Charles Chapman) confronts the High Sparrow (Jonathan Pryce). Arya (Maisie Williams) trains to be “no one.” Varys (Conleth Hill) finds an answer. Ramsay (Iwan Rheon) gets a gift. Co-starring Kit Harington as the resurrected Jon Snow.