In present day, Edison calls (remember him ... Olivia's new/old boyfriend?). He warns her that the VP is rallying Cabinet members to sign over presidential powers to her.
Olivia must deploy her only weapon: Mellie. The pregnant first lady can gather up public support by giving a statement.
As Olivia gets an outfit together for Mellie, she lovingly touches Fitz's clothing. But the sight (and smell) of his Navy sweatshirt causes to her to break down sobbing for the first time since the shooting.
Flashback time again: Just days before the State of the Union address, Fitz and Olivia visit the National Archives, where they view (and touch!) the Constitution. They marvel at such a world-changing document, and Olivia affirms that she loves him.
Meanwhile, the VP gives Cyrus her name for the Supreme Court spot, but Cy's got some dirty tricks up his sleeve. He gives James the inside scoop that the potential nominee has a juvenile record.
Langston is pissed and says that Fitz's administration used her for the ballot and never intended to keep their promises.
Olivia learns about the Cytron bombing, which killed seven people and is being blamed on a woman named Lindsay Dwyer. Horrified, she confronts Hollis, who says they can't "turn away if things get a tad messy."
Even Cyrus -- who's back with James and engaged to marry -- shrugs. There's nothing they can do, and Lindsay Dwyer will just give up her freedom for the good of the country.
Later, just before the State of the Union address, Olivia runs into Mellie, who found Fitz's missing flag pin. Turns out the Secret Service found it at the National Archives, where Mellie thought she'd be the one to view the Constitution with Fitz. She knows.
As Fitz gives his speech ("I dedicate this presidency to bringing integrity back"), Olivia realizes she truly can't keep doing this. She drops off the flag pin and a resignation letter on Fitz's desk.
The powers that be
In present day, the doctors inform Mellie (with Olivia overhearing) that Fitz made it through surgery. But they don't know when -- or if -- he'll recover and wake up. Olivia gives Mellie the cleaned-up flag pin she found on the hospital floor. They may not be friends, but they both love this man.
A heartbroken Olivia runs to Cyrus, who's trying to keep his administration from falling apart. But "it's over," she tells him, and a devastated Cy destroys his office.
Sally Langston is sworn in as acting president (gulp).
A news report identifies the shooter as a man of average height and build, with a buzz cut and wearing a red hoodie.
Flashback to the shooting: The red-hooded man packs up his gun and clears the remaining evidence, and turns to leave. It's Huck!
See what "Scandal" fans had to say about "Happy Birthday, Mr. President," then weigh in with your thoughts in the comments below.
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"Scandal" airs Thursdays at 10 PM on ABC.
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