Scandal Season 5 Episode 1 Preview: Kerry Washington/Olivia Pope Gets Mellie Grant Visit

 HOLIDAY PHOTOS with the @scandalabc family! Love these people sooooooooo crazy seriously. #ScandalFam

A photo posted by Kerry Washington (@kerrywashington) on Dec 17, 2015 at 7:24pm PST

Gladiators get your popcorn and wine ready. Last season's finale of Scandal left many of us in shock as Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) and President Fitzgerald Grant (Tony Goldwyn) decided to go their separate ways after their controversial relationship became a thing of the past. Luckily for us our favorite fixer is back as season 5 returns with Pope getting an expected visit from Senator Mellie Grant (Bellamy Young).

Last season left us clutching our pearls as we saw the rise and fall of Fitz and Olivia's relationship. Mellie made her mark as a Senator with help for an unexpected ally, Jake Ballard (Scott Foley) let his love for Olivia go and Huck (Guillermo Diaz) and Quinn (Katie Lowes) finally get used to their new normal as gladiators.

In the clip, it is business as usual at Pope & Associates. Olivia meets her gladiators in the conference room to discuss their next case. While attempting to share information about a new client, Olivia is shocked as she sees the last person in her office- her ex-boyfriend's ex wife, Mellie.

You want the best, you get the best. #Scandal makes an epic return Feb. 11 at 9|8c!https://t.co/tiJQIWrKLp

— Scandal (@ScandalABC) February 5, 2016

 "Liv, Mellie Grant is in your office," Huck announces.

"A woman's career is at stake, wait what?," Olivia asks Huck.

"Mellie Grant is in your office," Huck responds to Olivia.

Anybody who watches the show knows that when Mellie has her mind set on something, she doesn't stop until she gets it. The Senator, who is making a run for the Oval Office has decided to release a book airing out her dirty laundry before the tabloids expose it. Olivia of course is hesitant to take her on as a client and tries to turn her down but Mellie is not having it. She decides to leave her book for the fixer to read in hopes that it will change her mind.

In true Scandal fashion nothing ever turns out like you ever expect. Looks like this season will be full of surprises and drama.

The return of Scandal season 5 airs this Thursday at 9/8c on ABC! Make sure you tune in to see what new twists and turns this season has in store.

MStars News wants to know what you think. Are you excited for the return of Scandal? Do you believe Fitz and Olivia will get back together? Let us know down below!