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'Scandal's Joe Morton Talks Saying Goodbye to 'Surrogate Daughter' Kerry Washington

OK, don't take the photo below as a prime example of their father-daughter relationship -- the off-screen one, that is

| April 19, 2018 @ 2:19 PM
Scandal Kerry Washington

ABC/Eric McCandless

Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) has the mother of all daddy issues with her father Eli (Joe Morton).

But Morton tells TheWrap that while his "Scandal" counterpart may not be the most ideal of parents, "everything he's done he's either done to protect his daughter or protect the Republic -- or both."

OK, we've heard that one far too many times from the character himself. So if that isn't enough to make you forgive Eli (aka Rowan, the retired head of B613) at this point, maybe nothing will. Well, until you hear Morton talk about the show's shining star, that is.

Also Read: State of Shondaland: 'Station 19' Starts, 'Scandal' Ends and Everything Netflix Snagged

"I think Kerry and I really do love one another," Morton said in a recent interview about the final season of "Scandal." "I think in many ways I suppose she is kind of -- I have two daughters already, so I suppose she's my third daughter. It's funny, because her dad and I, whenever we get a chance to see each other we get along really well and there are strong similarities between us. So you've seen in the tweets and so forth the expression of the 'Scandal' Family. And I think that's what it turns out to be. The relationships are very specific. The women on the show are all very tight. The same is true of the guys. And as a group, we all get along really well as a family. And we know each other very distinctly. Kerry and I, I think she's like a surrogate daughter in a way."

If we say "we're not crying, you're crying," will you punch us? OK, that's what we thought. So enjoy this story about when Morton directed Washington in episode 16 of this seventh and final season.

"I came out on the floor and I congratulated her for whatever work she had done in the scene. And she turned to the crew and said, 'It really means something when your dad tells you you are doing well!'"

Also Read: 'Scandal' Cast, Shonda Rhimes Get Choked Up With Their Gladiators on Twitter as Series Wraps

While we can't tell you if Eli makes it to the end of the series in on piece, Morton says Papa Pope most definitely gets what's coming to him.

"Minds are going to be blown," Morton says. Make of that what you will, Gladiators.

The "Scandal" season finale airs tonight at 10/9 c on ABC.

Everybody Who's Been Murdered on 'Scandal' -- And Who Murdered Them (Photos)

  • KERRY WASHINGTON Scandal ABC
  • Amanda Tanner Scandal ABC
  • Gideon Scandal ABC
  • Britta Kagen Scandal ABC
  • Jesse Scandal ABC
  • Verna Scandal ABC
  • Grayden Scandal ABC
  • Molly Scandal ABC
  • Security guard Scandal ABC
  • Daniel Douglas Langston Scandal ABC
  • Vanessa Chandler Scandal ABC
  • Shelby Moss Scandal ABC
  • James Scandal ABC
  • Clare Scandal ABC
  • Jerry Grant Jr. Scandal ABC
  • NAZANIN BONIADI scandal ABC
  • COLUMBUS SHORT Scandal ABC
  • Lena Dunham Scandal ABC
  • Holly Scandal ABC
  • Elise Scandal ABC
  • BRIAN WHITE Scandal ABC
  • JON TENNEY, TONY GOLDWYN Scandal ABC
  • Richard Moss Scandal ABC
  • Francisco Vargas Scandal ABC
  • Sandra Scandal ABC
  • Jennifer Fields Scandal ABC
  • Meg Scandal ABC
  • PORTIA DE ROSSI Scandal ABC
  • Peus Scandal ABC
  • Samantha Ruland Scandal ABC
  • Luna Vargas Scandal ABC
  • Rashad Scandal ABC
  • JAY HERNANDEZ Scandal ABC
  • JESSALYN GILSIG Scandal ABC
  • JOSHUA MALINA Scandal ABC
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As ABC's political thriller comes to its conclusion, let's look back at the many, many deaths from throughout its run

From the Season 1 death of Amanda Tanner to Olivia bashing the vice president's face in with a chair, TheWrap takes a look back at every bloody, brutal murder from "Scandal's" seven seasons.

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