Apple TV’s New Psychological Thriller Officially Flips Kerry Washington’s Most Famous Role

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In the third episode of Apple TV+’s Imperfect Women, actress Kerry Washington takes on a role that cleverly subverts her usual on-screen persona. Washington, a well-established and versatile figure in Hollywood with over thirty years of experience, is not only a star in Imperfect Women but also a co-executive producer. The first three episodes of the series, which has already been released, follow a predictable mystery-thriller format.

The Apple TV thriller follows three close friends – Nancy, Beth, and Eleanor – all of whom are hiding things from each other and the world. They carefully maintain a flawless public image, but when Nancy is murdered, their carefully guarded secrets start to come to light.

The series Imperfect Women tells its story through the eyes of all three main characters. The first three episodes focus on Eleanor’s experiences. With Kerry Washington playing the lead, viewers naturally compare her performance to her well-known role as Olivia Pope in Scandal.

Kerry Washington Is Best Known For Playing Professional “Fixer” Olivia Pope In Scandal

Saying Scandal was important for Kerry Washington’s career doesn’t quite capture its impact. Similar to other shows created by Shonda Rhimes, Scandal quickly developed a dedicated and enthusiastic fanbase that still exists today, even years after the series ended. The show was clever, stylish, and full of over-the-top storylines that kept people hooked.

In the TV show Scandal, Kerry Washington plays Olivia Pope, a skilled crisis manager and former media consultant. People seek her out when they need help fixing a public relations disaster. Olivia is generally good at staying out of trouble herself, except for her romantic relationship with the President.

As a huge fan of television, I was consistently impressed by Kerry Washington’s performance as Olivia Pope. It’s amazing to think she played that role for six full years – it was definitely the longest she’s ever committed to a single show! And the recognition she received was well-deserved. She snagged a BET Award in 2013, and on top of that, she was nominated for three more BET Awards, two Emmys, two People’s Choice Awards, and even a Golden Globe, all for portraying Olivia. It really cemented her status as a phenomenal actress.

Imperfect Women’s Eleanor Plays The Opposite Role Of Scandal’s Olivia Pope

A standout moment in the third episode of Imperfect Women is how it cleverly reverses Kerry Washington’s iconic role in Scandal. While Scandal featured people seeking Olivia Pope and her team to manage crises, this episode puts Washington’s character in the position of needing help with her own problems.

In episodes two and three, Eleanor makes a series of questionable choices. She unexpectedly goes to the ballet with her best friend’s ex-husband, and then starts a relationship with him, seemingly without thinking about the fact that he has children.

As a result of the scandal and being a key suspect, Eleanor’s business begins to fail. By the end of episode 3 of Imperfect Women, she seeks help from lawyers to try and control the narrative surrounding her friend’s death. It’s a compelling twist to see Kerry Washington portraying the person creating the problem, rather than the one who usually solves them.

Eleanor & Olivia Pope Still Have A Few Key Similarities

Despite their many differences, Eleanor and Olivia Pope share some important similarities that make Eleanor feel relatable. Both women maintain a professional exterior while struggling with personal chaos, and they both pursue risky relationships that could have devastating consequences.

Eleanor is having an affair with her deceased best friend’s husband. While she knew him before his wife, Nancy, and always felt drawn to him, their relationship now casts suspicion on both of them as potential suspects in Nancy’s murder.

Honestly, one of the biggest storylines revolves around Olivia Pope and Fitz – the President, no less! – having an affair. And they’re not exactly subtle about it. I mean, they’re meeting in incredibly risky places, like inside the White House, and he’s openly flirting with her right in front of other people. It’s a scandal waiting to happen, and it’s all so out in the open!

Both women in Scandal and Imperfect Women lack tact, making them compelling yet frustrating characters.

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2026-03-26 02:48