Rowan Pope (Eli Pope): Scandal character profile

Scandal, the hit television show created by Shonda Rhimes, introduced audiences to a character who embodies the complexity and intrigue that the show is known for: Rowan Pope, also known as Eli Pope. Played brilliantly by actor Joe Morton, Rowan Pope is a character that will leave viewers both captivated and repulsed. He is a man who is masterful at manipulation, ruthless in his pursuit of power, and extremely controlling. However, beneath this facade of villainy lies a deep, if twisted, love for his daughter Olivia. In this blog post, we will delve into the depths of Rowan Pope's character, analyzing his motivations and examining the theoretical underpinnings that make him such a compelling figure.Rowan Pope's manipulative nature is perhaps one of his most defining characteristics. Throughout the series, he uses every tool at his disposal to control those around him, often resorting to emotional manipulation to achieve his goals. One cannot help but be simultaneously fascinated and appalled by the way he weaves intricate webs of deceit, pulling the strings effortlessly and leaving those around him at his mercy. Whether it is blackmail, coercion, or simply exploiting someone's weaknesses, Rowan Pope employs a variety of tactics to ensure that his power remains unchallenged.His ruthlessness is another aspect that sets Rowan Pope apart from your average antagonist. He is not one to shy away from violence or bloodshed if it means protecting his interests or securing his position of authority. This ruthlessness is exemplified in his role as the head of a secret organization known as B613, where he employs a team of highly-trained assassins to achieve his objectives. Furthermore, he is not afraid to get his hands dirty, personally involving himself in acts of brutality when necessary. It is this willingness to do whatever it takes that makes Rowan Pope such a formidable force in the world of Scandal.However, it is in Rowan Pope's relationship with his daughter Olivia that we find a nuance to his character that adds depth and complexity. Despite being a master manipulator and a man who makes morally ambiguous decisions on a regular basis, there is no denying the love he has for his daughter. It is a love that is often expressed in unconventional and twisted ways, but it is a love nonetheless. In his own twisted logic, Rowan believes that he is protecting Olivia, even if it means controlling and manipulating her every move. This deep, if misguided, love is an integral part of his character that cannot be ignored.From a theoretical perspective, Rowan Pope can be understood through the lens of psychoanalytic theory. Sigmund Freud's concept of the Oedipus complex comes to mind when examining Rowan's relationship with Olivia. The Oedipus complex refers to a child's inherent desire to possess the opposite-sex parent and eliminate the same-sex parent as a rival. In the case of Rowan and Olivia, their relationship can be seen as a manifestation of this complex. Rowan sees himself as the only one who can truly understand and protect Olivia, often acting as both a father figure and a lover in her life. This twisted dynamic adds another layer of complexity to their relationship and highlights the depths of Rowan Pope's psychological makeup.In conclusion, Rowan Pope, portrayed by Joe Morton on Scandal, is a character who embodies manipulation, ruthlessness, and control. His ability to manipulate both individuals and situations is a testament to his cunning and intelligence. However, it is his complicated and twisted love for his daughter that adds a layer of complexity to his character. Through an analytical and theoretical approach, we can gain a deeper understanding of Rowan Pope's motivations and the psychological forces at play. Despite his many flaws, or perhaps because of them, Rowan Pope remains one of the most intriguing and memorable characters in television history.By unraveling the layers of Rowan Pope's character, we can appreciate the brilliance of Joe Morton's portrayal, as well as the complex storytelling of Scandal. It is characters like Rowan Pope that make television shows like Scandal so captivating, pushing the boundaries of what we expect from our fictional characters and forcing us to question our own moral compasses. Scandal may have ended its run, but the legacy of Rowan Pope will continue to linger in the hearts and minds of viewers for years to come.