THE GLADIATORS ARE HIRED UNDER MYSTERIOUS CONDITIONS ON ABC'S "SCANDAL"

"Mrs. Smith Goes to Washington" - A Midwestern mom hires Pope & Associates under mysterious conditions that lead to a very dangerous situation. Meanwhile, Fitz and Mellie admit their true feelings for each other, on "Scandal," THURSDAY OCTOBER 17 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

"Scandal" stars Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope, Columbus Short as Harrison Wright, Guillermo Diaz as Huck, Darby Stanchfield as Abby Whelan, Katie Lowes as Quinn Perkins, Tony Goldwyn as President Fitzgerald Grant, Jeff Perry as Cyrus Beene, Bellamy Young as Mellie Grant, Joshua Malina as David Rosen and Scott Foley as Captain Jacob "Jake" Ballard.

Guest starring Cynthia Stevenson as Mary Nesbitt, Mark Moses as Congressman Jim Struthers, Ernie Hudson as Commander Randolph Boles, Patrick St. Espirit as Peter Foster, Brian Letscher as Tom, Sharmila Devar as Lauren, Aarti Mann as Agent Laura Kenney and Joe Morton as Rowan.

"Mrs. Smith Goes to Washington" was written by Matt Byrne and directed by Jeannot Szwarc.

"Scandal" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1-channel surround sound. This program carries a TV-14,V parental guideline.