Human attraction is instinctual. You can't control it. Whether or not you act on the urges is a different story, however, when attraction sparks, it's difficult to contain. Adultery has been a common taboo in human history since the dawn of our existence, and although the consequences can weigh heavy on the parties involved, carnal urges are human nature. It's going to continue. Nothing can stop it. It's beyond our reach.
That being said, in no way should it be endorsed. It should be accepted as a consequence of life, but should never be celebrated, and Shonda Rhimes of the hit series "Scandal" couldn't agree more. On the show, the rocky relationship between Olivia Pope and the married president of the United States has long been a debated topic among viewers. Although the enticing plot helps rope viewers in, Rhimes urges fans not to mistake that storyline as a ringing endorsement for illicit liaisons, according to TVLine.
"I don't feel like we're making adultery acceptable. We weren't setting out to make adultery OK," Rhimes said. "To me it's not about adultery or not adultery. We're telling the story of these two characters who very specifically have this kind of relationship."
Rhimes' comments came in the wake of comments from David Zabel, executive producer of the new ABC drama "Betrayal." Zabel said that although it's difficult to cast a female protagonist as an adulteress, "they've overcome it on 'Scandal.' They've overcome it pretty well."
Although Rhimes' believes the comments to be misguided, she does enjoy the ongoing debate. "I like the fact that everybody feels this big debate. That's fantastic, because that's the point," she said. "We're not giving a judgement on it one way or the other."
"Scandal," along with more riveting adultery squabble, will return to ABC for its third season on Thursday, October 3.