Unpacking The Toolbox

Nobody Likes Babies, originally meant to be the season finale, was a turning point for the show – There’s no going back after the events in this episode, with Fitz’ dramatic choice. Katie and Guillermo unpack the twists and turns with the esteemed Debra Mooney, AKA Supreme Court Justice Verna Thornton, including diving into Debra’s acting history and what she was really doing in the coffin during her final scene… Plus, are Katie and Guillermo officially getting old (and sleepy)?

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Adam Shapiro who plays the infamous Jesse Tyler joins Katie & Guillermo to relive life on set, getting blown up and what it’s like to be married to another actor on Scandal… Katie! Plus, Katie and Guillermo merge their love for food with their dislike for rodents as they talk about eating… Guinea pigs. And, Jesse’s death marks the first (chronological) member of the Scandal body count, a brand new segment. 

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Olivia Pope delivers one heck of a knockout speech at the top of episode 211, so naturally Katie & Guillermo gush over their favorite performances from Kerry Washington. Then, Katie dives into what it was like to get news that she wouldn’t be in this episode. Plus, Guillermo learns that Director Tom Verica had a famous role in theatre before he got into directing. This episode is NOT Sponsored by Sialis or Subway.

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Guillermo was once accused of killing Joe Morton (Eli Pope), which he definitely didn’t do. And Katie shares a story of a stalker who kept calling her after Scandal ended. From talks of waterboarding practice runs on set to a debate about Olivia Pope’s amazing gloves, this episode has it all. 

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Katie and Guillermo practice their eye-hugging with the one and only Darby Stanchfield, AKA Sassy Abby, AKA Big Red, AKA Abby Whelan! Darby shares the story of her stare-down with Shonda Rhimes and what it was like to silently stick her fingers in Joshua Malina’s mouth... Plus, Katie & Guillermo dive into important moments from the episode, like when Huck finally gets laid.

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Written by Shonda Rhimes herself, Happy Birthday Mr. President is one of the most memorable episodes of Scandal, and Katie & Guillermo laugh, cry and swoon over all the iconic scenes of Olitz. In the hypothetical re-enactment of the episode, Katie thinks she’d be a better Fitz than Guillermo. And would G touch the declaration of independence if given the opportunity? Plus, memories of wrap presents from set. 

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Defiance is one of the most shocking episodes of all time with its twist ending, and Katie and Guillermo can’t wait to dive in. Don’t come hungry because Huck loves a hoagie, and this episode is a very food-forward conversation. Plus, as Katie says, this is the first time Quinn “isn’t dumb” as she’s on the trail to figure out if Huck was involved in her relocation. #WhatTheHuck

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It's time for one of Katie's favorite episodes, which marks the first time B613 is mentioned. Naturally this leads to a big discussion about ghosts and Monica Lewinsky's purse line. Then, Guillermo explains what it's like to use so many guns on set. And Katie points out two flaws in her acting that made it to the final version of the episode. Buckle in, this episode takes Katie & Guillermo on quite a... spin.

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Guillermo tells Katie about his appearance on Ellen where he met Madonna, showing off the large tattoo of her face on his arm. As Olivia Pope joins the other kingmakers of the Defiance Conspiracy, Katie and Guillermo have strong words for Edison Davis and his advances -- back off Senator Pudding Pop! It's Huck's first date with Becky Flynn and Guillermo recalls when Katie fixed his hair in a touching and unscripted moment. As a bonus, Katie shares a story to illustrate why you don't eat dairy on a first date (or a second or a third or a fourth).

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Katie's first acting role ever was an episode of Private Practice, and she thanks the director of that episode for getting her into the Scandal fam. Katie & G also discover the things the actual president has to pay for. This episode may also be peak Scandal, as it hints toward some very spoiler-y things to come in later seasons. And... do all roads lead to Fitz' bedroom? Plus, sending out good vibes to Katie and Guillermo's mannequin doppelgangers, who still out there somewhere.

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Bienvenidos a Unpacking the Toolbox where Guillermo gives Katie a Spanish lesson, and Katie shares more about her life and kids while trying to record. Nothing can stop Katie and G from chatting about this episode -- Not now and not while they were shooting the show. Our resident hacker Huck explains what Thorngate is and how Scandal always seemed to mirror real life. This episode also marks the first time we see Huck's toolbox, and Mellie Grant's famous "Get over her!" speech. Get ready to take a drink (of Whiskey) every time Guillermo finds which horror movie a guest star appeared in. 

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It’s no secret that Scandal had a lot of plot threads happening all at once – Defiance, Huck in alcoholic’s anonymous, Olitz, Abby and David Rosen, plus the case-of-the-week to boot! Which is why it’s completely understandable that Katie and Guillermo get confused as to what’s going on in this episode. Twice. But don’t worry – they dive into the amazing performances of Kerry Washington and the guest stars, and even cover some of the pressing questions like… Who’s the top in James and Cyrus’ relationship? 

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Joshua Malina, our resident David Rosen and king of lawyer-speak is here to join Katie and Guillermo as they dive into life on set, prepping (or not prepping) before filming, and pranks on set. Josh messed with everyone on set except for Shonda Rhimes and Guillermo, and he explains exactly why. Then, Josh explains his casting process, and how he became a series regular. Plus, Katie & G break down some amazing quotes from the episode and realize that Katie is a terrible driver. 

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In an emotional episode, Katie and Guillermo welcome Kerry Washington to dive into life at the end of the first season, and what the future held for the Scandal fam. Kerry shares her casting story, how she felt destined for the role and the importance of being true to yourself on the screen. Plus, Kerry jokes how her romance with Fitz was her second-longest relationship after her husband, and Katie discovers a brand new nickname for Guillermo. 

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The one-and-only President Fitzgerald Grant joins Katie & Guillermo on this week’s episode to talk about everything from joining the Scandal cast, to what it was like directing the crazy OPA team. Plus, Tony Goldwyn shares his experiences breaking into the limelight as a sex symbol at 50 years old, being killed by Jason in Friday the 13th, and the “one minute” scene. And no episode would be complete without Katie & Guillermo talking about food – namely how Guillermo couldn’t eat on set as Homeless Huck, and why Katie thinks they should all make jam in Vermont.

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As Katie starts this episode stuffed from an enormous lunch, it’s the perfect time for she and Guillermo to break down their favorite on-set meals, as well as how eating on camera can be the ultimate acting challenge. Then, Katie and Guillermo get into the shocking events of the episode, including the introduction of Charlie, “Huck-cam” and the return of the tear stick (or lack thereof!) in their emotional performances. Plus, Katie exposes her inability to name former presidents before reading some hilarious Tweets of the Times. 

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During their rewatch of this shocking episode all about President Fitz’ affair with a young intern, Katie and Guillermo decided there was no better guest to bring on than the infamous Amanda Tanner herself, Liza Weil. Liza opens up about her difficulties during the audition process, all the way to the moment she asked to be in the harness when Amanda Tanner was pulled out of the river. Plus, Katie and Guillermo discuss hiking, enormous wine glasses and the necessity of letting out a little air during tense scenes… which of course means fart sounds galore. 

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Katie and Guillermo gush about how cool Harrison was in the early episodes of Scandal as the OPA team handles a twist-filled case. Huckleberry Quinn throws in some twists of their own as they discuss epic monologues, how hard it can be to cry under pressure, and… Tony Goldwyn’s abs? Plus, they both share some very personal feelings about the episode, and a possible connection they found on the dark web. 

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Katie and Guillermo dive into the second episode of Scandal while sharing some dirty little secrets of their own: Guillermo has a piece of the Scandal set in his home and Katie was terrified of having an on-screen fling with Gideon Wallace, played by Brendan Hines. It’s an episode that breaks down continuity errors, G’s special fan encounters, and… champion figure skater Oksana Baiul.

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The one-and-only creator of Scandal, Shonda Rhimes joins Katie and Guillermo in their inaugural episode of Unpacking The Toolbox, covering the famous pilot that started it all. Guillermo is shocked to learn where “Gladiators in suits” came from, and Katie shares her once in a lifetime casting story. Plus, Shonda discusses never-before-heard details about the development process for the show, but not before Katie and Guillermo applaud themselves for still fitting into their Scandal shirts from ten years ago.

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