It was unexpected that Henry Ian Cusick’s character, Stephen Finch, didn’t reappear in Scandal‘s second season, but there was a valid explanation for his departure following season 1. Throughout the run of Shonda Rhimes’ popular TV series, numerous characters were introduced, some of whom remained until the show concluded after six seasons on air. As part of Olivia Pope’s team, Stephen, much like his coworkers, played a significant role in assisting clients navigate their PR emergencies.
Characters in long-running TV series don’t always survive till the end. Actors might depart for various reasons, such as dissatisfaction with the show’s direction, a wish to explore new opportunities, or scheduling clashes. While some shows suffer after losing popular characters, others adapt and may even thrive. For instance, on the TV series ‘Scandal’, Cusick was among the early departures in its first season.
Henry Ian Cusick Didn’t Return As Stephen In Scandal Season 2
Stephen And His Fiancée Moved Out Of Washington, DC
During the first season of “Scandal”, Stephen was an engaging character who played a significant role, but he disappeared from the series in its second season. Stephen was portrayed as a ladies’ man who struggled with commitment to his girlfriend, Georgia. However, after Olivia persuaded him to propose, he made an effort to be faithful. The dynamics of their relationship were key to understanding why Stephen wasn’t in “Scandal” season 2. In the opening episode of the second season, Olivia told Cyrus that Stephen and Georgia had relocated from the city and were now living a quiet life together.
In a conversation with TV Guide, Shonda Rhimes shared the reason behind Stephen Cusick not returning for Scandal’s second season. She disclosed that Cusick was receiving limited screen time and there were fewer opportunities for him to contribute significantly to the show. Consequently, Rhimes decided it would be beneficial for Cusick to pursue other projects instead. While Cusick’s character wasn’t as deeply developed as others in Scandal, his brief return in season 4, episode 13, where he saved Olivia’s life, was indeed intriguing and supported Rhimes’ rationale.
| Scandal Seasons & Their Rotten Tomatoes Scores | |
|---|---|
| Scandal Season | Critics’ Rotten Tomatoes Score |
| Season 1 | 87% |
| Season 2 | 95% |
| Season 3 | 95% |
| Season 4 | 95% |
| Season 5 | 95% |
| Season 6 | 95% |
| Season 7 | 92% |
Following its initial season, the plot of the series “Scandal” underwent significant transformations. Initially, the narrative revolved around the gladiators solving various issues. However, subsequent seasons took on a spy-thriller and conspiracy vibe, particularly after B613 was introduced. The characters within the show also experienced considerable development, with their histories becoming more complex. As the series progressed, Olivia and Fitz’s relationship became pivotal, significantly shaping the later seasons of “Scandal”. These transitions led to a final political drama that felt almost like a new show, one where Stephen had less opportunity to shine.
What Henry Ian Cusick Has Done Since Scandal Season 1
Cusick Has Had An Illustrious Career
Following his departure from “Scandal”, Cusick has gone on to act in numerous films and television series. In September 2012, he made an appearance in “Fringe” season 5 as Simon Foster, a resistance fighter. One year after the first season of “Scandal”, the actor landed guest roles in several crime dramas, including “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”, “The Mentalist”, and “Body of Proof”. In these shows, he played James Nefarro, Tommy Volker, and Dr. Trent Marsh respectively. Additionally, Cusick has been featured in shows like “NCIS Hawai’i”, “Inhumans”, and “The Passage”. Most recently, he portrayed Enzo de le Costa in “9-1-1 Lone Star”.
After the first season of Scandal, TV shows became a significant part of Cusick’s career. However, he also took on roles in various movies like Not Another Happy Ending (2013), The Girl on the Train, Everglades, Pali Road, Visible, and Rememory. Additionally, he voiced Peet in the animated series The Wingfeather Saga. Nevertheless, TV is where Cusick feels most comfortable, and his notable roles post-Scandal season 1 include the sci-fi show The 100 and the action series MacGyver. The versatile Peruvian-Scottish actor also has several upcoming projects lined up, including Butterfly, Awaken, and Fugitive from Asteron.
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2025-05-08 07:15