Why did Cyrus kill David in Scandal? Details explored in depth

When Scandal wrapped up back in April 2018, almost nobody was ready for the twist: Cyrus killing David Rosen in the finale. Seven seasons of scheming and wheeling-dealing in D.C., and it ended with betrayals, people making last-minute choices that locked in their fates forever.

To date, there's still an argument going on over the ethical connotations and heavy costs paid for that conclusion. Many believe one of the most unforgettable moments in TV history is Cyrus killing David.

Scandal pulls us into shady handshakes, secrets shoved under fancy carpets, and cutthroat power games. And then there’s David Rosen, Joshua Malina’s character, who stands out like the last Boy Scout in a lineup of morally questionable politicians. Compared to the chaos swirling around him, David is almost too good for his own good.

Conversely, Cyrus Beene, played by Jeff Perry, was portrayed as one of the show's ruthless political geniuses. He represented Scandal's core theme: once people get close to power, it tends to corrupt.

The showdown between David’s morals and Cyrus’s ambitions reached its peak in the Scandal season finale, Over a Cliff. Cyrus ended up killing David without any hesitation because he was scared for his own skin and wanted to stay on top. He thought it through, weighed his options, and carried it out.

This scene in Scandal underscored the dark reality of the series: Washington's survival comes at an expensive personal cost.

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Why did Cyrus kill David in Scandal?

At the end of Scandal Season 7, Olivia Pope and her team, who refer to themselves as the "Gladiators," decide to reveal B613's secrets. B613 is an unlawful government agency whose deeds have included numerous crimes and political intrigue throughout the series. They want to reveal to the general public the evil at the heart of American power, even though they themselves will be penalized as a result.

The final episode of Scandal opens on the Gladiators preparing to come forward to testify against B613. They know the dangers: coming out could put them in jail or even cost them their lives. Yet, still, they believe coming forward could bring an end to the injustices once and for all.

Liv’s father, Eli (or Rowan Pope), who covertly established B613, must also come before this committee. Ultimately, he chooses to come forward to testify. He identifies himself as "Ronan" and doesn't shy away from saying he was responsible for B613, executing missions by whatever means he felt necessary to be “patriotic.”

Amidst all this chaos, David Rosen, the sitting Attorney General, represents one lone moral voice. David wants to do what is good and to lead the prosecution against B613. This entails fighting against its powerful advocates, including Vice President Cyrus Beene and Jake Ballard, B613's last boss.

David's urge to do what is good puts him directly in harm's way, as these men will not rest until they can maintain power in their control.

Jake, following orders, confronts David in a parking lot. But instead of killing him, Jake lets David go. He tells David to keep standing strong, showing that even he has a line that he refuses to cross.

This choice makes Cyrus, Jake’s co-conspirator and a man who always puts survival above all else, panic. Cyrus watches his authority being drained and dreads being prosecuted. Indignant that Jake would not "take care" of David, Cyrus recognizes he must do it by his own hand.

Cyrus invites David to his apartment, pretending he wants to confess his crimes. Acting as if he feels guilty and wants to be honest, Cyrus tricks David into drinking poison. When David begins to realize what is happening, Cyrus quietly says, “You’re in my way.”

The poison paralyzes David but does not kill him immediately. Cyrus then suffocates him with a pillow, making sure David can never reveal anything. Cyrus's scheme is clear: in killing David, he hopes the investigation will fall apart or at least offer time to salvage his own future.

Abby Whelan, David's ex-lover and fellow Gladiator, discovers his body and is distraught. The other Gladiators also mourn. Olivia reminds them they can't be like Cyrus; they must act like "white hats" and not resort to revenge, illustrating the difference between ambition and justice.

Rowan's court testimony results in Jake Ballard's arrest. Jake ends up being B613's fall guy and keeps the rest safe. Olivia visits Jake in prison and apologizes for being involved in it.

Later, Olivia shows up in front of Cyrus in the Oval Office and demands his resignation. Crushed and beleaguered, Cyrus signs his letter and walks out calmly, ending his career.

President Mellie Grant is cleared in the court of public opinion and invites Olivia to return to politics, but Olivia declines, choosing peace outside the long shadow of the White House.

Scandal ends with a sense of closure for many of the characters. Mellie is still president. Quinn and Charlie have started a family. Abby and Huck mourn David's loss. Fitz and Olivia find comfort in one another, and in the final scene, Olivia's portrait can be seen in an exhibition room.

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