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    18 Reasons Why Papa Pope Must Live

    He may be a little (OK, a lot) messed up, but Eli Pope is part of what has made Scandal's Season 3 so great. Here's 18 reasons why Shonda Rhimes and her team of writers shouldn't kill him off in the season finale this Thursday. #PrayForPapaPope

    1. He's done so many messed up things, but he totally owns up to them.

    2. Olivia probably learned how to "handle" things from him.

    3. He also taught her to appreciate a fine wine.

    4. He gives the most epic speeches.

    5. He's so mysterious.

    6. But also very terrifying.

    7. Plus, the awkward Sunday dinners must continue.

    8. No one is more calm with a gun to his head than Eli Pope.

    9. He is definitely out of the running for #1 dad, but he certainly has no qualms with being brutally honest.

    10. Lying also comes quite naturally.

    11. While he may never show it, he's a proud papa.

    12. Who happens to like playing Russian roulette with his ex-wife's lover.

    13. He has a make-you-shake-in-your-pants death stare.

    14. He's probably the only person who can stop Maya Pope.

    15. And the thing is, Maya shouldn't get to live.

    16. The moral of the story is this: Joe Morton is an amazing actor and he lights up the screen anytime he's on it.

    17. Killing him off on Thursday would just be too easy.

    18. #PrayForPapaPope