Secrets, Scandals, and a Scent: Drama Unfolds on 'The Oval'
Last week’s episode of The Oval ended with Sam rushing into Nancy and Richard’s home after hearing what he thought were disturbing noises. Instead, he walked in on Nancy and a Richard look-alike in a compromising position. As the fake Richard hurried out of the room, a drunken Nancy boldly told Sam to let Richard know what she had been up to—for all she cared.
Next, we find Victoria confronting Bobby. She suspects Sam might have been right about him and Simone, especially since Bobby smells like Simone’s perfume. Adding fuel to her suspicions, she also accuses him of being involved with Priscilla. Victoria continues to press Bobby, trying to figure out what’s really going on and taunting him about the lingering scent of Simone’s perfume. Unfazed, Bobby maintains his composure and insists on getting back to work, which seems to only intrigue Victoria more. Later, Bobby runs into Max, who also notices the perfume and warns Bobby to change his clothes before anyone else catches on.
Meanwhile, Priscilla updates Donald and Eli. She reveals that she convinced Hunter to allow the wounded agents to leave. She also shares her plan: the only way to make progress is by making Donald believe he has a chance to reclaim the Oval. Eli agrees, so it seems they’ll proceed with her strategy.
On Hunter’s end, he’s plotting his own moves, determined to regain control of the Oval on his terms. During a conversation with his son Jason, Hunter learns—or rather confirms—that Sam is sleeping with Priscilla. Surprisingly, Hunter isn’t bothered. He rationalizes that since both he and Priscilla cheat, it’s not worth caring about. Then, in a surprising turn of events, Hunter miraculously stands up—apparently recovering from whatever drug Victoria had given him.
Fast forward, Victoria informs Eli that Bobby smelled like Simone’s perfume. Her insinuation is clear, but Eli, ever in denial, insists Simone wouldn’t betray him. Victoria, however, isn’t done. She produces hallway footage showing Bobby and Simone entering the cabinet room together and staying there for 45 minutes. Even with this evidence, Eli remains unconvinced. When the accusations fail, Victoria attempts to seduce Eli, but he rejects her advances.
As the episode nears its conclusion, Eli’s facade of composure begins to crack. Unable to let Victoria’s claims go, he tracks down Bobby in the breakroom, where Bobby is washing his shirt in the sink. Max is also present and tries to cover for Bobby, claiming he spilled something on his shirt. Eli doesn’t buy it. Grabbing the shirt, Eli takes a sniff and delivers the final words of the episode: “So you are f--king my wife!” Yikes.