Followers of "Scandal" will be excited to find out that the TV show was renewed by ABC on May 8. "Scandal" Season 4 is expected to be released in 2015, but specific dates are still uncertain at this point in time

Rumors circulated recently that Columbus Short would not be returning for season 4, with his role having been reassigned to Eric West. The rumor appears to have been fueled by Short's arrest based on assault charges in March after an alleged bar brawl and his wife's subsequent filing for divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences. However, the rumor has been refuted by Shonda Rhimes as well as by Eric West. Rhimes called out journalists when she tweeted, "I've never heard of Eric West. Harrison is not being recast EVER. How about reporters CHECK THEIR SOURCES before running with a story?"

The main cast of "Scandal" includes Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope, Columbus Short as Harrison Wright, Darby Stanchfield as Abby Whelan, Katie Lowes as Quinn Perkins, Guillermo Dias as Huck, Tony Goldwyn as Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III, Jeff Perry as Cyrus Beene, Henry Ian Cusick as Stephen Finch, Joshua Malina, as David Rosen, Bellamy Young as Mellie Grant and Scott Foley.

The finale of season 3 left many plot threads hanging, some of which Heavy.com summarized after the finale premiered last month:

"1. Sally Is the Hero of the Bomb Blast

2. Olivia Tells Fitz That Big Jerry Raped Mellie; Mellie Says Young Jerry Is Fitz's Son

3. Young Jerry Collapses on Stage During Fitz's Speech & Later Dies

4. Olivia Says She's Quitting OPA; Maya Is Apprehended; Eli Tells Fitz Maya Is Dead

5. Eli - not Maya - Killed Jerry"

Although no spoilers are yet available for the upcoming season 4, these elements will likely be addressed in some manner or another in subsequent episodes.