Is Shonda Rhimes stealing all the worst elements from Alias for Scandal?

[TMC]

http://www.avclub.com/tvclub/scandal...s-blues-218502

"I recall reading a comment here accusing Rhimes of stealing all the worst elements from Alias," says Joshua Alston, "and while I disagreed at the time, it looks like a pretty fair assessment these days. If nothing else, the vague, inert mythology is certainly in full swing. But there are advantages to borrowing from Alias too, and that influence lent 'First Lady' a few moments of frenzied fun by putting yet another handsome double agent into Olivia's midst."