'Scandal' Season 4 Spoilers: After Scott Foley's Jake, Who Will be the Next to Go?

Thursday's episode of "Scandal" ended in a shocker that saw Scott Foley's character Jake being stabbed to death by Russell.

The episode ended with Jake arriving at Pope & Associates looking for Olivia. But upon entering the office he is attacked by a man wearing a mask, who is later revealed as Russell. Olivia's new lover uses Jake's moment of confusion to his advantage and stabs him in the stomach.

"You're not even making this a challenge," Russell said to Jake. "I'm gonna go again and you try this time," Russell said, before continuing to stab Jake multiple times.

Showrunner Shonda Rhimes is known for killing fan favourite characters, and fans are disappointed that they won't be seeing more of Jake Ballard. Based on social media chatter, many are hoping that the death scene is a fake out, and Jake will be shown as alive in the next couple of episodes.

"They are just trying to get us to watch. Jake isn't dead. That wouldn't come true. They had to add that in so we would watch," tweeted one fan soon after the finale aired."@actorbrianwhite I love you for stabbing Jake. Let me tell you. Too bad he's not really dead but good try #Scandal," another message read.

But the possibility of Jake being alive seems unlikely, as the promo for episode 20 clearly shows Jake's lifeless and bloody body lying on the conference table. Actor Foley also tweeted about his last episode saying, "So, there it is. Thank you Twitter for tonight and all of the Thursday nights. It's such an honor. #Scandal."

There are just a couple of episodes more before the season 4 finale of "Scandal" and rumours are rife that Jake won't be the last casualty. Fans can also expect a big confrontation between Olivia and Papa Pope in the next episode titled "First Lady Sings the Blues."

The official synopsis reads: "The team taking down B613 is in serious danger and forced to take drastic measures to ensure their safety. In the White House, Mellie is mortified when the nation turns against her and Cyrus is forced to come to her defense."