During tonight's episode of Scandal, titled, Icarus, Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) will learn that when the president was a hitman, he killed her mother.

Last week, Huck and Jake learn that the secret "Remington File" contains information about a massive assassination conducted by Fitz before he became president.

They discover that Fitz, Pope's on-and-off again lover, once shot down a plane in Iceland that killed over 300 passengers. One of the victims in the plane crash was Olivia's mother, Maya Lewis, and the hit was ordered by Pope's father, Rowan. Rowan is the head of the secret agency B613, whom Huck and Jake also use to work for.

Actress Khandi Alexander will play Maya Lewis, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Alexander will also appear in upcoming episodes in a series of flashbacks. The 56-year-old actress is known for her current role on Treme, which will premiere its fourth and final season on HBO on Dec. 1. She was also a cast member on CSI: Miami and ER. 

According to ABC's synopsis of the upcoming episode 6, the following events will also play out: Olivia must make a very important decision that will affect all of her relationships in the White House, and Harrison's allegiance to the Gladiators is tested. Meanwhile, the team continues to prep Josie Marcus while Cyrus and Mellie plot against her.

View the photos in the gallery above that offers a sneak peek of tonight's episode.

ABC's Scandal season 3 episode 6 will premiere on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 10 p.m. EST.

Watch the sneak preview for episode 6 of Scandal season 3 below: