Say it ain’t so, gladiators.

On Thursday’s Scandal season 4 opener, we collectively said goodbye to one of Pope & Associates’ most popular sleuths, Harrison Wright, played by Columbus Short. BET.com caught up with Short at his Scandal watch party in Atlanta to find out, plus the actor shared more about his new music and new mindset in the wake of his own personal struggles.

Viewers said goodbye to your character at the beginning of Season 4. Was the end of Harrison's story satisfying for you?
I’ve worked with Shonda Rhimes long enough and kind of know her brain a little bit, and she’s genius. I knew she was going to sew it up real clean, but, I mean he’s dead, but he ain’t dead-dead…[laughs]

So wait, is this not the last we’re going to see of Harrison?
I know as much as you know. We’re on the same page! [Writer’s note: Further fueling speculation, Short later tweeted, “Real #Gladiators make sure they see a body. #Truth.”]

If you could write Harrison’s story differently, is there anything that you would change?
No, nothing.

Fair enough. So, you’re working on some new music?
Yes, I’m signed with Block House. Me and my label mates, Kris Kelli and Skinny, we have a single that just came out today. “Gladiator” will be available on iTunes tomorrow [September 26]. I also have the Gladiator EP that I’m working on.

Over the past few months, you’ve faced some personal and legal struggles. Despite this, you’ve talked positively about what you see for your future. What’s helped you get to this place?
I have a wonderful family. Block House has been holding me down. And music changes things. It’s been my rehab, it’s been my therapy, it’s been my everything. I have nothing to be mad about. I can sit and watch the show and feel nothing [negative].
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(Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)