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American Scandal uses dramatizations that are based on true events.

Some elements, including dialogue, might be invented,

but everything is based on

historical research.

It's May of 1900 in San Francisco, California.

Dr. Joseph Kenyon walks quickly through the city's cramped Chinatown, the epicenter of a local outbreak of bubonic plague. For the last three months, 39-year-old Kenyon has struggled to convince

people here to take the threat of disease seriously.

After a disastrous attempt to quarantine Chinatown, Kenyon has settled on a new plan, the inoculation of everyone in the affected area.

The Hafkin serum is the only weapon doctors have against the plague, but whether Kinyon will be able to deploy it remains

to be seen. Chinese language newspapers have started calling Kinyon the wolf doctor and accused him

of planning to poison the people of Chinatown. So Kinyon tries to keep his head down as he

weaves through the crowns. But across the street, a group of men stop and stare, their eyes flashing

with recognition.

Kenyon quickens his pace, casting occasional nervous glances over his shoulder.

So he's grateful when he reaches his destination, the Chinese consulate on Stockton Street.

Kenyon is here to meet with the Chinese consul general Ho, to try and secure his support for the inoculation campaign.

O Yao stands and extends a hand for Kinyan to shake.

The consul is a dapper man in his early 30s who speaks impeccable English.

...