FOX’s new addicting drama has mouths open, heads bopping and sides hurting. Empire is about Cookie Lyon, played by Taraji P. Henson, and her determination to own the record label that she shares with her ex-husband. Lyon founded the record label, Empire Enterprises, with her ex-husband, Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard). After being locked up for 17 years for selling drugs to financially support Empire, she is recently released and tries her best to make things right. Her most important goal is to reconnect with her three sons, Jamal (Jussie Smollett), Hakeem (Bryshere Gray) and Andre (Trai Byers).
Empire has a little bit of spice for everyone. The first episode left viewers in shock when Lucious killed his best friend Bunky. Another surprise came at the end of episode eight, when Jamal’s ex-girlfriend, Olivia (Raven-Symoné ), showed up with their daughter. This surprised audiences because Jamal is actually gay.
In every episode of Empire, you can always look forward to the music. Songs like “Good Enough,” performed by Smollett; “What is Love,” performed by Veronika Bozeman; “Adios,” performed by Serayah McNeill; and “Drip Drop,” performed by Yazz and McNeill are hits that will be on repeat in your brain. If you are skeptical, check out Empire’s music on Spotify. You can also download the music from iTunes and Amazon if you really like what you hear.
The comedy in this series is brought mainly by Cookie. Whether she is throwing a shoe at someone or beating someone with a broom for talking back, Cookie always says what is on her mind. Some of her best lines are have been, “Boo Boo kitty,” “You gonna Ray Rice me?” and “These streets ain’t made for everybody. That’s why they made sidewalks.” These few lines show just how funny and honest Cookie is and will continue to be throughout the season, so prepare to laugh your head off.
The relationship between Jamal and Cookie is one that many viewers enjoy. Since Lucious is not accepting of his son’s homosexuality, Cookie is sure to always love and support Jamal by helping him rise to his full potential as an artist.
Gladys Knight, Courtney Love, Anthony Hamilton, Raven-Symoné, Gabourey Sidibe and Naomi Campbell are among some of the unexpected guest stars that have appeared in the show. The special guests are a nice surprise for the audience, especially since some of these celebrities have not been in the spotlight for a while. This makes fans want to keep watching to see who will pop up next.
