A gold record is something musicians strive for to mark the merits of their success. And, since the premise of Empire is how one man made it big from meager beginnings, achieving that gold record (as a symbol of said success, of course) is something to be cherished. So that explains the show’s shimmering logo. But it still doesn’t tell me what the show is about. Like most viewers, I didn’t know what to expect with the first season of Fox’s break out hit series, Empire. Now, I can’t go anywhere without someone talking about Cookie Lyon (Taraji P. Henson), Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard), or the most important character, the music. It may have escaped your notice but Empire isn’t just a nighttime soap opera; no, it is a musical. The amount of singing, music videos, and piano playing featured in the first season left little room for doubt. It’s yet another aspect I wasn’t anticipating. Sure, I figured there would be some talk about the music business since Lucious Lyon is the head of Empire Records. But what a pleasant surprise to find most of the actors have some musical ability, whether it is singing, rapping, or playing an instrument. The music business is the main focus, yet family drama is thrown in to keep you coming back. The music is what draws me in. It’s what I love most about the show. You can find the original soundtrack from season one of Empire here.
Pictured L-R: Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson. ©2014 Fox Broadcasting Co. CR: Michael Lavine/FOX
Most water cooler talk at the work place the next day is usually about Cookie. What she did, said, and who she slapped because you know she isn’t afraid to smack a bitch. The woman is a force to be reckoned with, and when you look up “a woman scorned” in the dictionary, Cookie’s picture is there with her middle finger up for extra emphasis. She doesn’t mince words; you want to know something, she tells you straight out. Not many people can deal with a woman who is so blunt and knows what she wants. Because, you know, having that fierceness in life automatically makes you a bitch.
Lucious, on the other hand, is Empire Records. I get that now. He harped about leaving a legacy for his children, wanting one of them to run it, and how important the company is to him but I didn’t get it until watching the season two premiere. The man has enough power to crush anyone who gets in his way. Heck, he even tells Cookie he loves and hates her at the same time, yet that love for her overrides his anger. They have such a fearsome love/hate relationship; I don’t know how the two can stand to be around one another without fornicating or fighting. Sometimes they do both. I don’t see Empire making it without Howard’s prominent role. Just his few scenes in the season two premiere, “The Devils Are Here,” made me think the show might be off to a bad start. It wasn’t until the episode progressed that I realized where things were going and what part his character will play. I am curious to see if my thoughts on the future of Empire are right. With Lucious sitting on top of the throne like he is, one can only wonder if and when he will fall.
Guest stars galore may seem like a big deal except some of them would be better suited to anything but acting *cough* Courtney Love *cough*. I can’t be the only one who thinks her stint on Empire was a damn train wreck. I understand method acting, and when done correctly, it can make for an amazing portrayal. Love’s appearance left me wondering what happened to the lead singer of Hole. I was also surprised to see Judd Nelson in a role as a bad guy but found he fit in with the cast perfectly. I could be biased though being an 80s baby. Anything 80s, I’m all for it. Cuba Gooding Jr., Naomi Campbell, Estelle, Derek Luke— and the list goes on—all great guest stars who brought something major to the show. Season two is no slouch, opening with Chris Rock and Marissa Tomei. Be still my heart! You need big names when you have a cast full of unknowns who are bringing it just as well as the seasoned actors. So, who stood out to you as a great addition or a great distraction to Empire?
EMPIRE: Cast Pictured L-R: (Bottom Row) Bryshere Gray as Hakeem Lyon, Jussie Smollett as Jamal Lyon, Trai Byers as Andre Lyon (Middle Row) Grace Gealey as Anika, Kaitlin Doubleday as Rhonda Lyon (Back Row) Gabourey Sidibe as Becky, Terrence Howard as Lucious Lyon, Taraji P. Henson as Cookie Lyon and Ta’Rhonda Jones as Porsha. ©2015 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: James Dimmock/FOX.
Not quite what I might have expected, Empire is more than a hip hop TV show. It touches on hot topics currently in the news and it does not shy away from any taboo subject. Sex, drugs, and rap/R&B (no rock and roll here) are on the menu and well done. Jussie Smollett smolders as Jamal; Bryshere Gray takes Hakeem to another level; Grace Gealey shows us Anika knows how to twerk with the best of them; and Trai Byers portrays Andre with class and aplomb. What more can you ask for? How about the fabulous Gabourey Sidibe as Becky? She works that blonde hair while keeping anyone who needs it in their place. Writer/creator Lee Daniels has himself a winner, and it would be a shame to miss out on it. If you aren’t watching Empire, why not start now? Empire airs Wednesday nights at 9/8c, only on Fox. If you miss an episode, check out the official website or FOXNOW to get caught up.
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Photos ©2015 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Christopher Fragapane/FOX.
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