The Lyons are back and they came roaring alright! Nowhere else can you see the most talented, murderous, backstabbing family on television right now than on Empire. So let’s recap the Season 2 premiere, where Lucious was locked up, Cookie was caged in, and Jamal just roared every which way.
We open at the #FreeLucious concert 3 months after Lucious was arrested for Bunkie’s murder. Under the guise of speaking for the thousands of incarcerated black men in America, Cookie of all people has really organized the event to impress an investor, Mimi Whiteman. Marisa Tomei portrays the savvy lesbian mogul with a complex blend of subtlety and shock that captivates from her first shot. Not that Cookie doesn’t have her moments. I’m not sure what shocked me more, her shenanigans in a gorilla suit, or blowing off Al Sharpton. The concert itself is fantastic, as well. Word to the musically challenged, just download every song as soon as it’s available.
Jamal is doing his best to manage the homestead, but making executive decisions is negatively affecting his musical creativity. It doesn’t help that Hakeem has suddenly become a momma’s boy. Seriously, you’re grown, Hakeem; “I’m telling Mom” needs to be slapped out of your vocabulary. At least Jamal has a temporary consolation in his reignited, though somewhat twisted, relationship with Michael.
A world away, Lucious is rocking the orange jumpsuit, watching his sons on television (he’s only watching one with pride though). For those who dared think that being in prison would slow Lucious down, assume at your own risk. Not only is Lucious drawing inspiration from his time in the big house, he’s managing personal and professional deals through Jamal, and on his own. He manages to turn the tables on Cookie’s attempt at a hostile takeover, making Mimi a better deal. His machinations and love/hate relationship with Cookie don’t keep him from protecting his family, though.
Inside, Lucious is reunited with an old friend, his and Cookie’s old drug boss Frank Gathers (guest star Chris Rock). Lucious doesn’t have anything to worry about, though, since he’s not the one who needs to be watching his back. That honor goes to Cookie since she is the one who receives both roses and a decapitated head with a neat little bow on top from Frank. Cookie knows only Lucious can protect their family from Frank, and so she sends her kids to the mansion while she pays her ex a visit. Lucious takes Cookie’s plea seriously and puts his duties as a father first. Once upon a time, Frank could tear Cookie and Lucious apart, but the time Lucious took to build his empire made him more powerful than Frank could ever hope to be, so Lucious shows Frank what happens when you mess with a Lyon (hint, he doesn’t roar; he bites).
Now that the family is safe everything’s copasetic right? Oh, if only it were that simple. Jamal is slowly turning into Lucious, throwing his family out as soon as the threat is over, even as he has tears in his eyes doing it.
Another plot point to look forward to this season is Rhonda and Andre still covering up Vernon’s murder while the audience learns that the couple are expecting a baby boy. Also, can I just say how unbelievably thrilled I am that Becky is firing on all cylinders. Below are Mama Lyon’s best lines of the night, per usual, but I believe Becky had the best line of the night: “You’re rude, he’s crude, and the both of y’all are socially unacceptable.” That’s the empire for you!
Cookie’s Quotables: (Some, okay all material, may not be suitable for children)
-“It’s screaming I’m dripping with money and I know how to spend it”-Cookie’s first line to Mimi Whiteman
-“I thought I told you to sleep with her.” “I did.” “You can’t even d— right.”-Cookie scolding Anika for not being talented enough to sway Mimi’s vote their way
-“Your father may be a son of a b—-, but he’s still your father. And I’m still your mother, don’t you ever forget that.”
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