Empire – Evil Manners

Cookie Lyon tries to lead the family towards success with Empire. Is this too much responsibility for this Lyon?

Cookie is caught in the nasty web of Diana Dubois (Phylicia Rashad), whose influence runs deep within the city. To take down a Lyon requires a powerful weapon, careful planning and multiple minions willing to give their souls for the cause. Diana DuBois is coming hard for Cookie and won’t stop until everyone she loves is destroyed. Perhaps I’m missing something, does Cookie seem to be oblivious to the DuBois danger? Yes, she is trying to run Empire and yes, she is doing her best to keep the memory loss of Lucious under wraps. This is Cookie, she can smell fear in a drop of sweat and usually pounces on the problem to resolve it quickly.

Lucious’s memory loss wiped his slate clean. I personally miss the old Lucious that had an edge about him. He wasn’t afraid to defend his family at all cost. I admit, I long for his arguments with his sons that at times pushed them away. New music from Jamal and Hakeem was best when angry with their father. I’m struggling to keep up with this softer Lucious. I’m holding out hope that his memory loss is all a ruse.

Running Empire is not Cookie’s area of expertise. Unfortunately she is surrounded by traitors who are out for self. Andre aka Scarecrow aptly named by Ms. DuBois – He’s smart and understands the inner workings of Empire. This regrettably is hurting our Lyonnais at the moment. He did try to murder his father, take over the business and give Shyne (Xzibit) a controlling interest. Its Backstabbing on a whole new level…

We cannot forget the mysterious Detective Rose, who figured out sex is a weakness of Andre Lyon. I truly think she is trying to set Andre up. Sadly, he is too caught up in the moment to think clearly. I must give kudos to Detective Rose, willing to win “by any means necessary.”

Shyne discovering Lucious’s memory loss is dangerous. He can now expose the Lyon’s secret to the detriment of Empire. Is this a smart play for Shyne? With the ongoing investigation of Giuliana’s disappearance he may not want to draw unnecessary attention. Will he eventually use this against the Lyon’s? Of course he will. He wants Lucious dead.

Is anyone else shaking their head towards Warren (Terrell Carter)? He is one callous individual. It really distresses me to watch JamaI Lyon fall for this predator. For a brief moment during this episode, I thought I saw a slight change of pace from Warren. When he hugged Jamal and gave the camera that look of deception my heart sank. Ms. Dubois demands loyalty and commitment to her, which she seems to have for the moment.

After watching this episode, I’m left with three questions:

1. Will Shyne blackmail Cookie
2. When will Cookie discover Diana DuBois plan
3. Does Detective Rose work for Diana Dubois

Let me know your thoughts

Tameche@somanyshows.com / Twitter @Tameche_b

Don’t forget to check out my previous reviews!

Photo Credit: Empire: Empire-Evil Manners (FOX/Michael Lavine)