The Lyons have their crown jewel back — for now. But new threats lurk just around the corner on the next episode of Empire.
After Empire’s smoldering season premiere, a lot of questions went unanswered:
"Will Cookie and Lucious be a unit again?Is Cookie no longer on board with the Empire dream?Is this the end of Jamal and Kai?When does the family find out Andre is sick?"
I’m not sure how many of these questions will be answered in tonight’s episode, and I’d prefer not to guess. If there’s anything I’ve learned after watching Empire for five seasons and recapping it for the last four, it’s that if you try to predict the show’s plot, you’re likely to be loud and wrong.
So instead of making my own conjectures about what happens in this week’s “In Loving Virtue,” I’ll just go with what’s already written down, starting with this press release from Spoiler TV:
"With the reputation of the family business on the line, the Lyons strategize on how to clean up Kingsley’s mess and introduce a new and improved Empire. As Lucious and Cookie hire an old acquaintance to help track down the money Eddie stole, Andre tries to convince Devon’s (guest star Mario) record label to let him record with Empire. Meanwhile, Treasure (guest star Katlynn Simone) and Tiana fight for the female vocalist track on Jamal’s new song.”"
We get a sneak preview of Treasure and Tiana’s feud and the introduction of Damon Cross in a promo video from the show.
It’s clear that Lucious doesn’t know about Cookie’s dealings with Damon. And since the show has been going back and forth in time all season it may be a while before the truth comes out, whatever that is.
At this point, I’m not sure what to think about Cookie and Lucious. They’re like that one couple that would be amazing together if they’d just work out their issues, but you know that’s never going to happen. Part of me believes they’d be better apart, especially since it’s clear that some of the choices they’ve made are starting to wear on Cookie. But, I know Lucious’ pride means too much for him to let some slimy business man move in on his woman. So there will definitely be a fight.
As for Treasure and Tiana, Tiana fighting with anyone at Empire typically comes across as more silly and childish than anything (see: her beef with Laura from season 2). I’ll give this storyline a chance, but I’m not holding out for it to hold my attention.
Given that Andre suffered a nose bleed and passed out at the end of the last episode, I wasn’t expecting to see him this week. But the Spoiler TV press release mentions Andre and he’s in the season preview. At this point, we know that Andre will end up in a hospital in cardiac arrest, so something serious is going to happen to the eldest Lyon son, even if the show plans to tease it out a little while longer. Honestly, I still feel like it would be too easy for Andre to be the person in the casket. Plus, and this may be wishful thinking, I really want the Lyon sons to all find their happy ending when all is said and done.
But when has that ever happened?
Here’s how you can watch Empire tonight:
"Date: Wednesday, March 20Start Time: 8 p.m. ETEpisode: “In Loving Virtue”TV Channel: FoxLive Stream: Watch live on Fubo TV. Sign up now for a free seven-day trial. You can also watch on FOX.com or download the FOX NOW app."
Empire airs Wednesdays on Fox at 8 p.m. ET.