S01.E01: Pilot

[Trini]

http://thefutoncritic.com/listings/20141216fox07/

 

 

Series Premiere of EMPIRE Airs with Limited Commercial Interruption

 

EMPIRE is a powerful new drama that follows LUCIOUS LYON (Academy Award nominee Terrence Howard, "Crash," "Hustle & Flow"), the head of a music empire whose reign has been unchallenged for years. But all that changes when he learns he has a disease and must choose one of his three sons to take over: ANDRE (Trai Bryers, "90210"), JAMAL (Jussie Smollett, "North," "The Mighty Ducks") or HAKEEM (acting newcomer Bryshere Gray, a.k.a. Yazz The Greatest). Complicating matters is their mother and Lucious' ex-wife, COOKIE (Academy Award and Emmy Award nominee Taraji P. Henson, "No Good Deed," "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"), who emerges from prison to claim her share.

Don't miss the all-new "Pilot" Series Premiere episode of EMPIRE airing with limited commercial interruption Wednesday, Jan. 7 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (EMP-101) (TV-14 D, L, S, V)

 

Cast: Terrence Howard as Lucious Lyon, Taraji P. Henson as Cookie Lyon, Malik Yoba as Vernon Turner, Jussie Smollett as Jamal Lyon, Bryshere Gray as Hakeem Lyon, Trai Byers as Andre Lyon, Grace Gealey as Anika Gibbons and Kaitlin Doubleday as Rhonda Lyon

Guest Cast: Gabourey Sidibe as Becky, Antoine McKay as Bunkie

[Primetimer]

Empire is total trash, which will be fun for at least a few weeks.

Read the story

[bilgistic]

I CANNOT WAIT for this, but "Loo-shuss"? Ugh.

[TeeVee329]

I'm more excited for this than I thought I'd be. Taraji P Henson just pops off the screen in all the previews I've seen.

[ZaldamoWilder]

Terrence looks like a Pimp named Slickback in every thing I've ever seen him in but God help me, I can't not look at him.  

 

I laughed at Lucious, they just don't make em like that anymore.  

 

Who's got the over/under on how long it take Fox to get Pam Grier to show up?

[kwnyc]

But it's on opposite Person of Interest, formerly featuring Taraji P. Henson (and I STILL get choked up thinking about her Det. Carter character)! OK, I'll DVR Empire and enjoy later.

[Iamsweetdee]

But it's on opposite Person of Interest, formerly featuring Taraji P. Henson (and I STILL get choked up thinking about her Det. Carter character)! OK, I'll DVR Empire and enjoy later.

Unless I'm wrong, this doesn't air opposite Person of Interest.

[Racj82]

It's against Criminal Minds not Person of Interest.

[wanderingstar]

I thought it was ok. Threw up a few interesting plotlines and dynamics. What's the deal with Andre and those pills he's taking? Can Uncle Malik Yoba be trusted (my guess is no).

 

I liked Cookie a lot. She and Jamal were the only characters who made me sit up and take notice.

[ZuluQueenOfDwarves]

Question: Is the series set in LA or Philly? The real estate lends itself to LA, but it Luscious mentions starting out as a drug dealer in Philadelphia as a kid, which is where I assume he remained until he hit it big. So if Cookie was arrested in Philly, she'd be incarcerated in the area, so her showing up at Jamal's immediately after her release makes more sense if the family still lives in Philly. Plus Andre mentions working for Empire while he was taking his finals at Penn, which is much easier if they're local. But I can't shake the idea that a corporation that big and driven by entertainment wouldn't be situated in LA or at least New York.

[Syndicate]

There was a lot that was dreadful with this, but trashy enough to make me want to see what happens with it.  Why is that one gorgeous son taking pills?  Could he be taking Viagra at his young age?

[lovetowrite73]

I don't know, y'all. I just...there was too much going on or something. Taraji stood out though.

Edited January 8, 2015 by lovetowrite73

[MrsRafaelBarba]

Why does Terrence look like a bootleg Billy Dee, bout to resurrect Colt 45 ads?

[peridot]

I didn't know what to expect from this show, but I can tell I'm going to love it.

 

Cookie gives me life, I love that she tore into her son when he disrespected her and he had the cuts on his face so he wouldn't ever forget it.  I like that people at the company have a history with each other, I was expecting a family drama.

 

The preview of the season looks interesting, can't wait to see the youngest boy's mama issues with Naomi.

[DearEvette]

Underneath all the bling, there is something interesting here.

Lucius is unsympathetic to a point but I think Terence Howard & the scenes between him and Cookie are keeping him from going over the line completely. What I find very well done is that even amongst their enmity, there are moments where the old affection & respect leech through. Maybe it is the comfort the actors feel working together that is translating, but there was a very natural familiarity between them during that last scene where they were drinking and talking. They were still contentious and sniping but there was a warmth to it.

Of the three sons, Jamal is the stand out. Yes, he is supposed to be the most sympathetic, but he also is the one who is the most appealing actor of the the three. The other two are playing too broadly.

I like the soapy elements. Right up my alley.

But Taraji is standout, without a doubt. She commanded every scene. I love how she is all defiant bluster and funny as hell, but then she lets little glimpses of fright and vulnerability come through. That one scene where she is wandering around Lucius' office and realizes how very far her has come since she's been inside, the look on her face telegraphed her thoughts so well.

I'll give it a few more weeks to see if it settles in.

[Scarlett45]

There was a lot that was dreadful with this, but trashy enough to make me want to see what happens with it. Why is that one gorgeous son taking pills? Could he be taking Viagra at his young age?

My guess is that he's bipolar or manic depressive- and that his meds need to be adjusted.

What I like most about this show is that together all three sons make one perfect person in Lucius' mind, however life never works that way. Each son is an individual. I can wait to see Jamal and Cookie team up, although the eldest pretends to be in Jamal's corner he's the biggest snake of all.

[venusnv80]

I'm here for it. It was truly a soapy show and I really liked it. I can see myself watching this every week. Tara was clearly the standout, Terrance Howard is special at times--but he works here. This show has huge potential. 

[Trini]

Too soapy for my taste. But I hope this does well for Taraji.

[bilgistic]

Why does Terrence look like a bootleg Billy Dee, bout to resurrect Colt 45 ads?

That HAIR. It was different every time the camera was on him.

[thuganomics85]

I'm basically lumping this with Nashville.  Oh, yeah, it's set in the music industry, but it's really about the soap and drama.  I doubt we're going to touch on things like that line about how the internet is hurting the music industry or what it takes to really record music.  Nope, it's all going to be about things like being gay in this industry, power struggles, and scenery chewing.  And, I don't mind.  It was entertaining.

 

I kind of like that Lucious and Cookie are both unlikable in their own ways.  If I was ranking them, Lucious is the worst, but both seem like horrible people, so I'm going to enjoy watching both of them when they take their hits.  Terrence Howard was good; it actually helps that I find him kind of slimy in real life; but Taraji P. Henson pretty much walked away with the episode, as soon as she appeared on screen.  The scenery chewing was epic and awesome!

 

The sons could be interesting; just need to work on their names.  I only know Jamal.  The other two are just the "immature, rapping, silver spoon" son and "unappreciated, suit-wearing, serious" son, who is taking some kind of mysterious pills.  Oh, and his married to a white woman.  Because, you know, that means something I guess (it seemed to mean something to Cookie.)

 

I'm going to guess Malik Yoba's character is going to be more important in the future.

 

That childhood friend was just stupid.  If you are going to bribe a guy like that, don't meet him in an isolated area, without any kind of protection.  Especially when it's Lucious.

 

Was that Cuba Gooding Jr. I spotted in the upcoming previews?

Edited January 8, 2015 by thuganomics85

[bilgistic]

The youngest was annoying with his terrible lip-syncing. His persona and dress was like a bad stereotype, but do young black men have high-top fades now? That was big when I was in high school, and that was over 20 years ago.

The gay son...um, Show? Just because a boy is gay doesn't make him a cross-dresser.

Is Lucious married to the woman that Cookie called "Halle Berry"? She had, like, one line in the whole show and there was discussion of Lucious being with other women.

Are we sure Cookie went to prison for selling drugs and not her body, because that outfit she walked out of prison wearing...looked like solicitation to me.

There was A LOT thrown in the pilot tonight and it was a bit overwhelming. It was entertaining enough for me to watch again next week.

Edited January 8, 2015 by bilgistic

[wanderingstar]

What I find very well done is that even amongst their enmity, there are moments where the old affection & respect leech through.

 

 

Yeah - that was one of the things I really enjoyed about the episode.

[Trini]

 

... but do young black men have high-top fades now? That was big when I was in high school, and that was over 20 years ago.

 

Heh. It's been trying (trying!) to make comeback.

[MrsRafaelBarba]

The flashback scene, when he threw young Jamal in the trashcan.

I just can't.....

[BestestAuntEver]

but do young black men have high-top fades now? That was big when I was in high school, and that was over 20 years

Lol, yes. I have a 16 year old cousin without one now. They have also resurrected the multilevel fade, too.

Edited January 8, 2015 by BestestAuntEver

[turnitwayup]

I'm basically lumping this with Nashville.  Oh, yeah, it's set in the music industry, but it's really about the soap and drama.  I doubt we're going to touch on things like that line about how the internet is hurting the music industry or what it takes to really record music.  Nope, it's all going to be about things like being gay in this industry, power struggles, and scenery chewing.  And, I don't mind.  It was entertaining.

 

Was that Cuba Gooding Jr. I spotted in the upcoming previews?

 

Yep that was him. According to imbd he's in the 3rd ep. IA with the Nashville comparison and I might enjoy the music more on this show than on Nashville. Jamal's song sounded a bit like something Timbaland would do for JT.

[Meedis]

Terrence Howard and Taraji P Henson were the draws for me watching.    For me I can see the references to soaps Dynasty and Dallas.    I concur among the three sons that Jamal stood out the most.   I'm looking forward to Cookie and "Halle Berry" duking it out.    I'd love to see a drag out catfight...ala Alexis and Krystal...though Cookie will always come out on top.

 

I'm hooked for now and look forward to next week's episode.

Edited January 8, 2015 by Meedis

[Rick Kitchen]

OMG, just give Taraji the Emmy now!  Whew.
 

[cynic]

Man, this sraight took me back to the 80's with its over the top prime time soapiness. It's all a bit much, but I'm in for now. If nothing else, I'm totally enjoying watching Terrence Howard and Taraji Henson play off each other. The actors have so much chemistry and the characters have so much history, that I almost want to ship them, despite them being terrible people.

[bentley]

Wow. That was kinda awful. Just because a show is set in the music business, does that  mean the audience will be forced to listen to bad music, bad rapping and bad lip synching throughout every episode? I wish Taraji had stayed on POI.

 

The show I imagined I was getting when I first saw the promos was way more interesting. Turns out that was just the power of Hozier's Take Me to Church.

[Dusty]

I'm gonna be honest here. I only checked this out because I stumbled on Fox's preview for this over the weekend and realized that Jonathan from Buffy was one of the writer/creators.  JONATHAN!  I support the former Buffy cast, except for maybe Nicholas Brendan, in everything they do.  That being said, I did find myself enjoying it because as try as I might, I can't quit them! I just love the ridiculous soapiness of it all. (I've quit daytime thank goodness, but I'll find myself checking it out again if I hear one of my old timey favorites are coming back only to be severely disappointed...everytime.)

 

I don't really care about the music and those are always the parts that I'll glaze over unless it works with the storyline.

 

 

but do young black men have high-top fades now?

I noticed it about a year ago and got confused.  I thought maybe there was an 80s event or parade happening that I didn't know about.  Which happens because I live in New York and feel like people do shit like that all the time.  I was informed that no, that is the thing kids are doing these days.  I pretty much equate it to hipsters wearing birth control glasses.

 

 

What I find very well done is that even amongst their enmity, there are moments where the old affection & respect leech through. Maybe it is the comfort the actors feel working together that is translating, but there was a very natural familiarity between them during that last scene where they were drinking and talking. They were still contentious and sniping but there was a warmth to it.

They really did an excellent job with that.  I think that it helps sell the history they have.  I was also surprised that Lucious didn't try to bad talk Cookie with Hakeem when he was angry about the broom beating.  That kid has no idea where they came from.

 

Which brings up the question of why is Hakeem to favorite?  Because he's terrible.  It is inconceivable to me that Lucious think that he's the one that should be the successor.  He can't even make his own music.  He had to have his big gay brother to help (oh nos!).  I did like that he gave Jamal credit on that song though.  The only good thing he did the whole episode.

[Rick Kitchen]

Hakeem is the favorite because first son isn't a musician and second son is gay.

[Morrigan2575]

Shakespeare? This is quite obviously a modern day telling of The Lion in Winter. ..his last name is even Lyon. <br /><br />

[Rosebud1970]

Oy. I wanted to like it, I really tried. But no. Just no.

Tried too hard to be 'street'. More 'bitches' than at the Westminster Kennel Club. Terrence Howard is a domestic abuser IRL and he shouldn't be working. Everything is telegraphed 5 minutes in advance. I sincerely hope the ALS kills him off quicker than 3 years and gets him off my TV.

Not that it matters, because I'm not coming back.

Edited January 8, 2015 by Rosebud1970

[teebax]

I liked it a lot, especially the music. Taraji was amazing, and I've always liked Terrence Howard. I'm interested to see how this did in the ratings.

It definitely felt like an 80s soap opera to me, which I love.

[mistyknight]

According to wiki, it is a 1966 play by James Goldman.

And I loved the show! Taraji gave me life. I was squealing with joy at her scenes when she checked people.

[LydiaMoon1]

I really didn't expect to like this show, but Cookie.Lyons.Is.Everything! I'd watch it for her alone.

 

Best scene of the night:

When Cookie beat Hakeem with the broom ( and, yes, every other scene where she checked people)

 

Worst scene of hte night:

Lucious' gradiose speech about how he was going to help the disenfranchised and starving artists by...wait for it ....announcing his company's IPO.  Yeah, like poor people can just rush out and buy his company's overpriced/overhyped stock.  That made NO sense at all.

[Jx223]

I really enjoyed this show. I loved Taraji/Cookie and enjoyed her scenes, especially the ones with Jamal. I am enjoying their bond. I also like the chemistry between Cookie and Lucious. There was a look he gave her after they first saw each other in his office, that makes me think there is something still there. I think that there is still affection between them, and I like the ease that they have with each other. I like that Cookie wants what she feels is rightfully hers, half of the company and a life with her family.

 

I also like that Lucious was willing to help her out and try and get her three million a year. I thought that it was interesting that intervention from Andre was what caused her to forgo that possible deal and manage Jamal, going up against Lucious.

 

I am also really enjoying Jamal and Hakeem’s relationship. I love that they get along well, and seem to have each other’s back. I like that they work well together musically. I think it’s going to take a lot more than each parent managing them, and them individually releasing albums to tear them apart. I think it might take something like Andre making it look like one betrayed the other in a big way, to hurt their relationship.

Edited January 8, 2015 by Jx223

[Neurochick]

I liked this show.  I was surprised because I can't stand Terrence Howard (he seems greasy to me).  But I adore Taraji and I'll watch her in anything, since Person of Interest basically fucked her over in favor of 2 non-black women.  

[MrsRafaelBarba]

I wish Taraji had stayed on POI.

 

 

 

 

        She didn't want to leave POI, Taraji was fired. 

[MrsRafaelBarba]



since Person of Interest basically fucked her over in favor of 2 non-black women.  

 

        TRUTH!

[Jx223]

My guess is that he's bipolar or manic depressive- and that his meds need to be adjusted.

What I like most about this show is that together all three sons make one perfect person in Lucius' mind, however life never works that way. Each son is an individual. I can wait to see Jamal and Cookie team up, although the eldest pretends to be in Jamal's corner he's the biggest snake of all.

 

I wonder if it will end up being revealed that he has a mental disorder. If so I could see him keeping it a secret from Lucious because he’s fearful that Lucious will be ashamed of him. Also, I think that Andre could be afraid that if his father finds out, it could hurt his chances of taking over the company. Granted, he’s not the frontrunner for taking over the company, but if he does have a mental disorder I could see him being fearful that if the truth comes out, it will make his chances of getting the company even more slim than they already are. I am definitely interested in learning what he’s taking pills for, and how that storyline unfolds.

Edited January 8, 2015 by Jx223

[lovetowrite73]

 

The gay son...um, Show? Just because a boy is gay doesn't make him a cross-dresser.

 

THANK YOU. My man and I were watching together last night and we had this very discussion. I told him that that was a very terrible way to show that they knew that he was gay from a young age.

 

I'm giving the show two more watches before I decide if I'm sticking around. I just hope there are less f****** and sissies in the coming episodes. There were two too many in this one. They can get across Cookie's not liking her son's sexuality other ways.

[Mozelle]

I had no intention of watching this show, but while I was on Twitter last night, most of the black folks I follow were tweeting about it. I watched it as I got ready for work this morning, and I have to say that I am here for the whole over-the-top business that is this show. I mean, I watch Scandal as well as How to Get Away With Murder, so I'm probably already predisposed to watching some more turnt up shows like those. 

 

Cookie is too much! Like, I've never had any thoughts about fur or folks who wear fur, but I lowkey want a fur now (super lowkey as in I still wouldn't buy one, but I'll live vicariously through Cookie and her furs). Also, I really kind of liked her quip to her oldest about his wife, something like, "Pretty white girls are always smart even when they aren't." Me: You right, you right. 

 

Lastly, can we talk about the amounts folks were tossing out last night like they were asking people to spot them a twenty? Cookie with her five million and Lucious' boo boo the fool friend with three million? Come on, now.

Edited January 8, 2015 by Mozelle

[roomtorome]

Biggest obstacle for me is having to be stuck listening to that music - don't like it, never did but I love Taraji P Henson and will hang in for a few episodes for her; I know it's not cool to let an actor's personal life influence my view of their acting but with TH, I can't help it - I tried but I can't get past it.  Doesn't happen to me often but when it does, it colors my view of the person and their work.  Oh well. 

 

Without the different layers brought to it by Taraji P Henson, I'd be out as of today but she's a hoot to watch in this as in everything she does.  

[Tiger]

She didn't want to leave POI, Taraji was fired.

The race of her replacements means nothing to me one way or the other. All I know is that the show started sucking right after Carter was killed.

As for this show, for me Taraji was the only thing worth watching. Even Terrence disappointed.I believe this is a limited series so hopefully she can find another show worthy of her talents.

[DearEvette]

Also, I really kind of liked her quip to her oldest about his wife, something like, "Pretty white girls are always smart even when they aren't." Me: You right, you right.

 

 

Older son:  'Why don't you like her?  She's brilliant"

Cookie: "Pretty white girls always are....even when they aren't."

 

For some reason, from a dialogue standpoint, this line really stood out.  Like really.  It was not just the line itself but the delivery as well.  It was very... I want to call it... 'black woman cynical'.  Cookie infused so much weary truth behind it.  Loved it.

 

eta:  I wonder when he stopped visiting her in jail.  Did he never visit?  Or did he stop when he assimilated into IVy league College world and became ashamed of her?  The latter would make more sense.  I find him intriguing a little if they don't make him 'Othello-lite' where the wife is Iago.  Right now he's telegraphing evil intentions too much.  For instance, when he hugged Cookie  he did a classic soap-opera-villain look.  i would have liked it more if he'd allowed himself to just enjoy hugging his newly freed  mother for a moment before going back into scheming mode.

Edited January 8, 2015 by DearEvette

[bilgistic]

Jamal's song sounded a bit like something Timbaland would do for JT.

Timbaland is the music producer (or something like that) on the show. I happened to catch his name in the opening credits.

[Sweets McGee]

Wow, this was cheesy as hell. I will totally watch it again.

[Jx223]

eta:  I wonder when he stopped visiting her in jail.  Did he never visit?  Or did he stop when he assimilated into IVy league College world and became ashamed of her?  The latter would make more sense.  I find him intriguing a little if they don't make him 'Othello-lite' where the wife is Iago. 

I was also speculating about why he didn't visit her on the thread about him. He did mention he should have visited her while she was in jail. So maybe he never visited her, even as a small child? We haven't seen any flashbacks yet of Andre as a child. I think that it's interesting how Jamal as the middle child visited her, but Andre as the oldest, with the most memories of her may have never visited her. (I can kind of understand why Hakeem would have been hesitant to visit her, because he didn't have any memories of her)  

 

I am thinking that Andre may have been ashamed of her, and that's why he didn't visit her. I also think that she felt ashamed that she was in prison, while Andre was becoming successful. I thought their scenes together yesterday were kind of telling. I thought that Cookie seemed happy, but surprised to see Andre, when he showed up at her home. And she didn't seek him out to visit with him like she did with Jamal and even Hakeem after she was released. 

 

I liked seeing the warmth in their scenes from her, as a mother who was proud to see her successful oldest son. I also wish we would have seen less of a villainous look from him and more of a man being happy to see his mother. I think that how he feels toward his mother and ends up treating her could definitely affect what type of layers he has as a character.  Schemer or not I want to see a man that ultimately loves his mother.

Edited January 8, 2015 by Jx223