S01.E07: Our Dancing Days

[thuganomics85]

 

Namedrops: Chef Ramsey

Forgot about that.  Now, I'm picturing Gordon Ramsey and Cookie in a face-off.  It would be epic, but no lie: I think Cookie would win easily. Gordon's got the bluster and cussing down pat, but Cookie would throw it down, and I think Gordon wouldn't know what to do.

 

Still, both shows are on FOX, so: make it happen!

 

Nitpick I do have: where was Tiana?  It sounded like she was a big enough star, that she should have been part of the event.  Even if the actress wasn't available, I wished they had a clearer reason, why we never saw her.

Edited February 19, 2015 by thuganomics85

[turnitwayup]

Never thought I would hear Dire Straits be sampled on this show and the hilarious literal microwave/tv on the dancers.

[Rick Kitchen]

I loved Hakeem trying to put the glass down while making eyes at Naomi. You could tell he was trying to be so smooth and failing/flailing miserably.

I agree that there is no way Lucious' hospitalization wouldn't have made the news or at least blogs: bossip, gawker, TMZ.

 

 

Not to mention all of the noise he was making.

 

Boo Boo wanted Elle cut from the roster. So did Luscious & everyone else. Cookie was Elle's only ally. So drugging Elle not only makes Cookie look bad, it gets rid of Elle again. Which is what Boo Boo wanted all along.

 

Lucious had her penciled in to lead off, he was set for her to be a star again.  I think he has a soft spot for Elle.

[missbonnie]

This may sound odd, but I actually hope it's only 12 like this year. I think a regular schedule of 22 or so shows would grind the show down in terms of quality (look at what happened to Sleepy Hollow this year). I don't think it will be more than 16 or so because I remember reading that TPH said she liked being able to do the show and then go off and do something else for a substantial amount of time-working on 22 hour long episodes would prevent her from doing anything else.

I hope it's more than 12. I will be happy with 16, Sleepy Hollow's problem is mainly because of the Katrina issue. Her character keeps messing up the chemistry between Abbie and Ichabod,and for the record, I don't ship them in any way shape or form. They just make a really good team. I really think that Andre is losing it, I wonder if Anika will try and capitalize on that or if she's going to try to rush the wedding.

Edited February 19, 2015 by missbonnie

[Rick Kitchen]

Was there a wedding?  Anika called herself Lucious's wife when he was being taken off by ambulance,.  I thought they were just engaged.

 

Oh, please, give us a throwdown between Taraji and Naomi!

Edited February 19, 2015 by Rick Kitchen

[Congo]

According to the promos, just four more episodes, so it'll be an 11 episode season.

[rozen]

I can almost believe BBK would do it. Elle made Empire what it is today, their biggest star, a sentimental favorite, etc etc. And BBK completely @!$%@&ed up managing her for over a decade. Left her marinating in drug addiction and auto-tuned oblivion, and then Cookie swoops in and turns her around completely in what, a week? She is all about the business, but I think she is first and foremost about her business. I can see her losing her mind a little that her competency has been torched by an out-of-touch ghetto ex-con. If Elle was her usual self-centered self, I bet BBK wouldn't have done anything. That she was actively singing Cookie's praises to anyone who would listen was the last straw, imo. BBK's stank face when Cookie still won the night was hilarious.

 

If BBK is pushed too far, I can absolutely see her poaching everyone on her roster and going over to the company that owns all of Lushussss's old hits, leaving Empire to burn. He knows it too, which is why she's going to pull some championship level blackmailing based on the previews. 

 

Of course Lucifer would be kinder to Jamal about his "daughter", it's one step closer to shoving him into heteroconformity. If they find out it's not his, he'll probably bury the results just to make Jamal continue to feel responsible to her, and indebted to him. 

 

I wonder if it's an intentional directional decision to have Hakeem stay trying to start shit, but has the weakest shoves I've ever seen. It's hilarious, and was so pronounced when he tried to shove Andre. I thought he might just fall on his face from his own momentum! Hakeem is so braindead, really? A necklace with your name on it? Is this a Will Ferrell skit? If he thinks he's getting clowned now because of Tiana, wait until people find out he's really going out with someone older than his mom.

 

I like how Andre had his hands out ready to throttle Hakeem, but had them clenched firmly at his sides when he barked at Rhonda. She was never in any danger from him. I was still pretty suspicious of her, but after that shower scene, I think she might just straight up love him. It made me think of Bond comforting Vesper Linde in Casino Royale, a fun gender reversal.

 

I don't think there was as much furniture in Michael and Jamal's entire apartment as what was stuffed in that Suburu. They came out of their fancy loft with like two bags a piece. Jamal's going to wake up one morning and realize he doesn't even have a toaster anymore.

 

Offtopic: Yoko Ono is an artist in her own right, darn it! She was doing vocal noise stuff before anyone else.

Edited February 19, 2015 by rozen

[memememe76]

Another thing. If Jamal and Olivia only had sex once, can't Jamal do the math? Would it be feasible for Jamal to be the dad? And if they had sex that one time, Olivia must have been out of the picture before Jamal realized she was pregnant? Wouldn't they have had sex earlier in their relationship than later (unless, Jamal was playing Jamal the Virgin?) And why would Olivia come back now? Why not get what she is entitled to before? 

[CocoaGoddess]

I am vehemently against Cookie and Lucifer, but I will make an exception tonight because Boo Boo Kitty tried it and Cookie needed to FINISH it. I will put up with a lot of shady shit on my TV show -- murder, theft, lying -- but you don't mess with somebody's sobriety! Line crossed, shots fired. Damn poor Elle. I guess they needed to have BBK doing something incredibly unforgivable for the audience to be accepting of getting it in.

"I love you Cookie."

You right, you right ...

Edited February 19, 2015 by CocoaGoddess

[loveigniting]

My roommate and I started cackling when Luscious said he loved Cookie with Annika sitting next to him. I don't even hate the girl, but after that Elle nonsense, she deserved all of what she got. 

Edited February 19, 2015 by loveigniting

[anonymiss]

The chemistry between Taraji and Terrence is remarkable. I feel like I'm invading their privacy watching the scene is how convincing they are.

[Dusty]

Anika.  Boo Boo Kitty. I cannot believe she did that.  Actually I can.  I don't really think she's really faced that much competition in her personal life and her professional life.  Cookie threatens both.  She got an artist that Anika couldn't manage for years to get herself together in a week.  I can totally see her stooping to this level.  With the pace of this show just revealing secrets left and right I hope that the head of security guy, Malcolm tells Cookie what he saw...maybe over some pillow talk. I'm not really sure if he saw anything but if he mentions that he saw Anika hanging around I'm sure they can figure it out.  I was against Lucious being Cookie's first hook up out of prison.  I was rooting for her to get together to Malcolm.  He was checking her out last episode and this one during Elle's rehearsal.  But I'm not too bothered by it because Anika deserved to walk in on that.  I think someone even called it in the first episode that it was going to happen.  I will say one thing for Anika though. She has the side eye down.  She was shooting it around the whole episode.

 

I felt so bad for Andre. I don't care about their kink or questionable morals.  I am on the Andre/Rhonda ship.  She looked proud of him when Cookie was talking about him in her speech and that scene in the bathroom.  I think it's probably going to get worse for him before it gets better but I really do believe that she loves him.  I hope they don't mess with them.  Every soap has at least one stable couple.  They can have drama without breaking up. Seriously though, as much as I've been liking their relationship CAN SOMEONE ELSE ALSO COMFORT/BE THERE FOR ANDRE?!?!  Cookie has been in prison for the past 17 years and she has more people there for her than Andre does.

 

That was the dorkiest clap that Lucious did after Cookie's speech.  I loved it.  He didn't even think twice after he said "I love you Cookie". This show is confusing my brain.  Lucious is a terrible person and I really want Cookie to move on from him.  I do. But they are so good together when it's just the two of them.  Whoever did the casting or chemistry test whatever it is. Bravo.  I give a dorky Lucious slow clap to you.

 

There's only 4 episodes left.  We're 7 episodes in.  I feel like we've gotten more progress and information on this show than shows that have been on for multiple seasons.  Here's hoping they don't fall victim to the sophomore slump.

[jhlipton]

Terrance Howard was amazing during the scene where Lucious had no voice.  Then Cookie's speech? So good. Lucious's only one in the room clapping like a seal was awesome and his I love you with Anika there.

My favorite part was watching Anika -- you could see she was fuming and there wasn't a dang thing she could do about it. And after all the trouble she went through...

 

Never thought I would hear Dire Straits be sampled on this show and the hilarious literal microwave/tv on the dancers.

I wonder how involved Mark Knopfler was with that arrangement. However much, Timbaland knocked it out of the park. Totes amazing!

[CofCinci]

I enjoy both sides of to Courtney Love coin tonight -- trainweck CLo and pro performer CLo.

[TaxNerd]

I enjoy both sides of to Courtney Love coin tonight -- trainweck CLo and pro performer CLo.

She was fantastic.

[funkopop]

This show!! I have to say as dirty as Lucious has done Cookie, that last scene with the two. OH MY!!!  I'm just going to cast all his dirty doings into the sea of forgetfulness and just ride with it. 

[lovinbob]

I was mad they didn't take the scene a little further. With that chemistry it was such a tease. I wasn't looking for Skinemax levels, just a slightly longer love scene.

 

Ugh, Anika grosses me out. That crazy shiny lip gloss is just so tacky, for all her sorority girl, pearl-wearing "class."

[Primetimer]

Empire gives this jerkhole some believably touching scenes.

Read the story

[luckyroll3]

Another thing. If Jamal and Olivia only had sex once, can't Jamal do the math? Would it be feasible for Jamal to be the dad? And if they had sex that one time, Olivia must have been out of the picture before Jamal realized she was pregnant? Wouldn't they have had sex earlier in their relationship than later (unless, Jamal was playing Jamal the Virgin?) And why would Olivia come back now? Why not get what she is entitled to before? 

I get the feeling Jamal never paid attention during the sperm and egg/pregnancy topics during sex ed class, hence him thinking there was no way for her to get pregnant from one time.  

 

I can't believe Anika would stoop so low.  Looking forward to the fall out.  Several of you have mentioned a selfie picture as possible evidence.  Who was taking the selfie?  I need to rematch that scene cause I don't remember.

 

I kept wondering who was going to go back and check up on Elle.  Hopefully next week she won't have already spiraled back into using.

 

"What's a Bae?" - Thank you Naomi, for asking something that I've been thinking for the past couple years.  Lol!

[DearEvette]

Boo Boo wanted Elle cut from the roster. So did Luscious & everyone else. Cookie was Elle's only ally. So drugging Elle not only makes Cookie look bad, it gets rid of Elle again. Which is what Boo Boo wanted all along.

 

i think it is a little bit more than that, though.  I think Boo Boo probably did want Elle cut from the roster but only because she couldn't be bothered with Elle herself.  I don't think she even cared that Elle was doing better under Cookie.  Sure it was another win for Cookie, but on the whole, she just saw Elle as a has been and if she got palmed off on Cookie -- so what?  keeps both of them busy and out of Boo Boo's anchor woman hair so she can manager her hotter, younger, better artists. 

 

I don't even think Elle being part of the performing roster during the Billionaire benefit was even bothering her too much.  No, I think what tipped the scale was Lucious making Elle the marquee performer and tying it all back to his past.  That would have given Cookie too much clout, visibility and bargaining strength.  It would have taken Cookie from being a beneficiary of a nepotism-powered job to being a real power player in the company.  It is one thing for Elle to turn herself around under Cookie, but to have her paraded around as this miracle Phoenix rising from the ashes in front of all these money people and Cookie getting all the public credit?  No, that was not gonna happen. 

 

So i don't think Boo Boo cared one way or another about Elle herself.  Elle was just a pawn in her war against Cookie.  Which makes what she did even worse.  It is one thing to do what she did to someone who was an enemy to her.  But Elle wasn't even that.  And Courtney made me feel really sad for Elle.  So yeah, Anika is evil and dead to me.

[TVHappy9463]

I am calling it now ( if the Television Academy has any balls) next years Best Actress in a Drama Emmy race will be a Viola Davis vs. Taraji P. Henson face off.  It's groundbreaking enough to have one black woman nominated, as Kerry Washington has been, but to have two would really show the Academy gets it. The TV academy has weird nominating process, they use a panel, not the full membership so its weird.  But Taraji is killing it as Cookie, all the tenderness she shows Lucius and the look on her face when he tells them he is dying was brilliant.  

Unfortunately the acting from the sons still leaves a lot to be desired, especially Hakeem, he is just awful. Boo Boo Kitty got hers, which was awesome. I hope Cookie finds out she drugged L.  

[HereKitty]

Didn't "basically the only character who never does anything cruel" JUST hire a hitman? I love Cookie, too, but come on.

[CofCinci]

I am calling it now ( if the Television Academy has any balls) next years Best Actress in a Drama Emmy race will be a Viola Davis vs. Taraji P. Henson face off. It's groundbreaking enough to have one black woman nominated, as Kerry Washington has been, but to have two would really show the Academy gets it. The TV academy has weird nominating process, they use a panel, not the full membership so its weird. But Taraji is killing it as Cookie, all the tenderness she shows Lucius and the look on her face when he tells them he is dying was brilliant.

If Scandal wasn't complete shit this season, it could have been a historic 3-way race between Taraji, Viola and Kerry.

[Ohwell]

Didn't "basically the only character who never does anything cruel" JUST hire a hitman? I love Cookie, too, but come on.

I agree.  I like Cookie but she has done some janky shit herself.  Sure, she was afraid for her life but she didn't hesitate to hire a hitman instead of, you know, doing further investigation before arranging to take someone's life.  I like Cookie as a character, but she is not without blood on her hands. 

 

Also, Cookie carries the "angry black woman" trope to new heights--or depths.  That scene when she was up in Lucious' face arguing about whatever, I was thinking, "No wonder the man just fell out.  Anybody having to listen to that angry mouth all the time would pass out too." 

 

I want Becky to smash Malcolm the security guy.  No wait.   I mean Malcolm to smash Becky.

 

For the first time, Hakeem got a little sympathy from me last night.  It was sad when his father told him about the ALS.  However, couldn't help but laugh at the expression on Hakeem's face when Lucious said "amyotrophic lateral sclerosis" and Hakeem's facial expression was "whaaa?"

 

I was glad that Michael had enough dignity to get the hell out instead of choosing to stay and whine.

 

I was rooting for a "fair" and interesting matchup between Cookie and Anika but Anika threw that out the window last night with that trick she pulled on Elle.  God don't like ugly, and that was u-g-l-y. 

 

I have to say though, that I still don't think Elle is that good.  That rehearsal song was just tired.  I just don't get the love.  Speaking of not getting the love, I found it hard to believe that middle-aged white folks loved Jamal's and Hakeem's performance.  

Edited February 19, 2015 by Ohwell

[Milz]

 

Jamal MARRIED Oliva?  WTH, more details please.  I love the soapy twists.  Everyone seems so accepting of the toddler -- why haven't they done a DNA test?

 

 

I guess they don't watch The Maury Show. I would have had a paternity test done ASAP (but if another Lyons is the father...)

 

Oh, Lord, that date was so sad.  Poor Hakeem for all that he is a rich man's son he has no game.  When she opened that necklace, and instead of seeing a nice, tasteful pearl choker or a flawless diamond teardrop  on a chain, she got gold bling  that said 'Hakeem" i just about busted a gut.  LOL

 

And it looked so "got it at the Mall" cheap too. I must be old, but if I got a "gift" like that from Mr. Milz, I'd tell him to exchange it for something I can wear, not something that wears me.

 

I'm a bit confused by Jamal's storyline. Did he "voluntarily" marry Olivia or did Lucious basically force it? And did Michael (or anyone else, for that matter) know about this marriage? 

 

I kinda like that Michael left so quickly. On another show, the significant other would've stayed on and on and on until Jamal (or whomever) did something *really* bad, ie. have a fake relationship with a female artist. 

 

I'm confused about that too. Did Jamal keep his marriage a secret from Michael?

 

Regarding Andre's reaction and the family's reactions to Lucious's health problem---totally believable.  I've worked in hospitals, clinics and private doctor's offices. The spectrum of emotions when the family gets "bad news" is very wide and it changes. I've seen the yelling, angry family member either stay that way or become the calm collected one in the days that follow. Vice versa. 

 

I hope Elle learns what happened and kicks Annika's azz. BTW, did the security guy see it? Because it looked like he was watching everyone there.

 

Cookie and Lucious: I can only hope that Cookie leads him on and dumps him. I'd rather have Cookie with that security guy than with Lucious.

[Neurochick]

I am glad that:  

 

Lucious finally told his family he has ALS.

Lucious and Cookie finally did the nasty.

 

I'm totally pissed at Annika; you don't mess with someone who's trying to get sober;  but I had to laugh because that's exactly what Courtney Love is like when she's high; she was once running around NYC, stoned out of her mind one night years ago, taking pictures with random people on 14th street.  I hope Cookie finds out what she did to Elle, but I saw that shit coming a mile away; she doesn't want Cookie to have any glory.

 

What I really think is fantasy are that two women are fighting over Lucious  YUK.  (I'm just not into Terrance Howard...never have been and I laughed out loud during that sex scene because Lucious was NOT sexy, now Cookie, that's another story)  I did like how Lucious talked to Jamal, he really loves him.  

 

For some reason, I feel for Andre.  See, he's the son who went to an Ivy League school, has done well etc.  But because he's not an "artist" Lucious and Coolie don't really pay attention to him.  It's like a family where one child is an addict and the other is a Harvard grad and the parent focuses on the addict.  I don't think that's right.  Why hasn't Lucious figured out Andre is bipolar?  

[40Love]

Anika.  Boo Boo Kitty. I cannot believe she did that.  Actually I can.  I don't really think she's really faced that much competition in her personal life and her professional life.  Cookie threatens both.  She got an artist that Anika couldn't manage for years to get herself together in a week.  I can totally see her stooping to this level.

 

Me too! Some posters believe the Elle sabotage was OOC for BBK. I do not. It may have been out of character for Anika B.C.  (Before Cookie). But, girlfriend is battling the enemy on two fronts and she's losing the war. 

 

I'm sure she was able to easily chase away Lucious's other women. But, Cookie is not going anywhere. And Anika wants to marry Lucious soooo bad. She's desperate and dangerous. The hell with business. The real prize for her is Lucious.

 

Seriously though, as much as I've been liking their relationship CAN SOMEONE ELSE ALSO COMFORT/BE THERE FOR ANDRE?!?!

 

I get what you're saying... but Andre was not in the "comfort-me". He was ready to swing... even his wife took a step back for a second.

[maczero]

So many Matthew McConaughey Lincoln commercials that I was starting to think he was the new chauffeur character.

Am I the only one that wants to punch him in the face every time one of those commercials airs?

 

This show MUST work on better continuity.  Jamal's so-called daughter appeared but where was Olivia?

No continuity error.  It was stated a couple of times that Olivia left her alone in the building.

 

So much for Jamal cutting himself off. He is driving a tricked out Empire car. And I could only roll my eyes when he let his father take his possible daughter and then, handed her over to his mother. Spoilt thy name is Jamal.

 

I wouldn't say that's spoiled.  I get the impression that he's not entirely comfortable around children and doesn't want to get too attached until it's proven the kid belongs to him.  That said, I can totally see why the rest of the Lyons bonded with the kid.  She is adorable.

The Lyons really need to do a paternity test.

Agreed.

Give it up for Rhonda, because I sure as hell wouldn't have been following the crazy guy who just barked at me violently ANYWHERE. Andre is like a ticking time bomb. Hide the guns and the knives.

I was thinking "Girl, he is so going to murder you one day" during that shower scene.

 

She was fantastic.

 

 

I enjoy both sides of to Courtney Love coin tonight -- trainweck CLo and pro performer CLo.

 

Really?!  I thought she sounded horrible.

I was mad they didn't take the scene a little further. With that chemistry it was such a tease. I wasn't looking for Skinemax levels, just a slightly longer love scene.

Not me.  I wouldn't mind seeing more of Cookie's  fine ass but Terrence Howard's doughy phsyique would probably ruin that for me.

I have to admit that I thought it was a huge mistake putting Cookie on the podium but she killed it up there.

[BestestAuntEver]

This show keeps me on my toes.

ITA, that BBK went to far messing with Elle'as sobriety. It was fowl.

Did anyone catch how BBK was beyond ready to give Lucious' speech? I know she stated she wrote it but I was side eyeing her eagerness And stating she didn't need a teleprompter.

That baby girl it cut. Love her natural hair.

Lucious' goofy seal clap had me smiling From ear to ear.

Cookie is amaze balls as usual. I bow to TPH.

I floved the last 10 minutes. I wanted hot angry sex but I'm pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed Cookie & Lucious' playfulness. The just seemed so natural.

I am also loving how at times Cookie and Lucious will be on the same page telling the boys, "listen to your father" or "do what your mother said".

Dear Fox,

Just in case you have an intern reading this site, I want 15-16 episodes next season all played consecutively.

Thanks,

Bestest

Edited February 19, 2015 by BestestAuntEver

[CaughtOnTape]

Every time I see that tease where Cookie calls Naomi Campbell Yoko, I die laughing.

[Milz]

Dear Fox,

Just in case you have an intern reading this site, I want 15-16 episodes next season all played consecutively.

Thanks,

Bestest

 

Count me in too!

 

(It wouldn't be unheard of for the PTB to read this or any similar forum. Back in the TWoP days, actors, writers, producers used to read the forums and even participate in them.)

[aprilbabe]

My thoughts on the EP.

 

BooBoo Kitty deserves her nickname. That was cold messing with Elle's sobriety. If Cookies getting ahead of you maybe that means you needs to step your game up. So because of that I was happy to see her face crack when Lucious picked Cookie to give the speech, when he said he loved her and when see walked in on him. Boo Boo Kitty has low self esteam, he cheats on her multiple times and then sleeps with his ex in your bed and per previews your still by his side. Girl

 

-On to Cookie and Lucious- I wonder when Lucious decided he was going to make a play that night. Was it after she gave that speech. I mean Anika was out of town, he sent his kids away to be alone with Cookie, playing a song, dancing with her. Dude had that planned just can figure out when. Like someone said above I like they playfulness of their love scene, it was probably what it was like when they were younger too.

 

Other things I loved

- Cookie openly flirting with Malcolm.

- the scene where Lucious realizing he is losing his voice and pull Cookie aside her annoyance and his reaction was hilarious.

[BestestAuntEver]

Other things I loved

- Cookie openly flirting with Malcolm.

I loved this too. I really loved that Lucious figured it out quickly and was about to say something but Cookie shut it down.

I laughed at how DL played Malcolm like he didn't know how to respond. Malcom we've seen you eyeing Cookie.

[scarletregina]

I like how Andre had his hands out ready to throttle Hakeem, but had them clenched firmly at his sides when he barked at Rhonda. She was never in any danger from him. I was still pretty suspicious of her, but after that shower scene, I think she might just straight up love him. 

 

I found the shower scene to be heartbreaking. They really do love and accept each other. They may be fucked up people, but their marriage and love are solid.

 

I almost felt bad for BBK when she walked in on Lucious and Cookie. She is devoted to him and I think she's known for a while that Lucious is more in love with Cookie than he is with her. I wonder how long it's going to be before she starts to sabotage the IPO?

 

Cookie and Lucious are smoking together, but she deserves better than him. I hope she realizes that one day and moves on.

[After7Only]

The "N-word please" look on Naomi's face when she saw that Hakeem necklace was the best piece of acting she's done on this show. 

[LydiaMoon1]

This week's eppy was okay.  They went back to focusing on Lew.  They seem to be alternating Cookie-focused eppys with episodes primarily centered around Lucious.  I prefer my Empire Cookie-centric.

 

So Jamal gets a maybe daughter and suddenly Lew becomes a halfway decent Daddy?  BEHOLD, THE POWER OF GRANDCHILDREN!!

 

Speaking of which, that little girl playing Jamal's daughter is a real beauty. She's as precious as she is adorable. No wonder nobody's trying to verify paternity.  They're all just like, well, she's ours now.  I really hope that it will be revealed that Olivia dumped her daughter at Empire because of her abusive boyfriend/husband (?) situation and not just because.

 

I have nothing to add about BBK sabotaging Elle's sobriety. That was so low and beyond foul that I couldn't feel sorry for her when she discovered Lew with Cookie.  After all, her Mama had just warned her last week about Lew and other women. She should have listened.

 

BTW, I hated all of song performances this week. For me, the music were just......NO.

 

 

[MyAimIsTrue]

They misspelled Naomi Campbell's name in the opening credits. Someone is getting a smartphone chucked at their face for that.

 

I noticed that as well and wondered how something that relatively significant slipped through the cracks.

 

After constant prodding by a coworker I watched my first episode last night and damn if I'm not hooked.  It was well worth giving up my anti-everything on Fox bias to actually watch a show on that network.

[scarletregina]

Speaking of which, that little girl playing Jamal's daughter is a real beauty. She's as precious as she is adorable. No wonder nobody's trying to verify paternity.  They're all just like, well, she's ours now.  I really hope that it will be revealed that Olivia dumped her daughter at Empire because of her abusive boyfriend/husband (?) situation and not just because.

 

 

There has to be a lot more to this story. No way does Raven-Symone show up for only a 2 minute cameo. At least, I hope not.

[william0102]

Right now, I'm loving how all the storylines are going, but Andre and Rhonda's scene was the best for me tonight. I kind of want to see more about their relationship, but at the same time I don't. Everyone is getting all sorts of soapy twists in their storyline, so I want the writers to just keep doing what they're doing with Andre and Rhonda- leave em alone and amazing.

[Milz]

I noticed that as well and wondered how something that relatively significant slipped through the cracks.

 

After constant prodding by a coworker I watched my first episode last night and damn if I'm not hooked.  It was well worth giving up my anti-everything on Fox bias to actually watch a show on that network.

 

 

Welcome to our world! :-) This is the first Fox show I've really watched since X-Files and Firefly.

 

This week's eppy was okay.  They went back to focusing on Lew.  They seem to be alternating Cookie-focused eppys with episodes primarily centered around Lucious.  I prefer my Empire Cookie-centric.

 

So Jamal gets a maybe daughter and suddenly Lew becomes a halfway decent Daddy?  BEHOLD, THE POWER OF GRANDCHILDREN!!

 

Speaking of which, that little girl playing Jamal's daughter is a real beauty. She's as precious as she is adorable. No wonder nobody's trying to verify paternity.  They're all just like, well, she's ours now.  I really hope that it will be revealed that Olivia dumped her daughter at Empire because of her abusive boyfriend/husband (?) situation and not just because.

 

I have nothing to add about BBK sabotaging Elle's sobriety. That was so low and beyond foul that I couldn't feel sorry for her when she discovered Lew with Cookie.  After all, her Mama had just warned her last week about Lew and other women. She should have listened.

 

BTW, I hated all of song performances this week. For me, the music were just......NO.

 

My take on Lucious suddenly become dad was more of a "yes, my son got a woman pregnant. He's not as gay as I thought!" thing than "I love you unconditionally" thing. But I did like the fact that Lucious offered to have her live with him. Good grandpa!

[Guest]

Oh, Cookie, you let your sentimentality get the better of you. Stay away from that man. Go after Derek Luke and fix his hair while you are at it.

 

Lucious is such a two faced bastard, but he has moments when he is so sweet with Jamal like tonight. So much for Jamal cutting himself off. He is driving a tricked out Empire car. And I could only roll my eyes when he let his father take his possible daughter and then, handed her over to his mother. Spoilt thy name is Jamal. 

 

The Lyons really need to do a paternity test.

I agree on the paternity test.  I would think Mr. High End Security Chief would've been all over that by now.  (I had no idea who Derek Luke is so just checked...  Oh he was Gregory on The Americans!  Maybe it's the hair but I find him unattractive in this role.)

 

I think that was Lucious' MAID he sent the little girl off with, not even his mother.  

 

I'm thinking Jamal getting all attached to that little girl is going to end in heartache... when it's revealed she's not his kid.

Things happen fast in the Empire universe. Within hours that adorable little child was calling members her new family "Auntie Rhonda", "Uncle Hakeem", cuddling with "Nana Cookie" and playing cutesy games with "Grampy Lucious". Lol!

I get that they can't be all distant with a child.. especially one whose mother abandoned her like that... but damn that was fast work!!

 

I call this Black Nashville so it'd be so expected to have this girl be like Micah to Gunnar.  

Namedrops: Chef Ramsey and Lana Del Rey.

I think the chef at Hakeem's date was also a celeb.  Robles Ali, a TV chef on Bravo, Google says.  I'd never heard of him but noticed the name in the credits was the name Hakeem called him.  

[Happytobehere]

i think it is a little bit more than that, though. I think Boo Boo probably did want Elle cut from the roster but only because she couldn't be bothered with Elle herself. I don't think she even cared that Elle was doing better under Cookie. Sure it was another win for Cookie, but on the whole, she just saw Elle as a has been and if she got palmed off on Cookie -- so what? keeps both of them busy and out of Boo Boo's anchor woman hair so she can manager her hotter, younger, better artists.

I don't even think Elle being part of the performing roster during the Billionaire benefit was even bothering her too much. No, I think what tipped the scale was Lucious making Elle the marquee performer and tying it all back to his past. That would have given Cookie too much clout, visibility and bargaining strength. It would have taken Cookie from being a beneficiary of a nepotism-powered job to being a real power player in the company. It is one thing for Elle to turn herself around under Cookie, but to have her paraded around as this miracle Phoenix rising from the ashes in front of all these money people and Cookie getting all the public credit? No, that was not gonna happen.

So i don't think Boo Boo cared one way or another about Elle herself. Elle was just a pawn in her war against Cookie. Which makes what she did even worse. It is one thing to do what she did to someone who was an enemy to her. But Elle wasn't even that. And Courtney made me feel really sad for Elle. So yeah, Anika is evil and dead to me.

LOVE, LOVE , LOVE THIS! I can never see Anika through any other eyes after what she did. How dare you do something so low to anybody, let alone a recovering addict. BBK's complete lack of humanity and utter disregard for Elle's mental and physical well being, and possibly her life shows how much of a hell spawn Little Miss Debutant really is.

Edited February 20, 2015 by Happytobehere

[gazebo]

I think I have a justified reason now for hating Anika.  She always struck me as a little too ambitious and that she dated Lucious because he is powerful and wealthy.  She always kinda rubbed me wrong.  But now, after seeing her drug Elle Dallas' tea; I can honestly hate her now.  Anika was going to do everything she can to bring down Cookie; even to the point of drugging a recovered drug addict!  That is so low!  I was so happy that she caught Lucious and Cookie doing the nasty, serve her right.  Karma came back and bit Boo Boo Kitty in the ass!  Yay!

 

I'm very impressed by Noami Campbell's acting.  I'm surprised she acted so well.  I felt every bit of her disdain as she threw down Hakeem's gaudy self-indulgent gift on the table.  That was one butt ugly gaudy shitty looking necklace!  I think an older woman like Noami would appreciate something more tasteful.  Noami's character is definitely using Hakeem.  This couple has absolutely nothing in common!

 

Cookie is gonna get her heart broken again.  I don't think Lucious is going to give up Anika.  I think for Lucious, him sleeping with Cookie was just a reaction of how grateful he was for the wonderful speech Cookie gave at the concert.

 

Where is that little girl's mom?  Last week, she was there telling everyone that Jamal's the Baby Daddy.  What happened between that and the woman leaving the little girl in the elevator and running away?  Did the Lyon family tell her that she's lying and left her and her daughter in the lobby of the building?  What exactly happen during that short time?  By the way, that little girl is just so lovely.  Everyone seemed to take to that little girl, except for Jamal who took the kid and promptly handed her over to Cookie.  I think Jamal better get a paternity test.  I don't think he would be able to open his heart to that little girl as long as he is still in the dark whether he is truly the father.

 

I think I'm in the minority when I say that I liked Michael.  I think he's cute.  I'm sorry to see him leave, but I understand why.  At least he was smart enough to leave now instead of clinging on to a guy who is more interested in his career than his relationship with him.  Michael saw that he was headed to heartache and that he should just call it quits.  Very reasonable move.  But oh, didn't it just break my heart a little to see Jamal standing on the curb with small tears in his eyes.......

 

What did break my heart was Andre sitting in the shower and shaking and Rhonda coming over to comfort him.  Now that's a good and faithful wife.  Probably the only happy, loving relationship on the Show.

[ZaldamoWilder]

"CP time!"  I love the brave use of language on this show.

 

Watch your mouf Empire.   Watch your mouf.

 

She's so cute, they all except Jamal seem to be getting attached to her. Since she's basically an orphan at this point, whether she's Jamal's or not for now they'll probably keep her.  At least until Raven  comes back to claim the child. 

 

I loved this.  It didn't feel so much like they were all familied up than this baby who might be in this family was just abandoned, so wagon circling time.  

 

 

What did the chef say to him? Something about her being on an entirely different date than Hakeem? That was funny!

 

Ok so this reminds me of the things I love about this show.  There's so much to look at, so many real life cultural references that sometimes I can't concentrate on the dialogue from staring at stuff that should be random.  Anthony Hamilton on piano or Sway in the interview chair.  The big ole mural of Aliyaah!  eyegasm.     So Chef Robles told him:  man she's on an entirely different date than you are but see if this {{camera pan down to the plate of fancy looking breaded chicken}} don't turn it around for you.  Actually I dunno if it was chicken or not but it did look yummy.     I find the probability of a 45 year old woman who looks like Naomi Campbell saying, nay, whining, to a dude, but especially a 20 year old:  I want you to treat me the way you treat her, in reference to the 20 year old she's competing with......absolutely ridiculous.   Shit, at least I hope it is.

 

I am vehemently against Cookie and Lucifer, but I will make an exception tonight because Boo Boo Kitty tried it and Cookie needed to FINISH it. I will put up with a lot of shady shit on my TV show -- murder, theft, lying -- but you don't mess with somebody's sobriety! Line crossed, shots fired. Damn poor Elle. I guess they needed to have BBK doing something incredibly unforgivable for the audience to be accepting of getting it in.

"I love you Cookie."

You right, you right ...

 

slow....standing.....O!   I'm grabbing my picket sign to join you.  It's not that I don't think these two have great chemistry.   They're very Rodgers/Astaire, Terrell/Gaye, it leaps off the screen in handfuls of smouldering embers but, BUT Cookie's feelings are genuine.  Dammit, she loves that man so she isn't bout to be anything but hurt.  He loves her too, but only if and when it costs him nothing or no one's looking.  I know she'll make a fast recovery, hopefully under Malcolm, but I hate how it's gonna play out for her.  

 

"What's a Bae?" - Thank you Naomi, for asking something that I've been thinking for the past couple years.  Lol!

 

I don't know if he answered but it's an endearment acronym:  Before Anyone Else

 

Anika knew what time it was when she got in the limo.  She left her man at the curb standing next to the woman he just said he loved and then just happened to come home a couple days early from a business trip.   She and Lucious need each other, he needs her daddy and she needs to play her position to get whatever.    What she did to Elle though?  I can't wait until delicious ass Derek Luke unfurls the video he was rolling with his secret iphone watch lol.  

 

I laughed at how DL played Malcolm like he didn't know how to respond. Malcom we've seen you eyeing Cookie.

 

In real life, I'm not sure how Taraji holds it together.   The scene where they're in a doorway (at the club maybe?) and he's standing behind her and stands back and she catches him appreciating the view?  {{churchfan}}.  What do all these hot ass scenes have in common?  Ms. Taraji P. Henson.  She's been underappreciated this whole time.

 

So many Matthew McConaughey Lincoln commercials that I was starting to think he was the new chauffeur character.

 

Am I the only one that wants to punch him in the face every time one of those commercials airs?

 

See, this and his disavowing deodorant is the bullshit that got him kicked offa my celebrities I would hold hostage for no ransom list. 

 

Shout out to Courtney, she stepped her game way the hell up this episode.  Wait, does that mean I only like her when she's high?

 

Because it can't be said enough:

 

Derek Luke - nom nom nom

Olivia/Olivia2.0 - for the chickenhead move of abandoning a baby, but doing it in an elevator, you need your ass beaten often and mightily.

[SimoneS]

I think that was Lucious' MAID he sent the little girl off with, not even his mother. 

 

Jamal handed the little girl to Cookie and then Lucious had the maid take her to bed so he could tell them that he had ALS. Regardless, it is all about Jamal washing his hands of fatherhood. We will see if that changes in time. No doubt as soon as he decides to step, the real father will show up to take custody.

[LydiaMoon1]

"What's a Bae?" - Thank you Naomi, for asking something that I've been thinking for the past couple years.  Lol!

I don't know if he answered but it's an endearment acronym:  Before Anyone Else

I'm Southern and in my 50's and we've been calling loved ones Bae all my life.  Down here it's always been an abbreviation of "Baby", just like Hakeem said.

[Timetoread]

I find the probability of a 45 year old woman who looks like Naomi Campbell saying, nay, whining, to a dude, but especially a 20 year old:  I want you to treat me the way you treat her, in reference to the 20 year old she's competing with......absolutely ridiculous.   Shit, at least I hope it is.

 

First I just want to say that 1970 was a great year for making beautiful black women:  Taraji PH, Nia Long, Regina Hall, Naomi Campbell, and me.  Sike. I'll stop.  My point was that I am about tired of everyone acting like Hakeem wanting a woman of that age is akin to damn near beastiality.  I hate agism in general but particularly when it is one sided.  People haven't said anything to the men who have been chasing young girls since the beginning of time.

 

That said, I don't wonder about his attraction to her - she was a freaking supermodel!  I wonder what she sees in him.  And this episode answered that for me: nothing.  They nave nothing in common and Hakeem is immature even for a 20 year old.  And he has NO game at all.  NONE.  I'm 44 but I'm telling you right now, Andre can get it.  If Jamal changes his mind on that gay stuff, here's my number, baby.  But Hakeem?  Good lord!  Boy go sit down somewhere!  All that to say that she is definitely up to no good.  And I can't wait to watch Hakeem's MOMMY smack down Hakeem's MOMMA.

Edited February 19, 2015 by Timetoread

[funkopop]

First I just want to say that 1970 was a great year for making beautiful black women:  Taraji PH, Nia Long, Regina Hall, Naomi Campbell, and me.  Sike. I'll stop.  My point was that I am about tired of everyone acting like Hakeem wanting a woman of that age is akin to damn near beastiality.  I hate agism in general but particularly when it is one sided.  People haven't said anything to the men who have been chasing young girls since the beginning of time.

 

That said, I don't wonder about his attraction to her - she was a freaking supermodel!  I wonder what she sees in him.  And this episode answered that for me: nothing.  They nave nothing in common and Hakeem is immature even for a 20 year old.  And he has NO game at all.  NONE.  I'm 45 but I'm telling you right now, Andre can get it.  If Jamal changes his mind on that gay stuff, here's my number, baby.  But Hakeem?  Good lord!  Boy go sit down somewhere!  All that to say that she is definitely up to no good.  And I can't wait to watch Hakeem's MOMMY smack down Hakeem's MOMMA.

 

I did notice how the camera panned to both Cookie and then Camilla when Hakeem rapped "look Mom I'm on t.v".  I thought that was funny.

[Timetoread]

First I just want to say that 1970 was a great year for making beautiful black women:  Taraji PH, Nia Long, Regina Hall, Naomi Campbell, and me.  Sike. I'll stop.  My point was that I am about tired of everyone acting like Hakeem wanting a woman of that age is akin to damn near beastiality.  I hate agism in general but particularly when it is one sided.  People haven't said anything to the men who have been chasing young girls since the beginning of time.

 

That said, I don't wonder about his attraction to her - she was a freaking supermodel!  I wonder what she sees in him.  And this episode answered that for me: nothing.  They nave nothing in common and Hakeem is immature even for a 20 year old.  And he has NO game at all.  NONE.  I'm 44 but I'm telling you right now, Andre can get it.  If Jamal changes his mind on that gay stuff, here's my number, baby.  But Hakeem?  Good lord!  Boy go sit down somewhere!  All that to say that she is definitely up to no good.  And I can't wait to watch Hakeem's MOMMY smack down Hakeem's MOMMA.

 

Quoting my own post because I had a thought.  There was a scene where Lucius noticed her from across the room.  I wonder if Lucius is her endgame - either to get him or to punish him.

Edited February 19, 2015 by Timetoread

[Whitley Trillbert]

My first post here is an Empire one yay !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Poor Cookie. As much as I love her, this rekindling with Sir Luscious Leftfoot is going to leave her heartbroken when the truth comes out about Bunky. 

 

The good soapy thing to do is to have Anika find out about Bunky and deliver that blow to Cookie herself. Speaking of, I really hated the direction they took that character in with spiking Elle's drink. I mean i didn't hate Anika , I really understood her and kind of sympathize with her, but I think it was a little unfair to have the writers decide to have her go that far so we would root for Cookie more. 

 

That scene with Andre in the shower was a chilling one and made me feel for the guy. I really afraid they are going to take his character down a dark path. 

 

I wonder if the actor playing Michael booked another show or something because that was a pretty quick exit for his character if that's the last we'll see of him.