https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekGJHDiKCeM
With only 23 episodes to choose from, FOX’s hit show Empire is making the social media and award show rounds. After a staggering 17 million viewers tuned into the season one finale, it’s safe to say that there is something that’s making Empire so readily received.
The drama, the hook-ups, the family and all the music make up an addictive TV experience that garners about 11 million viewers each episode.
As part two of the second season approaches, I thought I’d jump even further on the band wagon and put together the episodes that have proved that the award nominations, Taraji P. Henson’s Golden Globe win and album sales/streams, aren’t something to be laughed over.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBzu_jKLJek
Season 1, Episode 1: “Pilot”
This is the episode that started it all. Within the first five minutes there is no doubt that the show is ready to dish out the drama, emotion and quality that will make it a hit show. It’s directed by Lee Daniels and written by Daniels and Daniel Strong. It’s the most iconic pilot I’ve seen in a long time, and audience members were hooked till the last minute. The show brought in about nine million strong viewers and the numbers only rose for episode two.
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Season 1, Episode 7: “Our Dancing Days”
This episode was by far the only Lucious centered episode I thoroughly enjoyed. There’s a beautiful give and take in this episode between Cookie and Lucious that has since lost its appeal. It’s almost nostalgic to go back and watch the episode, because the original sincerity between the two has since been blanketed and tossed away. It’s a strong performance by the cast together, rather than separately. It also features the appearance of Lola, who created a story line that was as satisfying as it was anticipated.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2Q1Dh6H17U
Season 1, Episode 9: “Unto The Breach”
This is the episode that changed the entire outcome of Empire. From the get go, the oldest Lyon brother, Andre’s (Trai Byers) story line isn’t interesting, but vital. From the elevator scene to the “You’re So Beautiful” chorus, to the very last minute, it’s a triumphant episode that became one of the real reasons why Empire isn’t just a soap opera.
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Season 2, Episode 5: “Be True”
This is the episode where a lot happens for a lot of different reasons. Not to mention, the audience gets an absolute real and non-manipulated look into Lucious Lyon’s past. Each actor has a moment to shine within the spot on writing and the audience is on the edge of their seat every step of the way.
Season 2, Episode 1: “The Devils Are Here”
“Kill him. Make it loud, and make it long.” Season two began in the best way: Cookie’s grand entrance and Lucious Lyon in prison.
Let the scheming begin.
I’d like to point out that this episode was probably the most iconic season premiere I’ve seen on TV as of late. Season two started on such a high note, and this episode gave audiences hope of an even better season than the first. It was over the top in all the best ways, and each character was on their own precipice and no one knew where it would go from there. After an interesting first half of the second season, it’s almost sad to go back and reminisce of what season two could have been, but I can appreciate this episode for what it is: achingly fun.
Season 2, Episode 2: “Without a Country”
This episode contained three of my favorite elements of season two: Lucious laying down an HQ track in prison, Chris Bridges aka rapper Ludacris as a guard and Chris Rock as the villain.
The music as a whole was lacking this season, but I have to put my foot down at the fact that the only song that triumphed a scene was “Snitch Bitch.” The track was also made in HQ in prison and somehow made it out into the world and on radio. The unfathomable plot lines of the season begin during this episode, but it also stands on its own as one of the better written episodes of season two and so far, belongs on this list.
Season 1, Episode 10: “Sins of the Father”
The episode that reveals Jamal had once been married, as conducted by Lucious, then there’s the inevitable reveal of Lola, Jamal’s supposed daughter. It’s a carefully intertwined episode that unravels in a burst of flames that sets up the last two episodes of the first season.
Season 1, Episode 12: “Who I Am”
Not to brag on this show, because nine times out of ten I will, but this single episode garnered about 17 million viewers. It’s the final episode of season one and it ties up as many loose ends as new ones emerge. It’s full of plot twists, arches and high tension scenes that concluded a show that swept up a nation.
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