Category: Reviews

FOX’s hit music drama Empire returned Wednesday (Sept. 27) switching time slots with its sister show, Star. Was the season 4 premiere a hit or a miss? Check out TheOriginalChatman’s review below! WA R N I N G ⇔ spoilers below!

First of all, I’m forever grateful for the “previously on…” recaps before every episode. They’ve been doing it seasons prior; however, the season 3 recap was much needed as I was unprepared for the somewhat emotional rollercoaster season 4 premiere laid out for us.

The season 3 finale went out with a bang..literally! Surviving a nasty explosion in Las Vegas last season lead to Luscious experiencing a mild case of amnesia. With his loss of memory came along empty memories of family, Empire, or life before the explosion.

That all changes when Luscious returns home from the hospital (in style being chauffeured inside a stretch limo— mean this is Empire after all!) with his attractive and extremely “hands-on” doctor Claudia, played by Demi Moore. More on Demi’s character later.

For starters, his role as an amnesiac seemed realistic for someone who survived a near-death experience. Nevertheless, I couldn’t shake the feeling that deep down he’s faking it for some hidden ultimatum. Why? Take for example the outside dinner scene near the pool. While Cookie, Andre, and Jamal took turns walking him thru the missing gaps of his memories, as expected it was youngest son Hakeem who pushed his father too far.

Storming away from the dinner table like a spoiled child, Luscious threatened to jump in the pool due to the family scaring him. The once mighty Luscious Lyon reacted like a baby cub. This scene altogether was the weakest; but the episode improves over the hour.

Furthermore, season after season, Luscious Lyon has illustrated himself as the ruthless villain constantly turning his back on family for personal gain. It’s quite understandable why I’ve jumped to this conclusion.

Dr. Claudia Takes The “Hands On” Approach Too Seriously

I’ma keep it short and sweet. Dr. Claudia and Luscious were more than likely knocking boots while on his road to recovery from amnesia. Watch how closely the two interact throughout the episode. I’d shoot my shot at my doctor if she looked as good as Demi Moore too! I ain’t mad at cha playa!

Remember #Cooscious?

How could we forget about #Cooscious (half Cookie, half Luscious)? Despite their various relationship road blocks, Cookie and Luscious were finally back on track after he poured his undying love out to her moments before the accident.  Cookie’s been one tough cookie (sorry for the lame pun!) for years, yet we see a softer side of her upon Luscious’s return. Hopefully we’ll see a reunion of love between the troubled yer star-crossed lovers.

The Lyons vs. The DuBois

Not to be ever underestimated, the first hip-hop of family was almost torn apart  last season as they met their match with The DuBois family. I think it’s great watching two powerful families go for each other’s throats and reach for the win—all for the respect of each family’s name of course. Diana DuBois, played by the legendary talent Phylicia Rashad, makes a return as an antagonist unlike ever before in the history of Empire.

The season 4 premiere didn’t seem quite as exciting as I hoped, but I have faith it’ll pick up over the next twelve episodes.

What did y’all think? Sound off in the comments below!