The season premiere of Empire was crazy. I loved every minute of it. This second episode was more slow-paced, but I still enjoyed it, a lot. After three weeks of incredible plot twists and absurd changes. we got the calm after the storm. Empire is really phenomenal.
Without a Country focuses on the aftermath of Cookie’s and Hakeem’s exclusion from the Empire. They decide to start a new company: “Lyon Dynasty”. Hakeem tries to do his best in order to succeed as a producer, but he has more difficulties than what he predicted. Rhonda tries to convince Jamal to take Andre back at Empire, and she reveals that she is pregnant. Andre talks with his father about the pregnancy, but he is once again refused by him. I am liking Andre more and more. Trai Byers is excellent in this role. Lucious is a truly bastard, but that’s why we love him, right?
There was also an interesting part with flashbacks of a young Lucious with his mother. She seems to have Andre-like problems. This could evolve into a complex new storyline in the Empire's universe. I loved Kelly Rowland in this role. Speaking of Lucious, he gets into troubles with a guard after he decides to record a new catchy track inside prison. Terrence Howard is at his best, and Lucious is really a king in each situation. Jamal had less space in this episode, but I am still not sold on his total change. He will find his way again.
All in all, Empire is still on fire. It tops all the ratings’ charts and it is not suffering at all of sophomore slump. I am looking forward to seeing how this season will turn out. FOX has an unique hit, let’s just hope that they won’t ruin it.
What do you think of Without a Country?
