This season of Empire is all about rebuilding the brand and this episode confirms the trend. The enemy’s spot switched to Kingsley who is now in charge of creating problems to the Lyons. But they are at a dark spot even without his meddling, they still can’t reach the same magic they created in the past. Let' summarize what happened in Pride.
Jamal is still at the center of this dispute between Empire and the new brand: it was an effective move of Jamal to protect the contract with Empire. He would have had all the creative control in the world, but it’s coherent with his family history and at the same time it has been always important to him to have creative freedom.
The relationship between Cookie and Lucious is at a strong point. Still, the Lyon patriarch is not capable of working as a team. After spending so much time in prison, this kind of anxiety for Cookie is normal. Power has always changed Lucious and the dynamics in their marriage. I really appreciate how the writers have created a consisting relationship between these two.
There were still great plot twists in this episode: the villains are getting together. Kingsley visited Diana Dubois in prison and she is getting ready to get back in the game. This season of Empire is on fire, and I really think they made a great work in connecting the dots left in last season.
Hakeem and Andre are still dealing with their problems. I loved how Tiana said what we are thinking, that Hakeem needs to put his sh*t together and try to find a cure in music. I am still quite enjoying this Andre ’s journey in prison, but I don’t understand where they are heading with this.
All in all, Pride was another solid episode. This season is continuing the new positive trend of the show and I am really hopeful for the future.
And you? What do you think of "Pride"?
