The Empire Strikes Back.
18 Episodes. Starring: Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Jussie Smollett, Bryshere Y. Gray, Trai Byers, Grace Byers, Gabourey Sidibe, Ta'Rhonda Jones, Andre Royo, Serayah, Xzibit, Phylicia Rashad, Taye Diggs, Alfre Woodard, Vivica A. Fox, Rumer Willis, Demi Moore, & Forest Whitaker. Created By: Lee Daniels & Danny Strong.
Cookie cutter T.V. series' seem to leave fans with their fill these days. The Batman origin show 'Gotham' is heading to the dawn of its final season. Whilst the next, perhaps last series of Marvel's 'Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D' will be snapped in half like Thanos clicking his fingers to dust. But who gives a f### as we enter the Lyon's den for more in Season 4? Because this 'Empire' breaks the mold...and mould. Keeping it fresh like these young princes who would be king. No wonder these three boys and their two parents have a fifth season on order from Fox. Twenty for 20, this family franchise knows how to make up the numbers as 'Empire' goes extreme. They know how to move units too, from their gold records to their platinum chains. And we aren't just talking about the stellar soundtracks that underscore every series. We are talking about real life beyond this fantasy too. We all know Bryshere Y. Gray A.K.A. Yazz the Greatest has flow for days. Just like Terrence Howard released one of the most unsung, actor come singer jazz albums with the signature 'Shine Through It' back in 2008. But how about Jussie? Smollett who has been making the rounds (last year he starred in sci-fi's 'Alien: Covenant' sequel and this year he's even directing some episodes of 'Empire'), has just recently released his own, outstanding album 'Sum Of My Music' that has equalled to significant streaming success. Featuring the formidable, take the lead, first hit single 'Hurt People' with it's iconic video set in Johannesburg, South Africa and inspired by the long walk to freedom of Nelson Mandela. The video literally starts in the cramped cell Madiba was imprisoned in for 27 years and ends with Jussie just running to a group of beautiful children and falling down as they play with him in pure happiness. But check out the moment when an all red suited and booted Smollett approaches a nightclub with a "Whites Only" sign above the door. He hammers it down, destroying it all before two-stepping into the spot in the name of love with a cane. It's not just a statement against hate but a show of solidarity for co-star Taraji P. Henson. Who had Kevin Costner do the same for her in a whites only bathroom in the Oscar nominated film 'Hidden Figures'. Which was about how the moon landing was propelled by the genius minds of until recently unsung African-American women. Smollett showing us here that even beyond the show this family has got each other. All the way to the Marvin and Tammi, 'Aint No Mountain High Enough' finale swan-song.
Vegas would have odds on this family sticking together, no matter what tries to blow them apart. Even if they are Lions fur draped in more sin than this Nevada desert city itself. Every family almost kills each other right? No! This family actually almost kills each other. BOOM! The last season ended explosively in the casino town as a car bomb almost reduced Lucious and Cookie to crumbs. Didn't they learn from Biggie's 'What's Beef'? "Beef is when you make your enemies start your jeep". Now the only thing crazier than seeing Lucious Lyon hobbling around on a peg leg like something out of 'Pirates Of The Carribean' is him finger painting with Bruce Willis' ex-wife. Yep, he sees music in colour now. Time to start calling him Dwight again. But nurse Demi Moore, full disclosure is a standout guest star bringing Lucio...we're sorry Dwight to a cabin in the woods, 'Misery' barnstorm. And her and John McClane's daughter Rumer Willis is back to for even more acting of substance behind her addiction suffering character. Lucious is on lavishing form however. Even if he kind of works out that limp halfway through the season like 'The Simpsons' Krusty the Klown walking out of his wheelchair mid-theatre performance (*rushing back*, "oh that's right. I'm crippled"). Only an Academy actor like Terrence Howard could pull this or Lucious innate, animalistic ability to utterly repel you, only to compellingly draw you back in so convincingly off. His smouldering intensity is laced with brimstone and the bravado of a man who sold his soul to the devil...and then stole it right back. But to Howard's end there's genuine moments too like that single tear drop for a character that even purs and growls like a lion at times. Or like a Lyon. Terrence is just terrific in this New York Empire state of mind mayne. Taken to task only by Taraji as Henson's 'Hustle' to 'Howards' flow is always the hard engineered work behind the polished wax. Especially behind the bars (check the prison break flashbacks). But Cookie refuses to be boxed in. Whether poundcake or locked down. Looking to set her family and her company free. 'Will they or won't they' isn't even the question. It's whether this Lyon will be the man this womans worth has always deserved and needed him to be? A kings empire is nothing without the one who really wears the crown.
And that brings us to the three kings. No not TGT. We aren't talking about Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tank. But this showstoppers big three. Smollett plays a smouldering pot of strength and sensitivity, dealing with his darkest demons yet. Yet pushing the envelope and his energy into some of his most experimental and inspirational music yet. All whilst making fingerless gloves, long winter coats and cardigans over white tees look fresher than the opposite of death himself. Whilst dripping in jewels, Bryshere Y. Grazy drops even more. Showing he truly is the greatest when it comes to young, "can't tell me nothing", cocky Kanye energy. This brother, son and father also comes of age too in what's arguably his and this shows greatest season yet. But yet again it's the tremendous, trailblazing Trai Byers who bypasses all of this with his amazing acting of aggravated anxiety and aggression. The stand and solidarity he shows for those dealing with mental health issues is as strong and sincere as Smollett's support for those coming out. Yet in this season Trai faces even more tragedy as someone is messing with his meds to devastating mid-season, cliffhanger effect. And wait until everyone finds out what he did to end last season...or even this one. He still has time to clink champagne glasses in celebration with co-star and now wife Grace Byers, who plays the outside threat to this families future (and you thought enough was happening from within). Still there's plenty of help from the returning supporting cast. Although it seems like Leslie Uggams is rooming more with 'Deadpool' these days...you can't have that many people around calling Lucious Dwight. 'Precious' Gabourey Sidibe is getting more of the cherished screen time and stories her Oscar worthy legend deserves. Whilst Ta'Rhonda Jones assists even more too with more humour than she has outfits. Also when it comes to 'The Wire' legend Andre Royo you have to love a lawyer called "Thirsty". Now if these Lyons like to get their hands dirty, than just imagine how many times their legal aid has to wash his hands. And then of course there's the real music stars, young and old. From the swift moving Serayah becoming a star of stage and screen in her own right. Not to mention hip-hop legend Xzibit who knows how to step back into the booth and bring back that heat from the streets like he was still braided up with Dre. Don't believe it? Just you wait. And 'Creed's' Phylicia Rashad and 'Best Man' Taye Diggs return for even more formidable family feuds in the money makes the law bend round courtroom. A cast of big names in recurring roles like Vivica A. Fox is one-upped by the addition of Alfre Woodard who appeared to be the real villain in 'Luke Cage' season one. But for all the A-list guest stars this show has had on its guest list over the years. Cuba Gooding Jr., Mariah Carey and Naomi Campbell to name just a mere few. The Empire isn't big enough for much more come season four. Except for one, huge guest star with an even bigger part. The less we say about 'Black Panther' and 'Roots' legend Forest Whitaker the better. Not because of how great this ever underrated acting great and his body of work actually is. But because of what the star of 'The Butler' serves up here as he joins the pride of the Lyon's. And they all come together for a 'Purple Reign' cosplay party and tribute fit for a Prince. Especially after the symbol has just turned sixty. Nothing compares 2 this. Lee Daniels and Danny Strong have done it again. Strong armed steady. This 'Nashville' meets 'Dallas', 'Dynasty' has it all in guilty pleasure, expectation exceeding escapism on your changed channel. All the way to an epic, emotional and entertaining ending, THIS is how you build an 'Empire'. TIM DAVID HARVEY.
Further Filming: 'Nashville', 'Atlanta', 'Dynasty'.
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