Review: “Empire” Episode 2 (How Fox Screwed Up What Could Have Been A Great Show…)

Sweethearts, have you been tuned into Fox’s new television drama, Empire? Upon watching the premiere, last week, I had high hopes for the show. I was intrigued with the characters and their dynamic. I especially loved Taraji P Henson‘s character, “Cookie” and Terrence Howard‘s “Luscious.” The fast talking, ready to protect what’s there’s duo and their troubled children captivated my attention. Although at odds, it’s clear there is still some love between the now exes.

Fast forward to episode two. Talk about a big disappointment! Fox should really keep there personal feelings and political agenda from spilling onto a prime time show. The network couldn’t hide their disdain for President Barack Obama, to say the least. The disrespect was blatant. There were many other disturbing messaging and undertones that left me conflicted. Although the show is meant to spark emotions and controversy to keep viewer interests, I was troubled by the continued imaging of the “young black misguided male”, the “angry and bitter black woman left by a man she supported to be with a white woman…” The list goes on and on, believe me.

But don’t take it from me. Here’s another blogger’s perspective on what had some potential.

As per Sandra Rose…

Fox TV’s new musical/drama series ‘Empire’ probably lost half of its viewership last night. Viewers on social media platform Twitter.com bashed the show for promoting negative stereotypes.

‘Empire”s impressive cast includes Taraji P. Henson (Cookie), Terrence Howard (Lucious), Gabourey Sidibe (Becky), and Malik Yoba, but Gabourey and Malik’s talents are wasted in this bloated series that lacks a cohesive script and any semblance of a plot.

There are so many things wrong with ‘Empire’, it’s hard to know where to begin.

Executive producer Lee Daniels‘s male characters are likewise stereotypical and one-dimensional.

Lucious, the terminally ill Berry Gordy of his generation, carries the burden of deciding who among his 3 sons will run his record label when he’s gone.

His sons include the sensitive homosexual Jamal (Jussie Smollet) who’s in a relationship with an effeminate white male. Then there’s the Chris Brown character Hakeem (Bryshere Gray) who disrespects women and can’t seem to keep his anger in check. And finally, there’s the straight-laced, well mannered heterosexual son Andre (Trai Byers) who’s Caucasian wife dominates him in and out of the bedroom. Oh, and Jamal just happens to be on bipolar medications.

‘Empire’ is such a huge fail that Terrence Howard already has an out; his character’s terminal illness.

Catch the tragedy of what had the potential to be a great show and share your thoughts below.