Listen Live
Fantastic Voyage Generic Graphics Updated Nov 2023
Black America Web Featured Video
CLOSE

So the Empire finale is March 18… have you caught up yet? If not, we have the ultimate Empire season one binge-watching guide for you. Catch up on the madness that’s gone down between Cookie, Lucious, Jamal, Boo Boo Kitty, and company. We’re breaking down everything you need to know in five minutes. No, really, we timed it.

Episode 1: “Pilot”

Summary: This is the intro to it all. Lucious Lyon is the face of Empire Records, and he’s just been diagnosed with the debilitating disease, ALS. His next quest is to find the successor to his business. On the flip side, his ex-wife, Cookie, was just released from prison, and she is coming to reclaim the throne she left.

Cookie’s quote of the night: “You’re messin’ with the wrong b-tch.”

Best song: “Good Enough” – Jamal Lyons

Craziest moment: Lucious put his son, Jamal, in the trash can for walking around in heels.

Ratings: 9.9 million

 

Episode 2: “The Outspoken King”

 

Summary: We meet Tianna Brown, Empire Records’ new songstress, and Hakeem is feeling her. The family is trying to find out who killed Lucious’ best friend Bunkie, and Cookie meets with the FBI. Also, one of Empire’s artists was involved in a shooting, and Lucious has to come to his defense.

Cookie’s quote of the night: “You gonna Ray Rice me? I’ve faced bigger in prison – with more talent, b-tch!”

Best song: “No Apologies” – Jamal Lyons

Craziest moment: Things get heated in the elevator when Cookie tried to clock Boo Boo Kitty.

Ratings: 11.07 million

 

Episode 3: “The Devil Quotes Scripture”

 

Summary: It’s time for Bunkie’s funeral. (Gladys Knight sings!) Hakeem and Tianna go forward with their relationship, but Hakeem is also checking someone else out. Jamal records another song that could be a hit, but Lucious has other plans for his son.

Cookie’s quote of the night: “And God, please do not withhold your blessings… even from hoes who hire skanks to spy on me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen, hallelujah!”

Best song: “Bad Girl” – Jamal Lyons

Craziest moment: Anika hires a private investigator to follow Cookie because she thinks she is trying to take Empire down.

Ratings: 11.36 million

Episode 4: “False Imposition”

Summary: Lucious wants to steal an artist from a rival label. Cookie starts to manage Tianna, and Jamal is trying to find his songwriting sweet spot. Cookie tries to start a relationship with Hakeem, but he’s not willing.

Cookie’s quote of the night: [To Hakeem] “You need to stop rappin’ like you’re from the streets.”

Best song: “Keep It Movin’ – Hakeem Lyons and Tianna

Craziest moment: Tianna catches Hakeem in a bathtub with another woman.

Ratings: 11.47 million

Episode 5: “Dangerous Bonds”

Summary: Cookie testifies in court and then gets a rose that makes her think it’s a death wish. Hakeem shoots his first video, and Tianna is caught cheating on him. Jamal does things his own way.

Cookie’s quote of the night: [To cab driver] “What you mean, ‘you people’? You black like me!”

Best song: “Drip Drop” – Hakeem Lyons

Craziest moment: Andre sends the goons to go rough up Jamal at the studio, and it doesn’t go as planned.

Ratings: 11.47 million

 

Episode 6: “Out, Damned Spot”

 

Summary: Cookie has to manage Empire’s first platinum artist, Elle Dallas (played by Courtney Love), who also happens to be a drug addict. Jamal gets a surprise visitor.

Cookie’s quote of the night: “Anika, now this is an ass!”

Best song: “I Wanna Love You” – Jamal Lyons

Craziest moment: Cookie breaks down Elle Dallas to break through and gets her to remove all of the physical things that are holding her back.

Ratings: 11.96 million

 

Episode 7: “Our Dancing Days”

 

Summary: Lucious is really trying to get this IPO poppin’ and he wants to prove that Empire is a family business to investors.

Cookie’s quote of the night: [To Lucious] “I make you better. Don’t you forget it.”

Best song: “Money for Nothing” – Jamal and Hakeem Lyons

Craziest moment: Anika slips drugs into Elle Dallas’ drink to sabotage Cookie at the investor’s party.

Ratings: 12.02 million

 

Episode 8: “The Lyon’s Roar”

 

Summary: Anika confronts Lucious about sleeping with Cookie. Andre is getting blocked by Lucious, so he won’t be able to run the company. Andre is deeply hurt. Also, Cookie is planning a major project for the family, but all of that gets sidetracked at the white party.

Cookie’s quote of the night: [To Lucious] “Nothing good can from loving you.”

Best song: “You’re So Beautiful” – Jamal Lyons

Craziest moment: Andre isn’t feeling the love from the rest of his family, and he confronts his demons head on.

Ratings: 13.9 million

 

Episode 9: “Unto the Breach”

 

Fox

Summary: Cookie catches Anika in a lie, and Empire is under attack. Dre’s bipolar disorder begins to impact the rest of his family in a way that it hasn’t before.

Cookie’s quote of the night: “Take these cookies!”

Best song: “Conqueror” – Delphine (Estelle)

Craziest moment: Andre’s bipolar disorder is out of control and he is taken away in an ambulance.

Ratings: 14.33 million

Episode 10: “Sins of the Father”

 

Summary: Lucious proves that he just might be the worst father, ever. Olivia comes back with an extra guest. Andre tries music therapy with Jennifer Hudson.

Cookie’s quote of the night: [To Camilla, Hakeem’s cougar girlfriend] “Oh, so Yoko [Ono] you got the tambourine under that fur?”

Best song: “Nothing But a Number” – Hakeem Lyons

Craziest moment: A gunman is in the Lyon household and the gun is pointed at Jamal.

Ratings: 14.9 million

Happy binging!

 

 

The Best Way To Binge The Entire ‘Empire’ Season In 5 Minutes  was originally published on theurbandaily.com