Following months of speculation and anticipation, Fox recently dropped the trailer for season two of its ratings juggernaut Empire. A lot has changed since viewers were first introduced to the Lyon family in early January. Head patriarch Lucious discovered his diagnosis of ALS was something a lot less life threatening yet, was charged with the killing his former friend Bunky and finds himself currently incarcerated. This a 180 from the series beginning with his ex-wife Cookie being released from prison. Getting over the closeted homosexual hump, middle son Jamal takes over Empire Enterprises and even manages to get a little Suge Knight-ish during a few episodes. Meanwhile, oldest son Andre is still coming to terms with his bipolar disorder. Empire Enterprises’ greatest threat comes when Hakeem forms an alliance with Lucious’ ex-fiance Annika who is possibly helping a rival record label. Wrapping everything together is Cookie’s power struggle to get the piece of the company that is deserved.
The trailer offered various insights into next season’s possible outcomes. Most importantly, some much-needed answers to serious questions are clearly the number one priority as Empire’s second season premieres in mid-September. Until then, allow DX to present five key points to the next chapter of this Hip Hop inspired family drama.
#FreeLucious Campaign
#FreePimpC, #FreeBoosie, #FreeWeezy have all led to one campaign to rule them all. That’s right, #FreeLucious. Why not? Like the movements inspiring the new narrative arch, there are already Free Lucious t-shirts available for purchase at the moment. Most importantly, it displays the type of support artists get when incarcerated. In the season two teaser, Jamal and Cookie are performing in some fashion at a tribute concert for the Empire Enterprise head. One of the best features of Empire involved how well the writing integrated Hip Hop lore and current events. Looks like that same idea will be enhanced significantly.
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Ne-Yo & Timbaland’s Co-Production
Part of the series’ appeal revolves around its soundtrack. Timbaland handled the music supervision during Empire’s first season which essentially became a character within itself. Tracks including “Drip Drop” and “You’re So Beautiful” became popular enough hits that charted well enough. Adding Ne-Yo to the pot means that the songwriting and lyrical expression should explode even further. The teaser already features a new track featuring the lyrics “It’s not about the money, it’s about the power,” which could also be a central theme of the second season.
The Tables Have Turned Between Cookie and Lucious
Though Luscious is in jail and Jamal controls Empire Enterprise, the real one in charge is obviously Cookie. Hell, she was responsible for swaying investors via keynote address when the head Lyon was incapacitated. Ironically, Cookie technically has no real legal power within the corporation as Luscious discovered her plot to kill him via pillow. In the trailer, she’s the one visiting him. Surprising considering that courtesy wasn’t extended to her as the series begins.
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The Lyon Brothers Are Fragmented
The once strong bond between brothers were essentially fractured after Jamal was made the head of Empire Enterprise. Youngest brother Hakeem ended up in a sexual relationship with Luscious’ ex-fiance; even getting knocked-out by his father. Oldest son Andre is still battling his bipolar disorder and the fact that him and his wife murdered Vernon. Then there’s Jamal who ended the season on top of it all. Will there be a closer bond this season? Guess the world will have to wait until September.
