Ep 2. Making Ourselves at Home

As the second episode of Empire's first season, "Making Ourselves at Home" delves deeper into the characters and their complex relationships, while also introducing new plotlines to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

At the center of the episode is the continued power struggle between Lucious and Cookie Lyon, the former couple now competing for control over the Empire music label. Lucious is determined to keep the label in his hands and thwart Cookie's attempts to take over, while Cookie is equally determined to prove herself as a capable businesswoman and bring her own vision to the company.

The episode opens on an awkward family dinner, as Lucious's three sons - Andre, Jamal, and Hakeem - reunite with their mother Cookie for the first time in years. Tensions are high as they navigate the complicated dynamic of their fractured family, made all the more complicated by their conflicting loyalties to Lucious and Cookie.

Meanwhile, Lucious is dealing with his own challenges as he prepares for the launch of his latest album. He's also grappling with a health crisis that could threaten his career and legacy, as well as a visit from Vernon, a music industry insider who raises concerns about the label's financial future.

As the plot begins to thicken, we see Cookie making moves to build her own power base within the company. She meets with a rival producer and convinces him to work with her on a new project, while also forging connections with Lucious's estranged father and other key members of the Empire team who may be willing to help her gain leverage.

Throughout the episode, we see glimpses of the characters' backstories and motivations, as each one wrestles with their own demons. Jamal, the middle son, struggles with coming out as gay and reconciling his sexuality with his father's homophobic views. Hakeem, the youngest son, is still reeling from the traumatic events of the pilot episode, which left him shaken and struggling to find his place in the world.

As the episode builds towards its climax, tensions between Lucious and Cookie reach a boiling point. It's the final showdown between the two former partners, as they each make their case for why they should be the one in charge of Empire. The stakes are high, and the result is a thrilling conclusion that leaves viewers wondering what's next for this dysfunctional, compelling cast of characters.

Overall, "Making Ourselves at Home" is a strong follow-up to Empire's premiere episode, solidifying the show's reputation as a must-watch drama with complex characters and high-stakes plotlines. With each new twist and turn, the show leaves viewers eager to see what happens next - and anxious for the next episode to arrive.