Ep 3. The Devil Quotes Scripture

Lucious Lyon, the head of Empire Entertainment, is facing a tough time trying to maintain control over his music label, after being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. He's also struggling with making succession plans for his company after he's gone. Meanwhile, his three sons, Andre, Jamal, and Hakeem, are vying for their father's love and approval.

This episode opens with Lucious in a therapist's office, struggling to come to terms with his impending death. His therapist suggests that he write a legacy letter, which would be a letter that he could leave for his loved ones to read after he's gone. Lucious is hesitant to write such a letter, stating that he's never been good with words.

Meanwhile, Cookie is working her magic at the office, trying to get Hakeem's album released as soon as possible. However, Lucious is not pleased with her constant interference and tells her to back off. This only makes Cookie more determined to succeed, and she decides to take matters into her own hands by recruiting Hakeem's new girlfriend, Tiana, to help her get the album released.

As Lucious struggles to come up with a hit song for his new artist, Veronica, he turns to Jamal for inspiration. Jamal, who is openly gay, has always felt ignored and rejected by his father. However, he sees an opportunity to prove himself when Lucious asks him to write a song for Veronica.

As the relationship between Cookie and Lucious becomes more strained, it's revealed that Cookie is keeping a secret from her ex-husband. She's been seeing Malcolm, a security guard at Empire Entertainment, and the two of them share a steamy moment in the elevator.

As Lucious prepares for a charity event, he's approached by the Reverend who tells him that he should use the event as an opportunity to give back to the community. Lucious agrees, and decides to use the event to raise money for a new music program in the local schools. However, things take a turn for the worse when someone steals the money that is meant for the program.

Overall, this episode is filled with drama and tension as the characters struggle to navigate their complex relationships with one another. Lucious is facing his mortality, Cookie is determined to prove herself, and the Lyon brothers are battling it out for their father's attention. With unexpected twists and turns at every corner, Empire keeps fans on the edge of their seats.