SEASON 1: General Discussion

Pilot - Lucious Lyon, head of Empire Entertainment, is about to take his company public when he is diagnosed with ALS and is given only three years to live. While keeping his condition secret, he announces to appoint one of his three sons as his successor. Meanwhile, Lucious' ex-wife Cookie is released from prison after 17 years and demands half of Empire, which Lucious refuses. Hakeem, their youngest son, is talented but spoiled. He barely remembers Cookie and resents her. Cookie favors Jamal, their talented middle son, as future boss of Empire, but Lucious has always despised him for his homosexuality and considers it detrimental for his career. Andre, their eldest son, is the Empire CFO. However, he has no musical talent, which Lucious considers a prerequisite to the CEO position. He and his wife Rhonda are both ambitious and plan to turn the rest of the family against each other in order to gain control. Cookie threatens to tell the SEC that her initial investment was drug money and eventually signs a nondisclosure agreement, in exchange for a position as manager for Jamal's career. Bunkie tries to blackmail Lucious, threatening to report murders committed by Lucious previously.

1.02 The Outspoken King - Lucious must defend Empire's IPO launch after controversies arise around one of his artists being involved in a shooting, and Cookie proves to be invaluable by helping Lucious turn a crisis into a triumph. Competition between Lucious and Cookie heats up when Cookie hears of Lucious's plan to stage a huge performance for Hakeem - but not Jamal. Meanwhile, the police begin to investigate Bunkie's murder.

1.03 The Devil Quotes Scripture - The Lyons head to Philadelphia and get a taste of what their life could have been if Lucious hadn't made it big. Lucious promotes Hakeem's new relationship with hip-hop star Tiana, but tensions rise when another woman tries to catch Hakeem's eye.

1.04 False Imposition - Lucious attempts to steal a super-hot, chart-topping artist from his rival at Safe House Records. Meanwhile, Jamal struggles to compose original music and Cookie tries to forge a relationship with her estranged son, Hakeem.

1.05 Dangerous Bonds - Cookie receives an anonymous gift from an admirer that she believes might be a veiled threat from a person from her prison past. Meanwhile, Lucious takes charge of Hakeem's first video shoot.

1.06 Out, Damned Spot - Vernon is caught in the middle of a very sticky situation. Meanwhile,Jamal is rising to stardom, but his newfound drive and ambition might stir up trouble in his relationships. To make matters worse, a mystery woman from the family's past shows up with a huge surprise.

1.07 Our Dancing Days - Tension mounts between Hakeem and Jamal. Meanwhile, Cookie and Anika don't hold anything back when it comes to taking over the company. Anika is sent to Chicago to handle one of the label's star. Lucious attempts to brand Empire Entertainment as a tight-knit, "family-run" company. Jamal warms up to his daughter.

1.08 The Lyon's Roar - Cookie and Camilla face off over Hakeem; Jamal reveals news that surprises everyone.

1.09 Unto the Breach - Cookie uncovers Anika's secret; Lucious must face his rival; the Lyon sons take drastic measures.

1.10 Sins of the Father - Andre starts a musical relationship with Michelle; a woman from Lucious' past comes back into the picture; Hakeem wants to show his father he's an artist and a businessman; Cookie gets ready to state her own agenda.

1.11 Die But Once - Andre's bond with Michelle becomes stronger. Jamal and Lucious form a stronger relationship centered on their music. Hakeem decides to get revenge on Lucious, while trying to figure out what the best move is for his career.

1.12 Who I Am - Lucious reveals good news that surprises his family; Everybody is working together to stop Lucious once and for all.