It is rare to find a primetime television show with as much social relevance and gripping drama as “Empire.” A show in its own league, its first season has already broken records and is a bonafide hit. “Empire” is the only primetime show to increase in viewers over the first five episodes in over 20 years. Beyond that, every single episode since the pilot has seen an increase in viewership overall. The show has undoubtedly amassed a tremendous following, and with good reason, too.
One of the best attributes of the show is stellar casting. The amount of sheer talent that graces the screen each week is simply amazing. Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson are the show’s stars — there is no surprise that viewers tune in each week to see these Academy Award-nominated actors. Other acting stars, like Courtney Love, Gabourey Sidibe, Naomi Campbell, Tasha Smith and Judd Nelson provide a substance to the show. Beyond the recurring characters, the first season of “Empire” has boasted many cameos. Mary J. Blige, Raven-Symoné, Jennifer Hudson and Cuba Gooding, Jr., just to name a few. However, the star-studded cast of “Empire” would be nothing without newcomers Jussie Smollett, Yazz and Trai Byers. These fresh faces have some of the greatest acting chops in primetime television right now.
If you can get over the insanely incredible casting, the most engaging part of the show is the drama. Step aside, “General Hospital” — “Empire” has enough drama to hold its own even in comparison to some of the greatest soaps. With “Empire” though, none of the drama seems affected. From the politics of the music industry to family quarrels to outright murder, the show holds nothing back. The incredible actors draw the audience into the thick of things starting from the pilot. No punches are held back, and this hard-hitting attitude does not dissolve after the first few episodes, but rather intensifies.
In this first season alone, the story of “Empire” has gone to great lengths to be a sort of social commentary and is one of the few shows on television to depict the life of an African-American homosexual protagonist. Jamal (played by Smollett) has to deal with his father’s disapproval and coming out to the world on a national stage.
Beyond the themes of sexuality that are explored in the show, the eldest son of the Lyon family, Andre (Trai Byers), deals with bipolar disorder. His wife, Rhonda (Kaitlin Doubleday), is the center of much controversy for the Lyon family because she’s white. Hakeem (Bryshere Y. Gray) falls for Camilla (Naomi Campbell), a much older woman, much to the chagrin of his parents. Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) must deal with readjusting to life outside of prison, and find where she fits in with her family, after 17 years. Finally, Lucious (Terrence Howard) fights to maintain the “empire” he has built, while dealing with his changing family dynamic, as well as being diagnosed with ALS.
“Empire” has many storylines that are direct reflections of current social issues — and that is what makes the show so enjoyable. So many people can relate to the drama on screen. This show has found a way to tell a captivating story that all different kinds of people can relate to, not to mention that the show tells its story from a uniquely African-American perspective.
The show has also produced a number of catchy songs. The cast recently released its first album of songs from the show to generally positive reception — this comes as no surprise, with Grammy Award-winning producer/recording artist Timbaland serving as one of the music producers.
All in all, “Empire” is excellent television, and the show’s future is promising.
Read More
Shakespeare on the Lawn brings new energy to an old classic
By Xander Tilock | 9 hours agoThis weekend, Shakespeare on the Lawn will deliver a new rendition of “Much Ado About Nothing,” set in a southern country club — and the production is a surefire hit.
University Department of Drama hypnotizes with theatrical Spring Dance Concert
By Kenneth Do | 3 days agoFrom its compelling choreographic dialogue to the thematic costume selection, each dance in the concert maintained an individual artistic voice.
On Repeat: Motivating songs to help power through the rest of the semester
By Emma Royse | 3 days agoThese songs will give University students the needed push and inspiration to power through to the end of the school year.
