The premiere of "Empire" season 2 drew in a lot of viewers as there were reports that episode one of the second season of Fox's top-rated series had 16.1 million viewers. In the first episode, Cookie may have awakened Jamal's inner Lucious.
According to Billboard, the one-hour episode for season 2 outperformed other shows when it premiered last Wednesday. This does not come as a surprise as season 1 of the hit series grew its audience week after week and also broke existing records. From a 3.8 starting rating and 9.9 million viewers, the first season ended with a 6.9 rating and 17.6 million viewers during the finale.
"Empire" season 2 opened up with a #FreeLucious concert where Cookie was seen wearing a gorilla suit and people chanting while holding signs bearing Lucious' face. She gave a speech about how the prison system keeps on destroying the lives of black men although it is known for a fact that Lucious did kill Bunky.
According to Vanity Fair, there were a lot of cameos in the first episode, among them Andre Leon Talley, Al Sharpton, and Don Lemon. Talley shaded Cookie for the Gucci performance last season while Sharpton made it to the concert but did not help Lucious and his case because of rumors that Lucious is really guilty.
Another cameo according to Tampa Bay Times is Chris Rock stepping off the prison bus as Frank Gathers, the drug dealer who killed an undercover agent and scared Cookie last season. Frank has sent Cookie her cousin Jemel's head which she realized he is coming for her next. Cookie ratted out Frank last season in order to save herself from being jailed. Cookie then lets Lucious know about Frank and now Lucious is ready to do what it takes to protect his family.
As for Jamal, he is desperate to get a validation from his father which could be why Cookie might have triggered his inner Lucious. He turned his back on Cookie and it was heartbreaking for the viewers as she was the only one who encouraged him to be himself in season one. Jamal had declared his allegiances but he is will surely regret it later in the season.
"Empire" season 2 kicked off with an explosive premiere as Cookie held a #FreeLucious concert wearing a gorilla suit. Also, Cookie could have triggered Jamal's inner Lucious. The first episode had a staggering 16.1 million viewers and featured cameos from different stars.
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