'Empire' recap: Take me to church
The twists and turns weren't quite so convoluted this week, but still, there was plenty of drama between the always-lying Lyon family and their associates. Here's what happened:
Ne-Yo saves the day
Finally, a cameo with a purpose! Unlike Chris Rock's laughable turn as a criminal cannibal and Ludacris' over-the-top angry cop performance, Ne-Yo joining the show to play -- wait for it ... Ne-Yo -- actually made perfect sense. He not only coached Jamal about the ways of the road when it comes to touring and romance, he also helped him reach his maximum singing potential in the studio. P.S.: Jamal, ignore the advice about bringing your boyfriend on tour. He's an insecure cheater, so yeah...
Vernon is dead and gone ... we think
They dug up a body last week and had it cremated this week, which leads us to believe that Lucious' BFF really is dead. However, this is a super soapy soap, so don't be surprised when actor Malik Yoba returns from the "dead" later this season or next. Stranger things have happened. Just ask Chris Rock.
Hello, Adam Rodriguez!
Cookie's new love interest is a sexy concert promoter who stays strapped. When Thirsty's thugs attacked the Lyon Dynasty compound looking for Cookie's masters, she and her new boo both pulled out their guns. Now, that was a Mr. and Mrs. Smith moment for sure! Brad and Angelina who?
These are my confessions
Poor Andre. He seems to be the only Lyon with a conscience and before his much-hyped (and anti-climactic) baptism, he ran all over town confessing his various sins to various family members. It may have made him feel better, but Lucious still managed to disappoint when he dipped out of his son's big moment of getting "dunked in tap water." Quick question though: Where is J.Hud?
Hakeem the Hostage
Thirsty and Lucious are so hellbent on bringing down Lyon Dynasty, they've resorted to violence, but even Lucious won't take credit for his son's shocking kidnapping, which will be explored in the next episode. Snatching Tiana's purse is one thing, but throwing a black hood over Hakeem's head is another. Come on, now!