Do not even think of calling or texting me on Wednesday nights at 9 p.m. That is my standing date night with my main girl Cookie, the urban diva and queen of the new series Empire.
Fox’s TV drama rekindles the on-screen chemistry between Terrence Howard and Tariji P. Henson from Hustle and Flow. It may have been hard out here for a pimp, but Howard now ditches his doo rag for expensive suits, mansions, money and fame to embody Lucious Lyon, an artist who evolved from rapper to CEO of his own company, Empire Entertainment.
And like many successful men, he did not get there alone. Enter Henson’s character Cookie Lyon, Lucious’ ex-wife, who served time in jail to keep her family together. Incidentally, she also provided the “dirty” money that helped Lucious start the company. The drama ensues when Cookie is released from jail and rejoins the business. A dueling thread is the power struggle between their three sons over who will become the next urban king.
The series boasts a talented cast and is directed by Academy Award-winning director Lee Daniels, best known for films like Precious and The Butler. So with such talent backing this endeavor on and off the screen, why is Empire getting flack — especially from some folks within the black community?
The show’s overwhelmingly popular. According to Variety.com, Empire “became the first program in the history of Nielsen’s People Meters (going back to 1991) to grow in total viewers with each of its four episodes following its premiere.” Feb. 18’s episode hit 12.9 million viewers.
A hard-core fan, I wanted to query someone who did not share my opinion. I reached out to Charlotte filmmaker Narcel Reedus to get his opinion. The chief creativist at digital storytelling agency Story Street Studio admits he’s not into the show. “I’m sure it’s an entertaining, well-written and acted drama,” he said. “But I take exception to the notion that the only way for black folks to be the main characters of a dramatic TV series is inside of a hip-hop box. It’s reality TV with production value.”
Yes, the premise is indeed built around hip-hop. But if you look beyond that, the series actually challenges some very interesting and provocative concepts.
Becky (Gabourey Sidibe) and another statuesque figure, Porsha (played by Ta’Rhonda Jones) are assistants to Lucious and Cookie. Both women are not typical characters in a mainstream corporate environment, one being a large dark woman (Sidibe) and the other (Jones) decidedly “hood.” These women are more than capable in their positions, but the fact they do not fit a traditional corporate image means they would normally not have access to such opportunities.
Of course, race and media are prevalent themes throughout. For example, the show addresses co-option of culture when Lucious and Cookie both acknowledge the mainstream appeal of their non-black artists — Courtney Love plays rocker Elle Dallas — as well as the majority of hip-hop consumers being non-black.
In another scene, the youngest son Hakeem pulls a stunt at an upscale establishment, and the authorities are contacted. Both Lucious and Cookie remind Hakeem that as a young black man, his status and wealth do not make him immune to the same threats facing other young black men, due to a prevalent image in the media that, ironically, artists like himself perpetuate.
But the most compelling storyline for me is the one involving the middle son Jamal, who is unapologetically gay. Jamal not only challenges the ideals of masculinity for his family but also addresses issues of homophobia within the misogynistic world of hip-hop. If you haven’t watched the show, spoiler alert ahead. In one compelling flashback, a young Jamal teeters into the living room during a house party, dressed in his mother’s heels. It’s a sight that enrages Lucious so much that he picks up the toddler, takes him outside and puts him into a trash can. This act of treating a gay youth as literal trash speaks volumes about the attitudes of many within the black community.
While some black viewers remain resistant to Empire‘s stereotypical “urban” themes and its gay content, let me say this: It is not the responsibility of one show to represent a culture. The real challenge is to have other voices present in the media to explore the rich and diverse experiences within that culture. Empire is doing its part in creating an alternative narrative, and as someone who is “Team Cookie” all the way, I feel encouraged.
This article appears in Feb 25 – Mar 3, 2015.
I just will never understand why people are saying bad things about the show. I finally like a show and most people in the black community saying that it’s “coonery”. It’s a good drama show that I hope wins Emmys and academy awards in the future. I loved hustle and Flow, and love the chemistry between Terrance and Taraji.
I have not yet seen the show, but everyone I know has had positive things to say about it. I’m definitely going to tune in now after reading this article. THANKS
I’m enjoying the show but hope it goes deeper into character development and storylines. I’m all about a well-written drama and I think it will get that critical acclaim if it drills deep (as with any and all well-done stories).
That is the catch-22 “It is not the responsibility of one show to represent a culture.” But it does. Black folks don’t have the luxury of “other voices present in the media”. You will not see a drama like “The Good Wife” with Black characters but we apparently can’t get enough of Black “Divas” juking it up for the camera on Reality TV shows. And when independent filmmakers and storytellers try to raise their voice to have “other” stories told, they hear crickets. Little to no support from the Black community.
I’m absolutely positive Empire is a good show but I’ve never watched an episode and never will. I’m on a diet and Empire has way too much salt for my high blood pressure.
I really loved this and didn’t see the show this way. I do agree that the show challenges many social issues within in the black community. But the problem I have with the show is why does black people in shows always have to be rich? Why couldn’t they live in the suburbs and have normal people jobs? Not everyone wants to be in the entertainment industry. But as I digress this is a well written and directed show but their status is what bothers me. Very well written Mr. Easley.
I was prepared to hate this show and approached it sleepy eyed and with much apprehension. However, much to my surprise I can’t stop watching! The show is well cast with good performances but it is the one liners from Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) that keep me coming back! Pure entertainment!
Well written as usual Charles. You capture so many aspects of the show’s relevance and even included the voice of a non supporter. It’s so important to have shows like this dissected because there is usually more to it than what’s on the surface as is usually true of the Black/Urban experience.
Ass I read the feedback, I couldn’t agree anymore with those who said something already. Empire is a TV show filled with drama and common issues dealing within the black community. Why are people so shocked?.
I think that the popularity of this show will bring film and tv into its next age. An age where black television is not only entertaining to the masses, outside of comedy, but also competitive with the recurring titles everyone loves so much. I understand what Narcel Reedus meant by it being a reality show with production value, but I also think that it challenges the stereotype that the some have accepted as the “Black American Dream”. The same has also happened with reality tv. I was surprised at how many Housewives of Alanta fans didnt look like me. I dont think that this show has any elements that any other drama doesn’t, except that it gives a facet of the black experience. I dont believe that it is meant to account for the whole black experience and to be very clear there are black families that live like this in the Music Industry. Let’s be honest, Hip Hop has greatly effected popular culture world-wide. I am excited to see more of this show, and I have no doubts that the character development will get deeper than now, since the creator also made the striking dramas Precious and 12 Years a Slave…to rename and name a few. This was a good read.
@Mike Mitch I think many people are just going by the initial premise of the show and not really giving it an honest viewing to see that it is much more than surface. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
@heath I am glad you will give the show a look and see for yourself.
@Marty I agree with you but I also know that many freshman shows need a season or two to get their story legs developed. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
@nreedus I definitely feel your pain as someone who has tried to put out quality alternative narratives that challenge and inspire but it seems the masses have been conditioned for a more ratchet palette although I still maintain Empire delivers something fresh in its own way. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
” The real challenge is to have other voices present in the media to explore the rich and diverse experiences within that culture.”
This stood out to me the most. We cannot bash this show because it displays some of the negative stereotypes of the Black community. Those are the realities of a lot of people, and the relatability allows the show to provide introspect to our views on these subjects. I don’t see this as only a negative representation of a people (like most reality tv shows). I hope that we do get to see more popular series that represent the diverse experiences of Black people. I hope that we can continue to have more Black actors present on television.
I myself am “Team Lucious”, being an introvert with my emotions explains why. Empire represents what we young black african americans desire in life, the fortune and fame(recognition) from the hardwork put in on a daily, well for myself at least. I view the show as inspirational. It gives hope tbh. It gives us truth behind what’s going on. What we don’t see but what we know.
Wow, I’ve watched the show and a behind the scenes and there is no way I’ll watch another anything Empire. I guess because I am sooo ancient and have watched sooo many tv & movies, I just have no tolerance for Black people continuing to coonin’ and shinein’ in the media. Just plain tired of it!! While having a talk with some other Empire fans I posed a few simple questions. Why couldn’t this be a story about an airline empire, shipping empire or manufacturing empire??? “crickets”…. then someone said “cause black folks don’t have any of those…..”!!! After I controlled my urge to slap da “heck” outta them, I said. “They do in Africa”. I then posed the question, before some backward thinking person said “we ain’t in Africa”, since this is all made up stuff anyway, why couldn’t they be one of those empires? “crickets”… The problem is most and far too many Black folks are straight up conditioned to “see us” in about the same size box as a music speaker.(pun intended) And we’z sooo glad to see us on da magical flat screen thingy in our livin’ ruum an’ dat dar’ big white screen over at tat dar’ movin’ picture place” that we will accept any story line. Why the “heck” would I continue to watch the same ol’ crap year after year, after year??? I am thrilled that black folks got some jobs and I’d be interested to see what the complexion of the production crew is, but you can bet this show makes sure it feeds you the same steady diet of darkies makin’ music, gettin dat paper, doin’ drugs and flingin’ hoes. Cause they know most viewers have never considered Black folks doin’ anything else and that’s the way they want to keep it. God forbid a Black American family start an airline empire cause then other Black folks might even start thinking it could be done!!! “Richard, you mean in real life?? Yes Virginia, in real life”!!! Shows like these keep black folks in their lane fighting among themselves acting like buffoons! As long as YOU Do Not question, why a high budget show like Empire is being produced for consumption, then you will always settle for (Dare I say it) media approved, controlled and sanctioned from a white perspective. Don’t be fooled cause there is a Black name attached to it as producer/director/writer!! He knows what side his bread gets buttered. When this show starts doing episode about how White record companies conspired together (like in the real world) and started manipulating this powerful medium of Rap wit mo’ money, drugs, hoes, cars, and cribs to get away from delivering positive messages with the new “Idiot Rap” about all of the aforementioned crap, then someone call me… no wait…. they started their company “wit DRUG MONEY”! Sorry never mind, it would be too much like the Kennedy’s or Rockerfella’s. Not impressed with them either.
@Daisean Mills It is interesting that you have that viewpoint. I remember folks having similar reservations when the Cosby show came out. People could not get with such an affluent family although we do have such wealthy people in the community. And historically we have had more shows that deal with Blacks who are middle class and struggling. Good Times, Roc, and most other black comedies. Thank you for your well made points and for reading…1
@TMarshall I agree it is very entertaining but at the core Cookie is a mother who sacrificed everything for her family. It will be interesting to see how she evolves. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
@Isis It is true that the Black/Urban experience is one that is very complicated and what is on the surface does not always reveal the layers of struggle underneath. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
@Bryon I think again folks are getting caught up in the surface value, Hip Hop etc..and not seeing it really comes down to a family trying to work things out among themselves. Thank you for reading.
@Cole Butler you are right that Hip Hop has cultivated a culture and personalities very much like what we see in the show but again it is good to see how the show challenges some of those traditional narratives. I too am eager to see how the show and its characters evolve.
@Irese That is my point exactly. The show Empire due to its success can be a doorway for other shows to enter and start other narratives that explore the unique Black experience. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
@ERnest J. Smith You are right that it does play into the notion of riches and fame, which could be misleading given the statistics of how many artist will be successful at that level. I hope it speaks to a more basic aspiration of doing something you love. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
@Richard I totally get your point as someone who has grown up with the same canned images. My hope is that with Black narratives becoming for popular then with that power the storytellers can be more empowered to challenge the traditional images and narratives they have historically been restricted to using. Thank you for your sage insight and sharing your thoughts!
Interview with the creator of Empire, Danny Strong:
http://thegrio.com/2015/03/02/empire-creat…
As usual you give us a cultural and technical guide through mainstream storytelling. I do feel guilty for watching but I am drawn to it every week. The conversation Lucious had with his two sons prior to the last episode was so complex and deals with an issue we have talked about; the issue of leaving behind a legacy for the future generations is epic.
@Shannise Jackson-NDiaye Your make a very valid point about the issue of historical wealth as it relates to the black community. It is part of the mainstream culture for children to inherit their families wealth in property, investments etc… Just think how differently our situation would be if that was part of our cultural process. Thank you for reading and sharing your very insightful views!
I love the show, I like seeing a beautiful wealthy black family make it big with their own creative talent. While I disagree with the misogyny and dysfunction that has become a mainstay of hip hop and rap, I love that these music forms WERE self determined and creative. White fear has put it’s influence on this urban originated art form. The people that do not like this show (and I am not referring to people who are indifferent to it, those not interested in it) have political agendas or are filled with self hate.
@cheryl Theirot I agree that the underlying theme is about a family who has built something with their very unique talents. Thank you for sharing your views on the series!
@RichardR.BraunskillSr.
“After I controlled my urge to slap da heck outta them”…
These are your words, do you see any connection to yourself and the people that we see on the news every night and day. People living in glass houses cannot throw stones.