Empire (2015) s06e03 Episode Script
You Broke Love
1 LUCIOUS: Previously, on "Empire" Teri's lost a lot of blood, but she's stabilized.
ANDRE: What about the baby? TERI: He's breathing on his own.
- I answered your prayers.
- No.
I saved your little family, and I'm just looking for a little gratitude.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC) (SHUTTER SNAPS) We have been trying to get Laura to sing all day.
Your internet phenom is not phenomenal.
Damon's laptop is what you need to clear your name.
Great.
Damn it! - Damon.
- You owe me, bitch.
LUCIOUS: When you've lived a life like mine, everyone wants a shot at you.
(GUNSHOTS) (TENSE MUSIC) But the truth is only one will count.
The million dollar question is which one? And when a fan becomes a hater, look out.
FREDA: There ain't a bitch out in Brooklyn That could see me with this rap, though I just play the block I'm trying to let the money stack, though It ain't no cap here, only facts here The people want me bring it back like this last year I'm like crack and they fiending for the real-real And this little pistol on my side Gonna make them chill-chill Big money, big plays, need a big deal Because that's the only way I'm trying to eat a big meal - Yeah! - Hey! Ay, yo, what's up? I got that 2 for 15.
Come get some of that get-right.
And we rhyme well And it really ain't hard to tell Let me get that.
Gonna probably send me to jail, I don't care, though - Yeah, yes, sir.
- Damn, girl.
Freda Gatz? What's good with that new mixtape? Look, man, I left all that recording mess alone, all right? Keeping my spit in the wind, you heard? Shouldn't have been trying to shoot that Lucious Lyon.
Listen, don't bring that man name up to me again, all right? When I see that fool the next time, I ain't gonna miss.
So what? You got balls now? (DRAMATIC MUSIC) Ow, Damon, you're cutting off my circulation Shut up! Why are you doing this? Please.
Why am I doing it? Why am I doing it? Are you serious? Oh, you playing dumb on me.
Look.
You! Right there, you see you? You playing dumb.
You like to play dumb.
You need to know.
You need to know why I'm doing it.
You got my information in your phone, right? (GRUNTS) And I'm stupid enough to want to give your ass the world.
Hell, no, I'm I'm (TENSE MUSIC) I swear to God, I'm gonna blow your damn brains out.
- So beautiful.
- Oh.
Oh.
Our angel.
We're so, so happy to have you.
Yes, we are.
Mwah.
(LAUGHTER) (TENSE MUSIC) I'll be right back.
I'll be short, Teri.
Oh, Andre, Andre, no Empire today, remember? I'm just going to the bathroom.
Babe, there's a bathroom right there.
Teri, I'll be right back.
(TENSE MUSIC) KINGSLEY: Congratulations, little bro.
A new lion cub in the den.
I am so proud.
What, no hug? I missed you, man.
No, this isn't him.
This is my anti-rejection meds causing hallucinations.
Don't do that, Andre.
We're brothers, and we've got a lot to do.
You're gonna need me if we're gonna keep Empire.
- "Keep"? - We both know the old man's coming back.
He killed me when I took the throne.
You want that to happen to you? You shot yourself, Kingsley.
He drove me to that.
You with your mental health challenges.
You're vulnerable to his attacks.
(SOFT MUSIC) We have to secure the legacy for our little prince in there.
Let's talk.
(TENSE MUSIC) (FUNKY MUSIC) (EXHALES) What's up, sis? You seem a little off today.
I'm just not having a good morning.
Oh.
So what's his name? Trust, if it was a dude, I don't kiss and tell.
P.
A.
: Treasure, you're needed on set.
(EXHALES) - Hey, cutie.
- Hey, Tia.
Tiana, girl, uGH.
You are in danger but I think I can save you.
Your IG story from last night, the one where you mention Andre's baby, it might be going viral, but not in a good way.
Some of your fans were taking your "all life is precious" comment as you being pro-life.
TIANA: To my followers watching this right now, please send them and their baby in your prayers, because all life is precious.
- Okay, and? - I think Andre would want us to get ahead of the story, you know? Just release a statement before the problem gets too big.
I didn't say anything I didn't mean.
I do think all life is precious.
Oh, so you weren't taken out of context.
Maya, listen, I know that you're Andre's new assistant and everything, but I'm going to need you to stay in your lane.
Pardon me? My own lane? Yeah, I mean, aren't you auditioning to play me in the new Empire movie? Well it's Dani, you started off as dancer and I'm a dancer.
Yeah, good luck with that.
it's (HIP-HOP MUSIC) (SCOFFS) (SHAKILY) Yeah, I know that my body Is something I own But I like feeling good, so I share if I want And they say I'm naughty, but I say I'm grown If you have an opinion, no, please just don't Are we wrong for trying to settle the score? Using our bodies like that Boy, is my body a threat? Um, all right, Lala, thank you.
I think now's a great time for a break.
Okay, was that better? Oh, my God.
You are so incredible.
That was so much better.
I'm really proud of the work we're doing.
- Okay.
- It's better.
Okay.
(EXHALES) - Why is she not better? - Oh, my God! - There's a voice there.
- Well, then, Melody, I would love to hear it.
(CLEARS THROAT) You're not the problem.
You're not the problem.
(EXHALES) Look, I thank you so much for coming on a Sunday, but I after you've tried and failed to hear her voice, now you know why I need your help so bad.
Becky, I've worked as a producer before, but I'm not a miracle worker.
- Are you giving up then? - Hardly.
Look, Lala has actually improved, but I need reinforcement to take things up a notch.
Now, I know a holistic vocal coach who works with artists to help them improve on their confidence.
Cool, cool, cool, cool, cool.
Can you get him here now? - Can you - Oh, whoa, slow down.
- He's a bit pricey.
- Okay, well, what do you mean by pricy? - Like, 250, or - Mm, ten grand a month.
Ten grand a month? (GROANS) MAN: I'm sure this is my own fault, darling (BLUES MUSIC) It's good to have you back.
A lot of people has been asking about you.
- It's good to be back.
- Andre's baby came last night.
- Congratulations, boss.
- Yeah, I heard.
I hate not being there for one of my lion cubs to be born, but I'll see them as soon as I get the feds off my back.
- So what's on the laptop? - Everything.
I mean, we knew Damon was greasy, but I mean, this cat's been running money for drug lords and arm dealers, crooked politicians, athletes.
(PHONE RINGS) It's Damon Cross.
Mm.
(PHONE RINGS) Let me talk to him.
Mr.
Cross, how you doing? Or should I call you snitch? Oh, I got your snitch, and I got your bitch sitting right here next to me.
LUCIOUS: I bet she is.
How y'all doing, anyway? I forgot to tell you, after her brand new wears off, she's a bit of a handful.
So you you might want to be careful of that.
Have you reached that point that? DAMON: Listen, you got two hours to bring me my damn laptop or I promise you, I'm blowing her brains out.
Out! Oh, I see you reached that point.
Well, she's your problem now.
You do what you got to do.
DAMON: Oh, you must think I'm playing.
I'm not.
You hear me, Lucious? I'm not.
Two hours.
Oh, well she ain't my problem no more.
(LAUGHS) I told you that.
Now, I'm trying to decide whether to give your laptop to the Feds or to one of your clients or a reporter.
Whatever one is gonna get your ass shanked as quick as possible, bitch.
Proceed.
(TENSE MUSIC) (SCREAMING) Damn, damn! No, no! Well, I give Damon his laptop, the feds stay on my ass the rest of my damn life and him and Cookie take off to Turks and Caicos to celebrate.
No, that don't work for me, man.
- She's your boy's mom.
- And garlic make my feet stink.
How do I know she ain't trying to set me up? With all due respect, sir, what if you're wrong? (MOTOWN MUSIC) Wanna know what was wrong? When I needed her the most, she left me standing in the middle of an airport hangar.
That was wrong.
So I don't give a damn what happens to Cookie.
In fact, I'm done talking about her.
I got a contact in the press.
Once Damon's money laundering goes public, I'll be able to reach out to the DOJ, get my charges dropped.
Cookie She can take care of her damn self.
The way she always does.
This is all yours.
All right.
Have a good day.
Have a good day.
WOMAN: Oh, yeah That's your man? That's who you chose over me? Me! Let me think.
All my clients are compromised.
If they find out the truth, I'm dead.
- Everything is gone! - Damon, please.
DAMON: Shut up! Lucious don't give a damn about you.
You're right.
You're right, Damon.
Lucious treats me like crap.
That's why I left his ass six months ago.
You got to believe me.
Look, this beef, this is between you and Lucious What? No, this is all about you! You left him, then you came to me, spying on me for him.
- What's that? - I didn't give him anything, Damon.
You think I'm stupid! Do you think I'm stupid, huh? Uh, Damon, you know we had something.
I felt it, and you know you did, too.
Hey, hey, hey, don't.
Don't you dare do that.
That's beneath you.
Okay, look, you said that last night, you snitched to Conway to free me from Lucious.
No man, not even my daddy, has ever stepped out on a limb like that for me.
I swear to you, I didn't give Lucious anything.
Bitch, I got you on videotape I know, and then I thought about it! I thought about it! I didn't snitch to Lucious.
I promise.
Really, why not? Because you care so much about me? - Yes, yes.
- Really? So I'm supposed to believe, suddenly, you care about me? Yes, come on, Damon.
You felt it.
We had something.
I suggest you start telling the truth, you understand? Yes.
I know it was frightening, but it's not unusual to hallucinate given the host of medications you're on and your recent stressors.
How do we make it stop? I'll have your primary physician recalibrate your medications.
But it may take a few days to work.
In the meantime, since you already know what you're seeing isn't real - Ignore it.
- Exactly.
Why Kingsley? Why would my hallucinations manifest in that way? Based on your file, there's a myriad of reasons.
Survivor's guilt, your brother's death.
Half-brother.
It seems to me his death literally saved your life.
Or perhaps he represents something your subconscious believes you're suppressing.
Something your conscious mind won't let you admit.
What did he say? (TENSE MUSIC) Nothing.
So what does that mean to you? It means I can control it.
("THREAT" PLAYS) Yeah, I know that my body is something I own, but I like feeling good (KNOCKING) I'm busy.
Très busy.
(KNOCKING) It's Donna.
Hey, sis.
Good to see you.
Cute dress.
- Thank you - What up, cuz? Yo, nice studio.
What are you doing here, and why did you bring him? Well, you invited us to tour your new digs any time.
.
We wanted to see what all the hype was about.
Okay, that was months ago, though.
Now is not a good time.
Oh, yo, point a brother to the dope swag.
Hey, y'all got them new Kanye joints? - I wear a 12.
- No, we are not Kanye West swag level just yet.
And again, this is a really bad day for me.
I have a lot of fires to put out, so.
Don't be ashamed of the hustle, Becky.
Most new businesses fail.
I am not a failure, and you you will not do this to me today.
Not today.
So glad you came, sister.
Love you.
Love having you.
I'm really glad to have you, too.
Why don't I give the two of you a tour of my offices? - Yeah? - Yeah.
Okay, have you ever seen a studio before? (TENSE MUSIC) DAMON: Dimitri, find Lucious and get me my damn laptop or that's your ass.
Hey, you not getting out of that, so you might as well give up.
And you know what? You are useless to me unless you start telling me the truth.
The truth! Damon, look - Okay, okay, I love Lucious.
- Despite everything.
That was yesterday, before he left me here to die.
So you were spying for him? No, see I didn't know if I wanted him back.
So that's why I didn't give him what was in your phone.
I didn't know if I wanted him I promise.
So it wasn't about you having feelings for me? (TENSE MUSIC) (CHUCKLES) Check that out.
(FORCED LAUGH) That's a good one right there.
Yeah, congratulations, Cookie Lyon.
That's the first honest thing you've said all day.
- Oh, God.
- Now, I want you to tell me why aren't you sure you want him back? Because look at where I am! Where is he, huh? He said forget about me! All he cares about is himself.
And yet, you still love him.
What is that all about? - Self-esteem issues? - I know.
- What? - Look.
Lucious I've known him since I was 16, see? And we practically raised each other.
Look, look, look, look, my own father, my own father put me out because because of Lucious.
You know, he was all I had.
I had no choice.
I had no choice! Daddy issues.
Huh.
Damon, please let me go.
Don't put me in the middle of you and Lucious.
No, you made this about you.
You put yourself in the middle.
- No.
- Why was you even with me? Why? I'm sorry.
I made a mistake.
What you mean, made a mistake? Hold on, what? Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, what? - Mistake, bitch? - No, no, no! - I'll crack you in your face! - No, no, please! (YELLING) Damon, please.
I didn't mean it - Yeah! - I If Lucious Lyon don't care about you, then I'ma find somebody that he does care about, okay? Okay.
(SOBS) (HEAVY BREATHING) Yo, Dimitri.
Okay, listen.
There's a new assignment.
I need a 20 on Lucious Lyon's grandchildren now.
- What, no! - I need a 20 on them.
- Damon, Damon, Damon.
- And call me when you get them.
- No, no.
- There's three of them.
Yeah, Bella, Prince, and then, they got, like, a newborn or something.
No, Damon, Damon, Damon, Damon! Come on, Damon.
Please, please, please.
Please, please, please.
Leave my grandbabies out of this, okay? (HEAVY BREATHING) Uh I'm hungry.
You hungry? What? - I'm hungry.
- Man, I know this old cat, John Frenchy down in Louisiana.
He used to make the he used to make the best crawfish étouffée.
(TENSE MUSIC) Damon, you ain't gonna touch my babies.
I'll kill your ass first.
Oh, you ain't got no damn crawfish.
Don't nobody have crawfish.
Ah, but you got shrimp.
That'll work.
And you ain't know, you ain't know.
But you gonna find out.
DIRECTOR: Technique New York promo shoot, take three.
TIANA: I'm feeling good.
Whoo, yeah.
(UPBEAT MUSIC) Yeah, 45 minutes and I'm still not ready Take a long time when you look this pretty 100 bad girls with me, clique roll heavy Just walked in, the necks breaking already Oh, no, no, no Just caught a glimpse of me and I look like bae Oh, no, no, no I'm feeling sexy, take my own breath away You wish you could be this bad Feel this good, oh, baby I saw myself and I said, hello, hello, hello Ooh, I wanna kiss myself I wanna kiss myself, don't make me DIRECTOR: Cut.
Great, ladies.
Great, that was perfect.
You did that.
We're turning around.
Let's set up for the next shot, guys.
Thank you.
We gotta go over that one step, because I'm not gonna keep bumping into you.
I can barely move in this dress.
- Mm-hmm.
- Ridiculous.
My feet are killing me.
- This is ridiculous.
- What's up? Fans are blowing up my mentions after some blogger got them heated about me being pro-life without even knowing the full story.
Okay, so, what exactly is the full story? If you don't mind me asking.
I got pregnant when Eddie Barker was running the label, and he said a baby would ruin my career.
- What? - Yeah.
He tried to force me to have an abortion.
Oh, hell, no.
I would have sued his ass.
That's what you should have did.
He made it seem like he could make or break my career.
- No.
- I mean, I didn't plan on getting pregnant.
Me and Hakeem weren't in a good place.
So I set the appointment and got in my car.
And I just remember crying so much.
At first, I didn't know why.
And then, it became so clear to me that there was a real life growing inside of me.
And I just couldn't do it.
And now, I have Prince.
That's my man.
He's so cute.
I swear, he looks just like you.
You know that's your twin.
(STAMMERS) I was pregnant with twins and my daughter didn't make it.
(SOFT MUSIC) I'm so sorry.
I'm I had no idea, T.
I'm sorry.
I really am.
Every day, I look at my son and I am so grateful for him.
I don't know what I would do without this little boy.
Look, I'm sure your fans will understand, because they have to.
Well, I hope so, because I'm not apologizing or taking it back.
(HIP-HOP MUSIC) (EXHALES) (PHONE RINGS) - Pop.
LUCIOUS: Hey, son.
I hear congratulations are in order.
- LUCIOUS: How's my grandson? - He's amazing.
What kind of handle did you give him? Uh, we are still debating.
LUCIOUS: Still? I thought maybe Lucious Lyon II.
I can call him Baby Boy Deuce.
Yeah, I'll add that to the list, Pop.
Did you get what you needed on Damon? You're damn right, I did.
I'll be home soon to meet my grandson.
Um, give Teri my love, will you? - And remember, I love you, son.
- I love you, too, Pop.
(SOFT DRAMATIC MUSIC) (DISTORTED CLATTERING) I'm so sorry, Cookie.
I'm so sorry I missed it.
Where were you? I was paging you.
Baby, you know I was hustling.
For you and Andre.
(BABY FUSSES) (CHUCKLES) He's so tiny.
(BABY COOS) He looks just like his daddy.
- His name is Jamal.
- Baby, I thought we decided Uh-uh, your ass wasn't here.
My baby's name is Jamal.
(EXHALES) It means "beauty.
" - I like it.
- (LAUGHS) (VERDI'S "LA TRAVIATA" PLAYING) (SINGING ALONG IN ITALIAN) (PHONE RINGS AND MUSIC STOPS) Oh, cool.
What's up? What you got for me? All right.
Well, get everybody in position.
A hospital? (SKILLET SIZZLES) Um, so go quiet.
And then when you get what I need, you call me.
I gotta go to the bathroom.
Then go.
(CHUCKLES) Look, I'm not about to pee on my own damn furniture.
You want me to go for you? Come on, man, I gotta come on.
Relax 'cause I'm going with you.
So don't try nothing stupid.
Okay, look, look.
Damon, I know you're pissed.
Look, I know Lucious did something that's messed up, but I can't let you hurt my grandbabies, okay? Damon, Damon.
Look, look.
Please, look at me, Damon.
You got a daughter.
Daughter you almost lost, so come on, you must know how I feel.
I'm sorry, Cookie.
It's what the game is.
See, I thought you was better than this.
Look, I'm just gonna go, okay? And get my grandkids.
What? No, no, no, no, no, no.
I can't let you hurt my grandkids, okay? Look, I'm done with this, all right? I'm done with you and I'm done with Lucious.
Okay.
(PISTOL SLIDE CLICKS) You better get your ass back in that seat, woman.
(TENSE MUSIC) What you gonna do, huh? You gonna shoot me in the back like a punk? This ain't no joke, Cookie.
Shoot then, bitch.
(GUNSHOT) (GROANS) Ow, ah, ah! (VERDI'S "LA TRAVIATA" PLAYING) Don't make me shoot you again like that, baby.
What? Why'd you get mad at me? Don't be mad at me.
How the hell did I let this happen? (BREATHES HEAVILY) How did I let men like you and Lucious play me for a fool? - I'm nothing like Lucious.
- Oh, you're just like him.
Making all these promises but all you do is offer up pain and torture! This ain't my fault.
Oh, just like it was never Lucious's fault.
Shut up! You know what? If you was mine, I would've treated you like a queen.
But that's the difference between me and Lucious, but you ain't wanna be treated like a queen.
You don't want me.
(LAUGHS) I'm not even real to you.
(GASPS) I'm just an idea.
Something you made up in your sick mind! If you cared about me the way you say, you you wouldn't have never shot me.
And you damn sure would've never threatened my grandchildren.
Well, we just gonna have to agree to disagree there, sweetheart.
But don't it smell good in here? It's ready.
(GROANS) Are you ready for some food? It tastes good.
You gotta try it.
I'm not hungry.
Have a taste.
Baby, have a taste! One taste.
I took my time to make it.
You can't try it? (MUSIC PLAYS QUIETLY) See? See? Yeah.
You definitely gonna make me shoot you again.
It's good! Mmm! But you know what it's missing? Some Tabasco sauce.
Yeah, it's just really, really exciting.
We've got some dope artists coming out pretty soon.
Like? Well, one artist in particular that we're excited about is Lala.
(UPBEAT POP MUSIC) Yo, that's the girl from YouTube! Exactly, and she's amazing.
We've got great producers working with her right now.
I've hired Akira Akers to style her.
And it can take a lot of time and money, but it's gonna be worth it.
Is that why you haven't sent Mom or Dad money for the past three months? They depend on it.
Okay, this is over.
I know that, Donna.
And I spoke to Mom and Dad and told them that when I get the money that I will be giving it to them, okay? Well, I've been picking up your slack.
You're welcome.
Mmm, I guess I should've married rich too, huh? Or you could just sell some of this furniture if you need money.
Okay, Donna.
Look, I'm sure you know what you're doing, but if you don't have income and cash flow, should you really be paying rent for this space in this neighborhood? That's Business 101.
Oh, I didn't realize they had Business 101 down at that modeling school you dropped out of.
Wow.
Why are you so hostile? I'm just trying to help.
I didn't ask for your help.
I didn't ask for your opinion either.
Thank you.
Okay, look, I'm gonna go before this gets uglier.
I understand you're under a great deal of pressure, Becky, but that doesn't give you an excuse to be a bitch.
I just came here to show my support.
I wish you the best.
(EXHALES) You on the come up, cuz! Why are you still here? Go.
(CHUCKLES) I know what it costs to get your business off the ground.
(SIGHS) And I notice you've got some empty offices.
I'm thinking I could set up shop here.
(SCOFFS) You think I'ma let you sell your fake-ass Fucci bags in my office? Girl, I'm thinking bigger.
We use your LLC for our purchases, we pay Bossy a fee.
Under the table, for your troubles.
You want me to launder your money.
(CHUCKLES) Well, if you want to get technical yes.
So what do you say? (SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC) We can help each other.
I'll think about it.
- Hey! - Hi.
- So I checked out your IG.
- (CHUCKLES) And you are right, your fans are tripping.
I told you.
They just don't they don't get it.
Well, maybe you just don't understand them.
What? I mean, have you stopped to consider that maybe they want the same rights that you had? Their body, their choice? Yeah, but we're talking about ending a life.
(EXHALES) What I'm trying to say is that when you were pregnant, you were a grown woman with a lot of money who could take care of your baby with or without Hakeem Lyon.
What about the 13-year-old little girl who's raped by her uncle? You gonna take away her choice and make her have her baby? I've seen that happen, T.
It's real life.
Damn, I mean, I nobody wants that.
Yeah, but anti-choice people don't think about that little girl.
At all.
They're not pro-life.
They're more like pro-birth.
(TAKES DEEP BREATH) I feel you.
(SOLEMN MUSIC) Okay.
Hey, Thea.
So sorry I dragged you all the way down here.
This is a front-page story if you really got the goods to nail Damon Cross's slippery ass.
Where is it? Where is this laptop? (DISTORTED CLATTERING) (BABY FUSSES) Lucious, I can't raise two boys on my own.
I got you.
I'm gonna always have you, Cook.
You, me, and the boys? You don't ever have to worry about me not being there for you or for them.
I need you to mean it.
I do, Cook.
I'm gonna always put you and our family first.
Mm.
(SLOW DRAMATIC MUSIC) Always.
(CHUCKLES) Daddy's here.
Yeah.
(CHUCKLES) I got you.
- COOKIE: Jamal - (CHUCKLES) (CHUCKLES) (DISTORTED CLATTERING) Look, I'm sorry I dragged you all the way down here, but I can't do this.
I'm sorry, what? Look, I'll have to make it up to you some other way.
I gotta be somewhere.
But (ENGINE STARTS) (VERDI'S "LA TRAVIATA" PLAYS) (PHONE RINGS) Hmm.
Yo.
Both of them? You can get to them there? Cool, I'ma call you.
I'ma call you when I get to the car.
All right.
Damon.
Damon, look, I (LAUGHS) I know I said some things, but you know, I'm I'm I'm angry.
I'm angry at Lucious.
I'm angry at myself.
Don't don't kill my grandchildren, okay? Kill me.
Please.
Please, kill me.
They didn't have anything to do with this.
(TAKES DEEP BREATH) You're a good woman, Cookie Lyon.
(PISTOL SLIDE CLICKS) (DAMON EXHALES) You know, in another lifetime, man we would've been fabulous together.
(OMINOUS MUSIC) (BREATHES RAGGEDLY) (PHONE RINGS) Yeah.
Yeah.
Lord Lord, you and I both know I don't ask for much.
Please, don't let this man kill my grandchildren.
(SNIFFLES) If someone has to pay for all the wrong me and Lucious did, Lord God, let it be me.
(SOBS) Lord, please let it be me, please let it be me.
Lord God, let it be me.
(MOUTHS WORDS) It look like God listening to you today, too.
That was Lucious on the phone.
What'd he say? He said he's ready to make a deal.
(GASPS) (WHISPERING) Thank you, thank you, God.
(SNIFFLES) (SOFT DRAMATIC MUSIC) Are you ready? Lord, we are only here because of Your grace.
Let me.
Thank you for this miracle, God.
(CHUCKLES) Please give us the strength to provide for and protect our child.
Give us the guidance, oh Lord, to KINGSLEY: To run Empire from now into eternity, hallelujah.
To teach our son to walk in Your light.
And to learn the intricacies of running a multi-million dollar company built on talent, wisdom, and courage.
We rebuke any evil, any enemy that surrounds him, oh Lord.
Yes, Lord.
Cover our son in all Your goodness, Father God.
Speaking of fathers, I meant what I said earlier, Andre.
I can help you to lock down Empire for our little prince here.
Come on, Andre.
We could have it all.
The whole thing.
We trust our child in Your capable and holy hands, oh Lord.
BOTH: In Jesus' name we pray.
- Amen.
- Amen.
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC) Amen.
(CHUCKLES) (PHONES RINGING) (DOOR CLOSES) I need to talk to you.
Becky, you're the worst.
Donna, I'm really not in the mood for whatever this is about to be.
- Too bad.
- Okay.
I can't believe you'd consider taking Roland's dirty money instead of just asking me for a loan.
Roland's money doesn't come with attitude and judgment.
That's all you, Becky.
My entire life, all you've done is judge me.
My intelligence, my choices, my friends, my husband.
No, you owe me a damn apology.
I'm supposed to apologize because you partied more than you studied? Because you were friends with a bunch of slutty alcoholics? Apologize because Leonard all right, well, maybe I shouldn't have told you to not marry him.
As I was walking down the aisle.
Yeah, it was messed up, but he's boring and I knew that you could do better.
You don't think I know my husband is boring? But unlike you, he actually likes me.
You think it was so easy for me, but you had the good grades.
You had the cool friends.
You had Mom and Dad's attention.
All I ever wanted was for you to like me and instead you rejected me.
I just couldn't ever live up to you.
(SCOFFS) And it was okay, because I admired you so much.
You admire me? Look around.
You are doing exactly what you want.
This is all yours, and even if it comes crashing and burning tomorrow, at least you can say you followed your dreams.
You're a boss bitch, Becky.
Thank you.
(LIGHT DRAMATIC MUSIC) Donna, I swear I'm gonna be a much better big sister.
I know.
I'm not really giving you much choice.
(PEN SCRATCHES) We now have a standing Wednesday dinner reservation at The Fulton.
Fulton? I don't really like seafood like that.
Oh, I think you're going to learn to love it.
(CHUCKLES) - So bossy.
- (LAUGHS) Just like you.
- I'm sorry.
- Me, too.
(POP MUSIC) I wanna kiss myself I wanna kiss myself, don't make me Damn, I look good I look bomb, I look ooh I'm like, ooh I wanna kiss myself Yes! The drip is too strong! Thanks, ladies! That's a wrap.
(EXHALES) Finally.
Treasure, what the hell is this? What? (ON PHONE) Hey, Trinkets! It's Treasure.
I just wanted to say that I am pro-women and pro-choice and with our right to choose under fire, I'm down for the fight.
Love you guys! (SMOOCHES) So what, she's the only one that can share her truth? Here you go.
Anything to sell some records, right? No, sweetie, I'm pro-choice.
I say My biological mother was raped by a prison guard.
I'm the product of that rape.
BOTH: Oh my God.
Despite that I'm also pro-choice, because she didn't have an option and I think that's wrong.
And that's exactly what I've been trying to tell you.
Hold up, Treasure, because I'm also not checking for you, 'cause what you did was foul.
Unlike the two of you, I recognize that abortion isn't some black and white issue that can be resolved on Instagram.
So why don't you both do the label a favor and stay in your lane? Stick to singing.
My phone.
Oh! (MUTED TRUMPET PLAYING) You know, you need to cut it out.
He's fronting.
Stop.
(TRUMPET PLAYING) Ain't for the grace Come on.
(BREATHES RAPIDLY) He'll show up.
You better hope so.
Come on, Lucious.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC) There he is.
Hey, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.
(MUSIC BUILDS) (SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC) Oh, now you don't wanna come? Come on.
- Did you hurt her? - What it look like? No, I'll be all right.
Ain't no guarantees unless I get what's mine.
This is what you want, right? That's my laptop.
Fetch! Hey, hey! Hey! (HORN HONKS) (LAPTOP CRUNCHES) (SCREAMS) What you doing? Hey! Oh, oh! (BELLOWS) Come on, we gotta go! Stop, stop, stop! Get in.
LUCIOUS: Crazy guy in the middle of the street got a gun.
Okay, we need to get her to a hospital.
No, I'll be fine.
(EXHALES DEEPLY) So you was just gonna leave me to die? What the hell were you thinking? - I showed up, didn't I? - You took your damn time.
Well, I needed a minute.
But at the end of the day we family.
And I owed you.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC) Now that debt's been paid.
Sir, we gotta drop her off at the next corner up there.
- Wait, without you? - Okay, look.
Everything I needed to clear my damn name was in that computer.
That's gone.
I, um removed the SIM card from my phone, so it looks like you owe me again.
CONWAY: I'm not accustomed to being summoned.
Oh.
(CHUCKLES) You don't want me in your office with this, Ms.
Conway.
I'm doing you a courtesy.
So what? I received numerous donations for my exploratory committee.
Oh, sweetie, well, then let's talk about Damon Cross's donations from his shell company, shall we? Especially after you showed me all the pictures proving that he was obsessed with me.
So he paid your corrupt, dirty ass to get rid of Lucious.
So we got you, bitch.
LUCIOUS: And I think our friends in the media is gonna love this story.
"Overly ambitious federal prosecutor with political aspirations crosses every line.
" Those girls are gonna love you in prison.
Oh, are they? (CHUCKLES) What do you want? Oh, that's simple.
Just drop all charges and investigations against Lucious.
Fine.
You win.
(UPBEAT HIP HOP MUSIC) Lyons always do.
LUCIOUS: And remember, from here on out, we now own your ass.
So if you will kindly get the hell out of our house.
(SIGHS DEEPLY) Wasn't nobody gonna vote for that bitch, anyway.
(SENTIMENTAL GUITAR MUSIC) WOMAN: You're not alone anymore (CHUCKLES) Yeah, he does.
- Ooh! - (CHUCKLES) Hi! Meet your grandson, Walker Lyon.
"Walker"? Wait, wait, wait, wait.
You gave him my old last name? We all start somewhere, Pop.
How precious! Healthy, perfect little boy.
Walker will be everything we aspire to be, but better.
COOKIE: Oh, my goodness, he's so handsome! Yes, you a little Lyon, baby.
Yes! You a superstar, baby! Yes, you are! Yes, you are.
WOMAN: This is love He's so precious! Yes, look at him.
Ahh, here's your grandparents.
ANDRE: What about the baby? TERI: He's breathing on his own.
- I answered your prayers.
- No.
I saved your little family, and I'm just looking for a little gratitude.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC) (SHUTTER SNAPS) We have been trying to get Laura to sing all day.
Your internet phenom is not phenomenal.
Damon's laptop is what you need to clear your name.
Great.
Damn it! - Damon.
- You owe me, bitch.
LUCIOUS: When you've lived a life like mine, everyone wants a shot at you.
(GUNSHOTS) (TENSE MUSIC) But the truth is only one will count.
The million dollar question is which one? And when a fan becomes a hater, look out.
FREDA: There ain't a bitch out in Brooklyn That could see me with this rap, though I just play the block I'm trying to let the money stack, though It ain't no cap here, only facts here The people want me bring it back like this last year I'm like crack and they fiending for the real-real And this little pistol on my side Gonna make them chill-chill Big money, big plays, need a big deal Because that's the only way I'm trying to eat a big meal - Yeah! - Hey! Ay, yo, what's up? I got that 2 for 15.
Come get some of that get-right.
And we rhyme well And it really ain't hard to tell Let me get that.
Gonna probably send me to jail, I don't care, though - Yeah, yes, sir.
- Damn, girl.
Freda Gatz? What's good with that new mixtape? Look, man, I left all that recording mess alone, all right? Keeping my spit in the wind, you heard? Shouldn't have been trying to shoot that Lucious Lyon.
Listen, don't bring that man name up to me again, all right? When I see that fool the next time, I ain't gonna miss.
So what? You got balls now? (DRAMATIC MUSIC) Ow, Damon, you're cutting off my circulation Shut up! Why are you doing this? Please.
Why am I doing it? Why am I doing it? Are you serious? Oh, you playing dumb on me.
Look.
You! Right there, you see you? You playing dumb.
You like to play dumb.
You need to know.
You need to know why I'm doing it.
You got my information in your phone, right? (GRUNTS) And I'm stupid enough to want to give your ass the world.
Hell, no, I'm I'm (TENSE MUSIC) I swear to God, I'm gonna blow your damn brains out.
- So beautiful.
- Oh.
Oh.
Our angel.
We're so, so happy to have you.
Yes, we are.
Mwah.
(LAUGHTER) (TENSE MUSIC) I'll be right back.
I'll be short, Teri.
Oh, Andre, Andre, no Empire today, remember? I'm just going to the bathroom.
Babe, there's a bathroom right there.
Teri, I'll be right back.
(TENSE MUSIC) KINGSLEY: Congratulations, little bro.
A new lion cub in the den.
I am so proud.
What, no hug? I missed you, man.
No, this isn't him.
This is my anti-rejection meds causing hallucinations.
Don't do that, Andre.
We're brothers, and we've got a lot to do.
You're gonna need me if we're gonna keep Empire.
- "Keep"? - We both know the old man's coming back.
He killed me when I took the throne.
You want that to happen to you? You shot yourself, Kingsley.
He drove me to that.
You with your mental health challenges.
You're vulnerable to his attacks.
(SOFT MUSIC) We have to secure the legacy for our little prince in there.
Let's talk.
(TENSE MUSIC) (FUNKY MUSIC) (EXHALES) What's up, sis? You seem a little off today.
I'm just not having a good morning.
Oh.
So what's his name? Trust, if it was a dude, I don't kiss and tell.
P.
A.
: Treasure, you're needed on set.
(EXHALES) - Hey, cutie.
- Hey, Tia.
Tiana, girl, uGH.
You are in danger but I think I can save you.
Your IG story from last night, the one where you mention Andre's baby, it might be going viral, but not in a good way.
Some of your fans were taking your "all life is precious" comment as you being pro-life.
TIANA: To my followers watching this right now, please send them and their baby in your prayers, because all life is precious.
- Okay, and? - I think Andre would want us to get ahead of the story, you know? Just release a statement before the problem gets too big.
I didn't say anything I didn't mean.
I do think all life is precious.
Oh, so you weren't taken out of context.
Maya, listen, I know that you're Andre's new assistant and everything, but I'm going to need you to stay in your lane.
Pardon me? My own lane? Yeah, I mean, aren't you auditioning to play me in the new Empire movie? Well it's Dani, you started off as dancer and I'm a dancer.
Yeah, good luck with that.
it's (HIP-HOP MUSIC) (SCOFFS) (SHAKILY) Yeah, I know that my body Is something I own But I like feeling good, so I share if I want And they say I'm naughty, but I say I'm grown If you have an opinion, no, please just don't Are we wrong for trying to settle the score? Using our bodies like that Boy, is my body a threat? Um, all right, Lala, thank you.
I think now's a great time for a break.
Okay, was that better? Oh, my God.
You are so incredible.
That was so much better.
I'm really proud of the work we're doing.
- Okay.
- It's better.
Okay.
(EXHALES) - Why is she not better? - Oh, my God! - There's a voice there.
- Well, then, Melody, I would love to hear it.
(CLEARS THROAT) You're not the problem.
You're not the problem.
(EXHALES) Look, I thank you so much for coming on a Sunday, but I after you've tried and failed to hear her voice, now you know why I need your help so bad.
Becky, I've worked as a producer before, but I'm not a miracle worker.
- Are you giving up then? - Hardly.
Look, Lala has actually improved, but I need reinforcement to take things up a notch.
Now, I know a holistic vocal coach who works with artists to help them improve on their confidence.
Cool, cool, cool, cool, cool.
Can you get him here now? - Can you - Oh, whoa, slow down.
- He's a bit pricey.
- Okay, well, what do you mean by pricy? - Like, 250, or - Mm, ten grand a month.
Ten grand a month? (GROANS) MAN: I'm sure this is my own fault, darling (BLUES MUSIC) It's good to have you back.
A lot of people has been asking about you.
- It's good to be back.
- Andre's baby came last night.
- Congratulations, boss.
- Yeah, I heard.
I hate not being there for one of my lion cubs to be born, but I'll see them as soon as I get the feds off my back.
- So what's on the laptop? - Everything.
I mean, we knew Damon was greasy, but I mean, this cat's been running money for drug lords and arm dealers, crooked politicians, athletes.
(PHONE RINGS) It's Damon Cross.
Mm.
(PHONE RINGS) Let me talk to him.
Mr.
Cross, how you doing? Or should I call you snitch? Oh, I got your snitch, and I got your bitch sitting right here next to me.
LUCIOUS: I bet she is.
How y'all doing, anyway? I forgot to tell you, after her brand new wears off, she's a bit of a handful.
So you you might want to be careful of that.
Have you reached that point that? DAMON: Listen, you got two hours to bring me my damn laptop or I promise you, I'm blowing her brains out.
Out! Oh, I see you reached that point.
Well, she's your problem now.
You do what you got to do.
DAMON: Oh, you must think I'm playing.
I'm not.
You hear me, Lucious? I'm not.
Two hours.
Oh, well she ain't my problem no more.
(LAUGHS) I told you that.
Now, I'm trying to decide whether to give your laptop to the Feds or to one of your clients or a reporter.
Whatever one is gonna get your ass shanked as quick as possible, bitch.
Proceed.
(TENSE MUSIC) (SCREAMING) Damn, damn! No, no! Well, I give Damon his laptop, the feds stay on my ass the rest of my damn life and him and Cookie take off to Turks and Caicos to celebrate.
No, that don't work for me, man.
- She's your boy's mom.
- And garlic make my feet stink.
How do I know she ain't trying to set me up? With all due respect, sir, what if you're wrong? (MOTOWN MUSIC) Wanna know what was wrong? When I needed her the most, she left me standing in the middle of an airport hangar.
That was wrong.
So I don't give a damn what happens to Cookie.
In fact, I'm done talking about her.
I got a contact in the press.
Once Damon's money laundering goes public, I'll be able to reach out to the DOJ, get my charges dropped.
Cookie She can take care of her damn self.
The way she always does.
This is all yours.
All right.
Have a good day.
Have a good day.
WOMAN: Oh, yeah That's your man? That's who you chose over me? Me! Let me think.
All my clients are compromised.
If they find out the truth, I'm dead.
- Everything is gone! - Damon, please.
DAMON: Shut up! Lucious don't give a damn about you.
You're right.
You're right, Damon.
Lucious treats me like crap.
That's why I left his ass six months ago.
You got to believe me.
Look, this beef, this is between you and Lucious What? No, this is all about you! You left him, then you came to me, spying on me for him.
- What's that? - I didn't give him anything, Damon.
You think I'm stupid! Do you think I'm stupid, huh? Uh, Damon, you know we had something.
I felt it, and you know you did, too.
Hey, hey, hey, don't.
Don't you dare do that.
That's beneath you.
Okay, look, you said that last night, you snitched to Conway to free me from Lucious.
No man, not even my daddy, has ever stepped out on a limb like that for me.
I swear to you, I didn't give Lucious anything.
Bitch, I got you on videotape I know, and then I thought about it! I thought about it! I didn't snitch to Lucious.
I promise.
Really, why not? Because you care so much about me? - Yes, yes.
- Really? So I'm supposed to believe, suddenly, you care about me? Yes, come on, Damon.
You felt it.
We had something.
I suggest you start telling the truth, you understand? Yes.
I know it was frightening, but it's not unusual to hallucinate given the host of medications you're on and your recent stressors.
How do we make it stop? I'll have your primary physician recalibrate your medications.
But it may take a few days to work.
In the meantime, since you already know what you're seeing isn't real - Ignore it.
- Exactly.
Why Kingsley? Why would my hallucinations manifest in that way? Based on your file, there's a myriad of reasons.
Survivor's guilt, your brother's death.
Half-brother.
It seems to me his death literally saved your life.
Or perhaps he represents something your subconscious believes you're suppressing.
Something your conscious mind won't let you admit.
What did he say? (TENSE MUSIC) Nothing.
So what does that mean to you? It means I can control it.
("THREAT" PLAYS) Yeah, I know that my body is something I own, but I like feeling good (KNOCKING) I'm busy.
Très busy.
(KNOCKING) It's Donna.
Hey, sis.
Good to see you.
Cute dress.
- Thank you - What up, cuz? Yo, nice studio.
What are you doing here, and why did you bring him? Well, you invited us to tour your new digs any time.
.
We wanted to see what all the hype was about.
Okay, that was months ago, though.
Now is not a good time.
Oh, yo, point a brother to the dope swag.
Hey, y'all got them new Kanye joints? - I wear a 12.
- No, we are not Kanye West swag level just yet.
And again, this is a really bad day for me.
I have a lot of fires to put out, so.
Don't be ashamed of the hustle, Becky.
Most new businesses fail.
I am not a failure, and you you will not do this to me today.
Not today.
So glad you came, sister.
Love you.
Love having you.
I'm really glad to have you, too.
Why don't I give the two of you a tour of my offices? - Yeah? - Yeah.
Okay, have you ever seen a studio before? (TENSE MUSIC) DAMON: Dimitri, find Lucious and get me my damn laptop or that's your ass.
Hey, you not getting out of that, so you might as well give up.
And you know what? You are useless to me unless you start telling me the truth.
The truth! Damon, look - Okay, okay, I love Lucious.
- Despite everything.
That was yesterday, before he left me here to die.
So you were spying for him? No, see I didn't know if I wanted him back.
So that's why I didn't give him what was in your phone.
I didn't know if I wanted him I promise.
So it wasn't about you having feelings for me? (TENSE MUSIC) (CHUCKLES) Check that out.
(FORCED LAUGH) That's a good one right there.
Yeah, congratulations, Cookie Lyon.
That's the first honest thing you've said all day.
- Oh, God.
- Now, I want you to tell me why aren't you sure you want him back? Because look at where I am! Where is he, huh? He said forget about me! All he cares about is himself.
And yet, you still love him.
What is that all about? - Self-esteem issues? - I know.
- What? - Look.
Lucious I've known him since I was 16, see? And we practically raised each other.
Look, look, look, look, my own father, my own father put me out because because of Lucious.
You know, he was all I had.
I had no choice.
I had no choice! Daddy issues.
Huh.
Damon, please let me go.
Don't put me in the middle of you and Lucious.
No, you made this about you.
You put yourself in the middle.
- No.
- Why was you even with me? Why? I'm sorry.
I made a mistake.
What you mean, made a mistake? Hold on, what? Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, what? - Mistake, bitch? - No, no, no! - I'll crack you in your face! - No, no, please! (YELLING) Damon, please.
I didn't mean it - Yeah! - I If Lucious Lyon don't care about you, then I'ma find somebody that he does care about, okay? Okay.
(SOBS) (HEAVY BREATHING) Yo, Dimitri.
Okay, listen.
There's a new assignment.
I need a 20 on Lucious Lyon's grandchildren now.
- What, no! - I need a 20 on them.
- Damon, Damon, Damon.
- And call me when you get them.
- No, no.
- There's three of them.
Yeah, Bella, Prince, and then, they got, like, a newborn or something.
No, Damon, Damon, Damon, Damon! Come on, Damon.
Please, please, please.
Please, please, please.
Leave my grandbabies out of this, okay? (HEAVY BREATHING) Uh I'm hungry.
You hungry? What? - I'm hungry.
- Man, I know this old cat, John Frenchy down in Louisiana.
He used to make the he used to make the best crawfish étouffée.
(TENSE MUSIC) Damon, you ain't gonna touch my babies.
I'll kill your ass first.
Oh, you ain't got no damn crawfish.
Don't nobody have crawfish.
Ah, but you got shrimp.
That'll work.
And you ain't know, you ain't know.
But you gonna find out.
DIRECTOR: Technique New York promo shoot, take three.
TIANA: I'm feeling good.
Whoo, yeah.
(UPBEAT MUSIC) Yeah, 45 minutes and I'm still not ready Take a long time when you look this pretty 100 bad girls with me, clique roll heavy Just walked in, the necks breaking already Oh, no, no, no Just caught a glimpse of me and I look like bae Oh, no, no, no I'm feeling sexy, take my own breath away You wish you could be this bad Feel this good, oh, baby I saw myself and I said, hello, hello, hello Ooh, I wanna kiss myself I wanna kiss myself, don't make me DIRECTOR: Cut.
Great, ladies.
Great, that was perfect.
You did that.
We're turning around.
Let's set up for the next shot, guys.
Thank you.
We gotta go over that one step, because I'm not gonna keep bumping into you.
I can barely move in this dress.
- Mm-hmm.
- Ridiculous.
My feet are killing me.
- This is ridiculous.
- What's up? Fans are blowing up my mentions after some blogger got them heated about me being pro-life without even knowing the full story.
Okay, so, what exactly is the full story? If you don't mind me asking.
I got pregnant when Eddie Barker was running the label, and he said a baby would ruin my career.
- What? - Yeah.
He tried to force me to have an abortion.
Oh, hell, no.
I would have sued his ass.
That's what you should have did.
He made it seem like he could make or break my career.
- No.
- I mean, I didn't plan on getting pregnant.
Me and Hakeem weren't in a good place.
So I set the appointment and got in my car.
And I just remember crying so much.
At first, I didn't know why.
And then, it became so clear to me that there was a real life growing inside of me.
And I just couldn't do it.
And now, I have Prince.
That's my man.
He's so cute.
I swear, he looks just like you.
You know that's your twin.
(STAMMERS) I was pregnant with twins and my daughter didn't make it.
(SOFT MUSIC) I'm so sorry.
I'm I had no idea, T.
I'm sorry.
I really am.
Every day, I look at my son and I am so grateful for him.
I don't know what I would do without this little boy.
Look, I'm sure your fans will understand, because they have to.
Well, I hope so, because I'm not apologizing or taking it back.
(HIP-HOP MUSIC) (EXHALES) (PHONE RINGS) - Pop.
LUCIOUS: Hey, son.
I hear congratulations are in order.
- LUCIOUS: How's my grandson? - He's amazing.
What kind of handle did you give him? Uh, we are still debating.
LUCIOUS: Still? I thought maybe Lucious Lyon II.
I can call him Baby Boy Deuce.
Yeah, I'll add that to the list, Pop.
Did you get what you needed on Damon? You're damn right, I did.
I'll be home soon to meet my grandson.
Um, give Teri my love, will you? - And remember, I love you, son.
- I love you, too, Pop.
(SOFT DRAMATIC MUSIC) (DISTORTED CLATTERING) I'm so sorry, Cookie.
I'm so sorry I missed it.
Where were you? I was paging you.
Baby, you know I was hustling.
For you and Andre.
(BABY FUSSES) (CHUCKLES) He's so tiny.
(BABY COOS) He looks just like his daddy.
- His name is Jamal.
- Baby, I thought we decided Uh-uh, your ass wasn't here.
My baby's name is Jamal.
(EXHALES) It means "beauty.
" - I like it.
- (LAUGHS) (VERDI'S "LA TRAVIATA" PLAYING) (SINGING ALONG IN ITALIAN) (PHONE RINGS AND MUSIC STOPS) Oh, cool.
What's up? What you got for me? All right.
Well, get everybody in position.
A hospital? (SKILLET SIZZLES) Um, so go quiet.
And then when you get what I need, you call me.
I gotta go to the bathroom.
Then go.
(CHUCKLES) Look, I'm not about to pee on my own damn furniture.
You want me to go for you? Come on, man, I gotta come on.
Relax 'cause I'm going with you.
So don't try nothing stupid.
Okay, look, look.
Damon, I know you're pissed.
Look, I know Lucious did something that's messed up, but I can't let you hurt my grandbabies, okay? Damon, Damon.
Look, look.
Please, look at me, Damon.
You got a daughter.
Daughter you almost lost, so come on, you must know how I feel.
I'm sorry, Cookie.
It's what the game is.
See, I thought you was better than this.
Look, I'm just gonna go, okay? And get my grandkids.
What? No, no, no, no, no, no.
I can't let you hurt my grandkids, okay? Look, I'm done with this, all right? I'm done with you and I'm done with Lucious.
Okay.
(PISTOL SLIDE CLICKS) You better get your ass back in that seat, woman.
(TENSE MUSIC) What you gonna do, huh? You gonna shoot me in the back like a punk? This ain't no joke, Cookie.
Shoot then, bitch.
(GUNSHOT) (GROANS) Ow, ah, ah! (VERDI'S "LA TRAVIATA" PLAYING) Don't make me shoot you again like that, baby.
What? Why'd you get mad at me? Don't be mad at me.
How the hell did I let this happen? (BREATHES HEAVILY) How did I let men like you and Lucious play me for a fool? - I'm nothing like Lucious.
- Oh, you're just like him.
Making all these promises but all you do is offer up pain and torture! This ain't my fault.
Oh, just like it was never Lucious's fault.
Shut up! You know what? If you was mine, I would've treated you like a queen.
But that's the difference between me and Lucious, but you ain't wanna be treated like a queen.
You don't want me.
(LAUGHS) I'm not even real to you.
(GASPS) I'm just an idea.
Something you made up in your sick mind! If you cared about me the way you say, you you wouldn't have never shot me.
And you damn sure would've never threatened my grandchildren.
Well, we just gonna have to agree to disagree there, sweetheart.
But don't it smell good in here? It's ready.
(GROANS) Are you ready for some food? It tastes good.
You gotta try it.
I'm not hungry.
Have a taste.
Baby, have a taste! One taste.
I took my time to make it.
You can't try it? (MUSIC PLAYS QUIETLY) See? See? Yeah.
You definitely gonna make me shoot you again.
It's good! Mmm! But you know what it's missing? Some Tabasco sauce.
Yeah, it's just really, really exciting.
We've got some dope artists coming out pretty soon.
Like? Well, one artist in particular that we're excited about is Lala.
(UPBEAT POP MUSIC) Yo, that's the girl from YouTube! Exactly, and she's amazing.
We've got great producers working with her right now.
I've hired Akira Akers to style her.
And it can take a lot of time and money, but it's gonna be worth it.
Is that why you haven't sent Mom or Dad money for the past three months? They depend on it.
Okay, this is over.
I know that, Donna.
And I spoke to Mom and Dad and told them that when I get the money that I will be giving it to them, okay? Well, I've been picking up your slack.
You're welcome.
Mmm, I guess I should've married rich too, huh? Or you could just sell some of this furniture if you need money.
Okay, Donna.
Look, I'm sure you know what you're doing, but if you don't have income and cash flow, should you really be paying rent for this space in this neighborhood? That's Business 101.
Oh, I didn't realize they had Business 101 down at that modeling school you dropped out of.
Wow.
Why are you so hostile? I'm just trying to help.
I didn't ask for your help.
I didn't ask for your opinion either.
Thank you.
Okay, look, I'm gonna go before this gets uglier.
I understand you're under a great deal of pressure, Becky, but that doesn't give you an excuse to be a bitch.
I just came here to show my support.
I wish you the best.
(EXHALES) You on the come up, cuz! Why are you still here? Go.
(CHUCKLES) I know what it costs to get your business off the ground.
(SIGHS) And I notice you've got some empty offices.
I'm thinking I could set up shop here.
(SCOFFS) You think I'ma let you sell your fake-ass Fucci bags in my office? Girl, I'm thinking bigger.
We use your LLC for our purchases, we pay Bossy a fee.
Under the table, for your troubles.
You want me to launder your money.
(CHUCKLES) Well, if you want to get technical yes.
So what do you say? (SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC) We can help each other.
I'll think about it.
- Hey! - Hi.
- So I checked out your IG.
- (CHUCKLES) And you are right, your fans are tripping.
I told you.
They just don't they don't get it.
Well, maybe you just don't understand them.
What? I mean, have you stopped to consider that maybe they want the same rights that you had? Their body, their choice? Yeah, but we're talking about ending a life.
(EXHALES) What I'm trying to say is that when you were pregnant, you were a grown woman with a lot of money who could take care of your baby with or without Hakeem Lyon.
What about the 13-year-old little girl who's raped by her uncle? You gonna take away her choice and make her have her baby? I've seen that happen, T.
It's real life.
Damn, I mean, I nobody wants that.
Yeah, but anti-choice people don't think about that little girl.
At all.
They're not pro-life.
They're more like pro-birth.
(TAKES DEEP BREATH) I feel you.
(SOLEMN MUSIC) Okay.
Hey, Thea.
So sorry I dragged you all the way down here.
This is a front-page story if you really got the goods to nail Damon Cross's slippery ass.
Where is it? Where is this laptop? (DISTORTED CLATTERING) (BABY FUSSES) Lucious, I can't raise two boys on my own.
I got you.
I'm gonna always have you, Cook.
You, me, and the boys? You don't ever have to worry about me not being there for you or for them.
I need you to mean it.
I do, Cook.
I'm gonna always put you and our family first.
Mm.
(SLOW DRAMATIC MUSIC) Always.
(CHUCKLES) Daddy's here.
Yeah.
(CHUCKLES) I got you.
- COOKIE: Jamal - (CHUCKLES) (CHUCKLES) (DISTORTED CLATTERING) Look, I'm sorry I dragged you all the way down here, but I can't do this.
I'm sorry, what? Look, I'll have to make it up to you some other way.
I gotta be somewhere.
But (ENGINE STARTS) (VERDI'S "LA TRAVIATA" PLAYS) (PHONE RINGS) Hmm.
Yo.
Both of them? You can get to them there? Cool, I'ma call you.
I'ma call you when I get to the car.
All right.
Damon.
Damon, look, I (LAUGHS) I know I said some things, but you know, I'm I'm I'm angry.
I'm angry at Lucious.
I'm angry at myself.
Don't don't kill my grandchildren, okay? Kill me.
Please.
Please, kill me.
They didn't have anything to do with this.
(TAKES DEEP BREATH) You're a good woman, Cookie Lyon.
(PISTOL SLIDE CLICKS) (DAMON EXHALES) You know, in another lifetime, man we would've been fabulous together.
(OMINOUS MUSIC) (BREATHES RAGGEDLY) (PHONE RINGS) Yeah.
Yeah.
Lord Lord, you and I both know I don't ask for much.
Please, don't let this man kill my grandchildren.
(SNIFFLES) If someone has to pay for all the wrong me and Lucious did, Lord God, let it be me.
(SOBS) Lord, please let it be me, please let it be me.
Lord God, let it be me.
(MOUTHS WORDS) It look like God listening to you today, too.
That was Lucious on the phone.
What'd he say? He said he's ready to make a deal.
(GASPS) (WHISPERING) Thank you, thank you, God.
(SNIFFLES) (SOFT DRAMATIC MUSIC) Are you ready? Lord, we are only here because of Your grace.
Let me.
Thank you for this miracle, God.
(CHUCKLES) Please give us the strength to provide for and protect our child.
Give us the guidance, oh Lord, to KINGSLEY: To run Empire from now into eternity, hallelujah.
To teach our son to walk in Your light.
And to learn the intricacies of running a multi-million dollar company built on talent, wisdom, and courage.
We rebuke any evil, any enemy that surrounds him, oh Lord.
Yes, Lord.
Cover our son in all Your goodness, Father God.
Speaking of fathers, I meant what I said earlier, Andre.
I can help you to lock down Empire for our little prince here.
Come on, Andre.
We could have it all.
The whole thing.
We trust our child in Your capable and holy hands, oh Lord.
BOTH: In Jesus' name we pray.
- Amen.
- Amen.
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC) Amen.
(CHUCKLES) (PHONES RINGING) (DOOR CLOSES) I need to talk to you.
Becky, you're the worst.
Donna, I'm really not in the mood for whatever this is about to be.
- Too bad.
- Okay.
I can't believe you'd consider taking Roland's dirty money instead of just asking me for a loan.
Roland's money doesn't come with attitude and judgment.
That's all you, Becky.
My entire life, all you've done is judge me.
My intelligence, my choices, my friends, my husband.
No, you owe me a damn apology.
I'm supposed to apologize because you partied more than you studied? Because you were friends with a bunch of slutty alcoholics? Apologize because Leonard all right, well, maybe I shouldn't have told you to not marry him.
As I was walking down the aisle.
Yeah, it was messed up, but he's boring and I knew that you could do better.
You don't think I know my husband is boring? But unlike you, he actually likes me.
You think it was so easy for me, but you had the good grades.
You had the cool friends.
You had Mom and Dad's attention.
All I ever wanted was for you to like me and instead you rejected me.
I just couldn't ever live up to you.
(SCOFFS) And it was okay, because I admired you so much.
You admire me? Look around.
You are doing exactly what you want.
This is all yours, and even if it comes crashing and burning tomorrow, at least you can say you followed your dreams.
You're a boss bitch, Becky.
Thank you.
(LIGHT DRAMATIC MUSIC) Donna, I swear I'm gonna be a much better big sister.
I know.
I'm not really giving you much choice.
(PEN SCRATCHES) We now have a standing Wednesday dinner reservation at The Fulton.
Fulton? I don't really like seafood like that.
Oh, I think you're going to learn to love it.
(CHUCKLES) - So bossy.
- (LAUGHS) Just like you.
- I'm sorry.
- Me, too.
(POP MUSIC) I wanna kiss myself I wanna kiss myself, don't make me Damn, I look good I look bomb, I look ooh I'm like, ooh I wanna kiss myself Yes! The drip is too strong! Thanks, ladies! That's a wrap.
(EXHALES) Finally.
Treasure, what the hell is this? What? (ON PHONE) Hey, Trinkets! It's Treasure.
I just wanted to say that I am pro-women and pro-choice and with our right to choose under fire, I'm down for the fight.
Love you guys! (SMOOCHES) So what, she's the only one that can share her truth? Here you go.
Anything to sell some records, right? No, sweetie, I'm pro-choice.
I say My biological mother was raped by a prison guard.
I'm the product of that rape.
BOTH: Oh my God.
Despite that I'm also pro-choice, because she didn't have an option and I think that's wrong.
And that's exactly what I've been trying to tell you.
Hold up, Treasure, because I'm also not checking for you, 'cause what you did was foul.
Unlike the two of you, I recognize that abortion isn't some black and white issue that can be resolved on Instagram.
So why don't you both do the label a favor and stay in your lane? Stick to singing.
My phone.
Oh! (MUTED TRUMPET PLAYING) You know, you need to cut it out.
He's fronting.
Stop.
(TRUMPET PLAYING) Ain't for the grace Come on.
(BREATHES RAPIDLY) He'll show up.
You better hope so.
Come on, Lucious.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC) There he is.
Hey, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.
(MUSIC BUILDS) (SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC) Oh, now you don't wanna come? Come on.
- Did you hurt her? - What it look like? No, I'll be all right.
Ain't no guarantees unless I get what's mine.
This is what you want, right? That's my laptop.
Fetch! Hey, hey! Hey! (HORN HONKS) (LAPTOP CRUNCHES) (SCREAMS) What you doing? Hey! Oh, oh! (BELLOWS) Come on, we gotta go! Stop, stop, stop! Get in.
LUCIOUS: Crazy guy in the middle of the street got a gun.
Okay, we need to get her to a hospital.
No, I'll be fine.
(EXHALES DEEPLY) So you was just gonna leave me to die? What the hell were you thinking? - I showed up, didn't I? - You took your damn time.
Well, I needed a minute.
But at the end of the day we family.
And I owed you.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC) Now that debt's been paid.
Sir, we gotta drop her off at the next corner up there.
- Wait, without you? - Okay, look.
Everything I needed to clear my damn name was in that computer.
That's gone.
I, um removed the SIM card from my phone, so it looks like you owe me again.
CONWAY: I'm not accustomed to being summoned.
Oh.
(CHUCKLES) You don't want me in your office with this, Ms.
Conway.
I'm doing you a courtesy.
So what? I received numerous donations for my exploratory committee.
Oh, sweetie, well, then let's talk about Damon Cross's donations from his shell company, shall we? Especially after you showed me all the pictures proving that he was obsessed with me.
So he paid your corrupt, dirty ass to get rid of Lucious.
So we got you, bitch.
LUCIOUS: And I think our friends in the media is gonna love this story.
"Overly ambitious federal prosecutor with political aspirations crosses every line.
" Those girls are gonna love you in prison.
Oh, are they? (CHUCKLES) What do you want? Oh, that's simple.
Just drop all charges and investigations against Lucious.
Fine.
You win.
(UPBEAT HIP HOP MUSIC) Lyons always do.
LUCIOUS: And remember, from here on out, we now own your ass.
So if you will kindly get the hell out of our house.
(SIGHS DEEPLY) Wasn't nobody gonna vote for that bitch, anyway.
(SENTIMENTAL GUITAR MUSIC) WOMAN: You're not alone anymore (CHUCKLES) Yeah, he does.
- Ooh! - (CHUCKLES) Hi! Meet your grandson, Walker Lyon.
"Walker"? Wait, wait, wait, wait.
You gave him my old last name? We all start somewhere, Pop.
How precious! Healthy, perfect little boy.
Walker will be everything we aspire to be, but better.
COOKIE: Oh, my goodness, he's so handsome! Yes, you a little Lyon, baby.
Yes! You a superstar, baby! Yes, you are! Yes, you are.
WOMAN: This is love He's so precious! Yes, look at him.
Ahh, here's your grandparents.