Empire Review: True Love Never (Season 2 Episode 7)

First things first, Cookie’s Cookout? I would go to that. I would go to that. Otherwise, and y’all know it pains me to say this, I am a little disappointed in the direction Empire, “True Love Never” takes.

I think my biggest frustration is Cookie. I don’t like her having a weakness. I especially don’t like that her weakness is a man. Cookie’s whole persona is the independent entrepreneur who put her feelings for Lucious aside when it was the right thing to do for her family and career. Now I’m supposed to believe that she’s caught up messing around with a man who clearly, at best, is trying to derail her label and at worst is out to get her and her whole family? I don’t believe Cookie would fall for it. Her new giggly, persuadable personality is getting to me. I mean, we now know for sure that he is working with the people who tried to hurt Hakeem. Why can’t she see it?

She also somehow can’t see that Hakeem’s girl is going to be a star. Sure, she’s a little shy. But she is exactly what TV shows and movies always present for a makeover. Pretty, talented, but just a little conservative. Hakeem knows this, so why doesn’t Cookie? I like Lauren, but I don’t love this story. I’m surprised she didn’t start with glasses to dramatically remove as part of the big reveal.

Okay, that was harsh. But Empire is such a great show. I’m just a bit worried that if we change who Cookie fundamentally is, we lose what drives everything. I think the great thing about Empire is that there are two extremely strong characters. If one changes, do we still have the same chemistry? I’m not so sure. Some good things are happening, however. Here’s some stuff I need more of:

• Jamal. I love that Jamal and Cookie are working together (even if just in secret). I’m hoping this means we are one step closer to a reunified Empire Records.
• Lucious. We are getting more and more of Lucious’s childhood story. He even has a bit of a breakthrough (after hurting and then drugging a new partner).
• Spring. Oh my. Things are getting interesting at the Empire. I kinda love that Lucious walks away from his… opportunity? to record his song. And it does sound a lot better with his emotion behind it.
• Andre’s preacher. I didn’t realize he’s so shady. I hope this means the old Andre is going to come back. I miss him.

I know all characters have to have flaws. Lucious has a million. I just don’t want Cookie’s to be a man. Here’s hoping that she kicks him to the curb next week in some epic Cookie way.

What do you think of this week’s episode of Empire? Don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comments below!

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Empire airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on Fox.

Amanda Coyne

Amanda is an associate editor for Tell-Tale TV. She is a writer, teacher, and pop culture enthusiast with a love for 30 Rock and The Mindy Project. She is also the proud mother of two orange cats. Follow @amandarcoyne