Empire Review: What Remains is Bestial (Season 3 Episode 3)

Empire is hitting its stride with “What Remains is Bestial” Season 3, Episode 3, and I’m not mad at it.

First things first, Mariah Carey is here and apparently her name is Kitty. Did anyone else spend at least half of the episode trying to determine if she was playing herself or some fictional singer?

She’s such a good singer, though.

Also, there’s no better fake name for Mariah to come up with (you know she’s the one who came up with it) than Kitty.

I can’t even put into words how inappropriate it is that both of Jamal’s parents keep trying to force him into performing again. How is adding a famous singer lowering the stakes for him? I wanted to cry for him when he was in the studio.

Someone give this boy a break.

It’s clear that his pill problem is now real, and I think the only person we have any hope of addressing it is Andre.

I really wish that Cookie could be a little bit of a better mom to all of her sons, but I know that she’s trying.

Lucious, on the other hand, is somehow managing to get worse. His whole “you’re too soft” act to the boys is just such an eye roll. He is the biggest baby of the group. Refusing to support Hakeem when he’s mad about Nessa getting physically abused by her brother is just another low for him.

That aside, I like where Empire is going with all of this. The show is taking on so many complex issues (pill addiction, death, police brutality, gun violence… just to name a few) and managing to be somewhat nuanced with each one.

Each character approaches things differently, and each represents a different viewpoint. I’m hoping this continues as these issues are only going to intensify.

Things are starting to get developed a bit more. I like it.

I also like that a line has been drawn in the sand between Cookie and Lucious. Lucious is all about business these days, and he’s determined to take back the company. Cookie is never going to let that happen, so I’m looking forward to seeing this power struggle play out.

Cookie has to win this time. She has to.

The boys also seem to be taking sides. Andre and Jamal are fighting the good fight, while Hakeem has gone back to the dark side with his dad.

This should allow for more interesting drama as Lucious is no longer alone in his ruthlessness.

Other thoughts:

• Lucious managed to call Bella his “granddaughter” so that seems like progress.
• I can’t even discuss Lucious and Anika, um, looking for earrings in the office. Cannot discuss.
• Is Thirsty coming back? Yes, please.
• Is Tiana the only person who actually just works and doesn’t have traumatic things happen to her all the time? That’s probably going to last for another four seconds.
• At least we get to see Rhonda as a ghost.
• How old is too old to casually wear a leotard and heels? Asking for a friend (named Mariah).
• What did Anika order to get that specific delivery man at her house? Also asking for a friend.

What did you think of this week’s episode of Empire? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

Reviewer Rating:

User Rating:

Empire airs Wednesday at 9/8c on Fox.