Empire Review: Chimes at Midnight (Season 3 Episode 6)

Okay, Empire. I see you.

Empire’s Season 3 Episode 6, “Chimes at Midnight” makes up for last week’s lackluster episode… and then some.

I really didn’t see a cyber hack coming, but it makes total sense. Just when we are getting to physical violence overload Empire goes digital.

And it works.

Although, do we really have to keep talking about emails?

You guys, don’t put secrets in emails. 

Everything about this episode is great. The hacking and subsequent release of personal information makes for the perfect platform to revisit some existing storylines that are on the back burner. For one, the stress of waiting to see what comes out next pushes Jamal back to his pain pills… and straight to a potential overdose. I’m glad Empire isn’t going to just act like this is something he can move past easily.

And then there’s Cookie. Getting a nude selfie leaked (and projected onto big screens at your workplace) is horrific enough, but the way she has to struggle with her relationship with Angelo and his political career really shows how much this kind of invasion of privacy can impact a woman’s life.

At first I was nervous that Empire was going to let casual comments about Cookie’s body go without punishment, but then Angelo steps up. Although his response is a bit… interesting, I really appreciate the show’s attempt to stand in solidarity with women who face this kind of crime.

In an episode where it would have been easy for Empire to gloss over what happens to Cookie, it is refreshing to see a male character taking a stand and speaking out against sexism.

Lucious throwing a chair at the screen isn’t bad either.

Which brings me to Andre. Oh, Andre. Andre is the dark angel we didn’t know we needed.

I was getting so bored of Lucious as the devil. It’s a note Empire has played so many times. But Andre coming out of the shadows as Evil Andre is perfect. He’s got motive (Rhonda’s death and his resent encounter with racial profiling), and he’s got the intelligence.

He even has a hat that makes him look evil.

All he needs now is a partner in crime. It looks like Nessa is applying for the job.

Other Thoughts:

• Lucious knows Bella is not his daughter, right?
• Getting hired as an IT specialist for Empire is basically the worst job ever.
• Does only one person work for the FBI? In what world would the same person investigating someone come to help him when he is a victim of a crime?
• Wait, who is Graham? And how did it take Tiana so long to think of him? She’s all “oh, come to think of it he did explicitly say he wants to destroy the family – do you think that’s bad?”
• I know I keep saying this, but Hakeem needs to grow up.
• I love Jamal’s place. Should I paint every wall in my house dark brown?
• Becky and Thirsty joining forces is a dream come true. Let’s hope this alliance gets lots of air time.

I’m really looking forward to how Empire handles the rise of Andre. Will Lucious have to take a step back? Will he fight for his throne or give it to Andre as the rightful heir? This question is exactly the breath of fresh air Empire needs.

What did you think of this week’s episode of Empire? Let us know in the comments below!

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Empire airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on Fox.