Empire Review: Love is a Smoke (Season 3 Episode 14)

Okay, I’m getting nervous. Empire Season 3 Episode 14, “Love is a Smoke,” seems to be setting us up for something great. Let’s just hope it’s not too good to be true.

I’ve been saying, pretty much since the beginning of Season 2, that what Empire really needs to do is let Cookie come into her own.

Cookie, despite being such a fantastic character, is consistently defined by her relationships with men instead of her strength as a mother and business woman (and fashion icon). Her relationship with Angelo really solidifies this.

Think about it. Empire never tells us what Cookie loves about Angelo.

What do they talk about? What do they do together? Angelo exists only as the anecdote to Lucious. He’s bland. He’s upstanding. Cookie’s father would approve.

Except, none of that is really true. Angelo is a snake. He’s, despite being less of a criminal (note: I didn’t say not a criminal at all – he’s super shady), actually crueler to C0okie than Lucious has ever been. I mean, he calls her trash. 

Cookie is not trash.

I’m hoping, after his tone deaf proposal and Cookie’s reaction, that Angelo’s out of our Empire lives for good. Although clearly his mama isn’t going to let things go too easily.

I’m also hoping that Cookie doesn’t run right back to Lucious. As satisfying (in a Sam and Diane kind of way) as it would be to see Lucious and Cookie have some big, beautiful wedding, it wouldn’t be what’s right for Cookie.

Empire, after all this time, needs to define Cookie based on Cookie. The best way I can think for Empire to make this happen is to let Cookie take the head seat at Empire Records. In many ways, Cookie is much more qualified for this role than Lucious has ever been.

I’d even be okay with Lucious and Cookie getting back together after that.

Focusing on Cookie as CEO of Empire would also help pull us back from all of the sub-storylines that I’m, frankly, getting really bored with.

Between the FBI surveillance (and whatever Anika is up to) and this Vegas deal, I’m having trouble paying attention. Lucious isn’t running a tight ship and Andre is clearly out of his depth.

I’m also growing board with all of the guest appearances. Are we really supposed to agree that Rumor Willis is a better singer than all of the current Empire ladies?

Cause, I’m sorry, she’s not. Her whole character just seems way overplayed.

I feel the same way about the entire Vegas storyline. It’s not moving us anywhere. In fact, all I really enjoy about it is getting to see past Lucious.

A lot of what’s happening outside of Cookie’s life just feels like filler. I’m hoping Empire can focus a bit more as we move past Angelo.

Random thoughts:

• I’m glad someone finally called out Thirsty for his “buy-one-get-one-free” suits.
• How did Angelo afford such a ridiculous engagement ring? Is he Beyonce?
• I’m annoyed that Cookie even talks to Lucious about the proposal. Isn’t he still married to Anika??
• Charlotte Frost is a fantastic name.

What did you think of this episode of Empire? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

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Empire airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on Fox.

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