Empire Review: My Naked Villainy (Season 3 Episode 13)

Why aren’t more people talking about this show?

Yes, it’s flawed, but Empire Season 3 Episode 13, “My Naked Villainy,” is just so powerful.

For a long time now I’ve been saying that Hakeem needs a new storyline. He’s finally got one.

Boy, was it worth the wait.

Kennedy’s assault has given Empire the space to take on yet another big issue. The show has already covered corruption in politics and police brutality. Now it’s taking on misogyny in music and victim blaming.

I’ll say it again: yes, the way the show approaches this is flawed. For one thing, I’d love to see Empire take a beat and focus a bit more on this issue.

I also have some problems with Hakeem’s apology song. I’m not sure why it’s still the norm that in order for a male character to recognize a female character’s humanity he must associate her with a girl or woman he loves. It shouldn’t take it dawning on Hakeem that he has a daughter to make him stand up for a fellow human he knows is being wronged.

The song would be a lot more powerful if it focused more pointedly on apologizing to Kennedy (and his fans in general) for being misogynistic instead of muddying that message with references to queens and saving people from drowning.

But, there’s a lot more good than flaw going on here. In fact, the flaw just might be on purpose. Hakeem is so relatable in this episode. He’s angry. He feels wronged. He’s defensive.

But he’s also brave.

I nearly burst into tears as he mustered up the courage to ask Jamal to explain to him what victim blaming is.

Jamal’s response is direct, but kind. The conversation is exactly the kind of conversation that allows growth.

Jamal tells Hakeem he’s “on his way to being woke” and, after watching the exchange, I think maybe we all are.

I sincerely hope Empire keeps on this theme. There’s so much Hakeem has to explore.

Another great thing about “My Naked Villainy” is Cookie. She just never disappoints. However, as each male character takes turns telling her how to feel and how to act, I can’t help but wonder if Empire will bring its female empowerment message full circle by putting Cookie in power.

Well, and by getting rid of Thirsty. He crossed the line this week.

I’ve said it before, but that’s really the only way this show can go for me. I need Cookie to be in power. Lucious is clearly unraveling. Between his completely over-the-top paranoia and his dramatic illnesses, I’m hoping things are being set up for Cookie to take over.

And, because this is Empire, a billion other things happen too.

Random thoughts:

• Quick question: how much money are we supposed to think Lucious has? He doesn’t bat an eye at building an entire ICU  in his home but the lawsuit is way too much money?? Am I missing something?
• Jamal’s new music video is majorly cheesy. The outfits, the dancing, the 80’s cartoon graffiti… just, no.
• Cookie’s response to Lucious in a flashback — “I’m not your baby girl, I’m your partner.” Yes. Yes. Yes.
• Are we seriously still talking about Anika? Her conversation with Cookie about Bella is heartwarming. Otherwise, I’ve over it.
• Lucious is now sleeping with a gun. When he’s so sick he can’t even talk. That’s a new level of paranoia, even for him.
• What is even happening with Andre? Is Vegas seriously going to be a multi-episode storyline?
• Between not getting a ‘second’ during his bedroom board meeting and singing to Cookie after Angelo gets elected… Lucious is about to do something really crazy.
• I like that everyone’s wearing “I Voted” stickers.
• Are broaches back in? You know I follow Cookie for all my fashion advice.

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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