ffEMP-S4_404-sc35-ch_0683_f_hires2 Empire Review: Bleeding War (Season 4 Episode 4) EMPIRE: Pictured L-R: Grace Byers, guest star Taye Diggs, Jussie Smollett, Serayah and Rumer Willis in the "Bleeding War" episode of EMPIRE airing Wednesday, Oct. 18 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. ©2017 Fox Broadcasting Co. CR: Chuck Hodes/FOX

Empire Review: Bleeding War (Season 4 Episode 4)

Amanda Coyne Empire, Reviews, Uncategorized

Wow. Empire Season 4 Episode 4, “Bleeding War” is throwing some curveballs.

As Lucious continues to try to reconcile who he was with who he is, the family is finally willing to tell him the truth about his past. The thing is, this doesn’t go exactly as planned.

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EMPIRE: Pictured L-R: Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard in the “Bleeding War” episode of EMPIRE airing Wednesday, Oct. 18 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. ©2017 Fox Broadcasting Co. CR: Chuck Hodes/FOX
I have to say that I’m impressed with the nuance of this episode (and I LOVE Bella’s party). As Lucious learns more about who he is, viewers also learn more about who Cookie is.

It’s always been known that Cookie spent seventeen years in prison, but we’ve only gotten short flashbacks of this time. Now, Cookie is filling in the details. This really helps solidify her character and explain some of her behaviors. I’m happy to finally see such a huge part of her life explored by the show.

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EMPIRE: Taraji P. Henson in the “Bleeding War” episode of EMPIRE airing Wednesday, Oct. 18 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. ©2017 Fox Broadcasting Co. CR: Chuck Hodes/FOX
It’s also interesting (and a bit delicate) that Lucious doesn’t necessarily like what he sees in Cookie. Lucious has completely changed. He’s somehow come back from his accident as a sweet, almost child-like person. I’m not sure if that’s medically sound, but it sure does make for good TV.

Just when it looks like Lucious might be falling back in love with Cookie, her behavior at the audition puts him off. This is much more complex than I expected Empire to go with their relationship. I like it.

Cookie has always been a complicated character. Lucious (both directly with his viciousness, and indirectly because he abandoned her in prison) transformed her from a kind, loving mother into a hard, sometimes cruel woman who puts business first. Will the new Lucious be able to transform her again? Will we get back some of the softer Cookie?

I think this is much more plausible than Lucious transforming. Cookie, as a mother, wife, friend, business woman, has retained so much of her goodness. We even see it this week when she immediately apologizes to Demi (or whoever) about being wrong about his treatment.

Only, she’s not wrong. Is anyone else totally creeped out the good doctor? She’s seriously so unprofessional.

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EMPIRE: Pictured L-R: Trai Byers and Terrence Howard in the “Bleeding War” episode of EMPIRE airing Wednesday, Oct. 18 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. ©2017 Fox Broadcasting Co. CR: Chuck Hodes/FOX
It is also looking like Lucious may be able to help his sons, who are, each in their own way, suffering. Hakeem is basically out of control. Lucious’ reaction to his new song is priceless:

“I was really inspired by the amount of effort you put into that.”

Burn. Likewise, he’s reaching back out to Andre and Jamal. He’s to hoping some of the damage that has been done can be fixed.

Other thoughts:

  • Lucious watching the auditions is precious.
  • I want a Princess/Prince themed b-day party. It turns out Anika does have a use. Party planning.
  • Lucious whispering “this is wrong” over and over is all of us.
  • Demi and Rumor in the same episode? Whoa.
  • Jamal’s duet made me melt. Please let his new boyfriend see the error of his ways!
  • The cop who is following Andre needs to be fired.
  • What is Anika wearing at Bella’s party?!

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EMPIRE: Pictured L-R: Taraji P. Henson, Ta’Rhonda Jones and Grace Byers in the “Bleeding War” episode of EMPIRE airing Wednesday, Oct. 18 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. ©2017 Fox Broadcasting Co. CR: Chuck Hodes/FOX
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Empire airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on Fox.

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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