Empire Review: Cupid Painted Blind (Season 4 Episode 8)

On Empire Season 4 Episode 8, “Cupid Painted Blind,” nothing is as it seems and… I’m going to need a minute.

It’s been a long time since a show has gotten me this good. I didn’t see any of this coming.

“Cupid Painted Blind” pulls off the double twist perfectly. Pamela telling Andre that she killed someone and screaming that he doesn’t know what it feels like had me convinced (convinced!) that she was about to trap him in a confession.

And then she does.

And then he kills her.

And then she disappears.

But not like in the typical way that dead people disappear for the Lyons (even thought Cookie and Lucious are clearly willing to make that happen). She’s literally not there.

Because she doesn’t exist.

Because none of it happened.

Can you tell how shocked I am?

To me, this is exactly what Empire needs. On Empire Season 4 Episode 7, “The Lady Doth Protest, Empire called into question whether Lucious is really back. With “Cupid Painted Blind” more of reality crumbles. Is it possible that Empire is breaking things down to build them back up in a new, better way?

Think about it: Lucious is clearly not back 100%, Jamal is heartbroken and drinking again, Hakeem is definitely going to do something stupid to get Bella back, and Andre is going to have to spend some time getting well.

Is it possible that each male Lyon is being brought to his knees so that Cookie can finally take the lead?

Man, I sure hope so. I don’t think it’s a stretch – we already see it happening. We’re getting more and more of Cookie’s back story and it’s painting her as a much stronger force than we even maybe recognized.

She’s willing to do whatever it takes for her family. “Cupid Painted Blind” even has her waving a gun around. Meanwhile, Lucious is being nice and all, but he’s not really doing anything.

If everything falls away, if everyone falls apart, who is left standing?

Cookie.

I mean, the Empire Records logo this season is her face. That’s got to mean something.

Other Random Thoughts:

• The Poundcake flashbacks are doing a really nice job of weaving in some criticism of the criminal justice system. “Cupid Painted Blind” takes this to a whole new level.
• Why is Angelo so upset still? I get that he loved Cookie, but it seems like it’s time to move on.
• Jamal and Hakeem dancing and singing together gives me life.
• Cookie calling her sons “three stupid dumbass blind mice” also gives me life.
• What is happening with Shine’s family? Does he have sister wives? Someone explain this to me.
• I’m really feeling sorry for Warren. I don’t necessarily want him to get back together with Jamal, but I do want someone to help him out.

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

Reviewer Rating:

User Rating:

 

Empire airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on Fox.

Follow us on Twitter @telltaleTV_

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!