TV series Empire caused quite a stir with it’s first season, quickly becoming one of the most talked about shows of the year and establishing itself as a firm player amongst the likes of network big guns like The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones. Created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong with stand-out performances from veterans Terrance Howard and Taraji P. Henson, Empire has gone on to become one of the most anticipated shows with the second season scheduled to start this month. If you haven’t caught up by now, the perfect opportunity has just hit stores in the form of the complete season one on DVD. To celebrate the release, and in anticipation of the second season here are our five favourite moments from the dramatic, head-turning season that was.
Cookie vs Annika Fight
One of the best things about Empire’s first season is that, although it quite clearly takes its cues from Dallas, the writers have not shied away from the cheesy, soapy elements that makes these shows so much fun to watch. Season One established a fierce rivalry between Cookie (P. Henson) and Anika Calhoun (Grace Gealey), Lucious’ (Terrence Howard) two women, incredibly well and this scene where the gloves finally come off was one the fans had been waiting for.
You’re So Beautiful
Easily one of Jamal’s (Jussie Smollett) standout moments of the first season: bringing one of his father’s best known hits back to life, but using it as a way to publicly define who he is. The relationship between Jamal and Lucious during Season 1 was frought with anger, disappointment and a craving for acceptance that was never really quite met. Jamal’s sexuality had kept the middle Lyon son out of favour with the kingpin, but as his confidence and talent grew under Cookie’s encouragement, Jamal’s performance of ‘You’re So Beautiful’ became one of the high points of Empire’s first season.
Drip Drop
Shamelessly mirroring Lil Wayne’s ‘Lollipop’, the youngest Lyon’s debut hit single ‘Drip Drop’ quickly became a fan favourite.
Andre’s elevator snap
One of the stronger storyline’s during Empire’s first season was Dre’s (Trai Byers) bipolar disorder and how he quickly began to unravel when competition for the CEO position of the company began heating up.
Cookie Meeting Camilla
Basically every time Taraji P Henson has appeared on screen during this show, it’s been brilliant. Facing off against Hakeem’s older girlfriend Camilla (Brilliantly played by Naomi Campbell), she executes excellent amounts of sass.
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Empire: Season One is available on DVD in stores across Australia as of tomorrow, Wednesday 9th September, through Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Bonus features include:
Complete Uncut Musical Performances:
o Good Enough
o No Apologies
o Tell The Truth
o Keep It Movin
o Drip Drop (Dirty)
o I Wanna Love You
o You’re So Beautiful
o You’re So Beautiful (Ensemble Version)
o Nothing To Lose
o For My God
o Whatever Makes You Happy
Music Videos:
o What Is Love
o Power Of The Empire
o Come Away With Me Video
Featurette: Empire: It’s in the Music
Featurette: The Empire of Style
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