In the latest instalment of FOX's hit TV show "Empire," the Lyon family is forced to face Lucious' nightmares. In Season 2 episode 16 titled "The Lyon who Cried Wolf," Andre introduces the newest, and ironically the oldest, member of their family.
Andre (Trai Byers) has a reunion with his grandmother, Leah Walker, who is said to be bipolar, just like him. If this meeting offers Andre an opportunity to understand his family tree and return to his roots, the rest of the family doesn't share the same sentiment.
Lucious (Terrence Howard) in particular is disgusted by the presence of his mother, and even resists the motherly affection directed at him. "You have no idea what you have done," the Lyon family patriarch tells his eldest son. But Andre stares back accusingly, wanting to know why Lucious lied about his mother's death.
Later on, Lucious explains to Cookie (Taraji P Henson) that his mother held him responsible for her illness when he was all of eight. It seems like Lucious' only ally is his wife, who sees his vulnerability and accepts him.
Cookie will no doubt try to make Lucious feel better, but the promo for episode 16 indicates the head of the Lyon family will not be able to escape his past, and this might just prompt him to sever ties with the rest of the family, or even exhibit some sort of violence.
Jussie Smollett, who plays Jamal, had earlier hinted in a first look video that Lucious and Andre's relationship would sour after his grandmother's mental illness was revealed in a music video. Now, fans of the show will finally know if Leah is indeed bipolar or if Lucious has fabricated a story.
In any case, Andre's obsession with the past and Lucious' desire to run away from it could certainly cause more friction between the two. How will the story turn out? It remains to be seen.
"Empire" Season 2 episode 16 airs at 9 p.m. EST on FOX. You can live-stream the episode via FOX NOW.
