I have two complaints about this episode. One, as glad as I am to see some different genres of music and artists, I think it was lame that they gave Courtney an old song like "Take Me to the River" when everyone else has gotten original music. I hope Elle will return and have a chance to sing something fresh(er) and two, we got no acknowledgment of the fact that Cookie accidentally had someone murdered. That's the kind kind of plot detail I think requires follow-up.

Courtney apparently is getting a new Timbaland track for her next appearance. I agree about this week's song.

Hell yes. I've had that thought so many times.

I don't feel that Cookie hates Hakeem. She wanted to go over to his place and help him, but he rejected her. We know that he's a little skeeved out by her because he's having sex with someone he's referring to as "mommy". She doesn't know that he freaks out every time he tries to touch him because he has some miss placed sexual stuff going on, so I see why she's wary about continuing to try. I think she should and she will eventually get through to him though. I guess I was more impressed that she has tried to help him twice, even though he's on the opposite 'team" in this competition.

I posted about Hakeem's Mommy issues but never quite thought about it this way. Very astute thinking. And logical.

As for what everybody's been saying about Cookie's attitude toward Hakeem...see, I interpreted that look she gave Hakeem in a totally different way. When he told her "...I'm already a star, Cookie!" I saw bemusement in her eyes, almost as if she was tickled that he had that level of confidence and it might have been something that she would've said, had she been a rapper or singer herself. I guess, it's subjective though and can be interpreted in many ways.

Hopefully Porsha will clue Cookie in on Anika's offer while stringing Anika along with meaningless breadcrumbs (with Cookie's blessing). If they're smart they'll have Porsha gain intelligence on what's going on from the other end and share it with Cookie.

That look that Uncle Vernon gave Lucious-- that was a look of utter disgust. All I can say is, looks like that bottom bunk just moved closer to the top bunk.

While Cookie was rather blunt, Michael should really invest more time in honing his own craft. I do see a separation between he and Jamal but I wouldn't assume that Michael will end up as some pathetic stalker. Watch out, yesterday's layabout might become tomorrow's Next Food Network star! I wouldn't be surprised if Michael ends up with a cookbook and a fancy restaurant that Jamal can't get a reservation for...Bwahahaha!

That reveal where Cookie takes off the fur. Iconic! That scene could fit in on a list of audacious soap moments right alongside Dallas and Dynasty and the rest.

Is it just me or is anyone else getting a Dr. Conrad Murray sensibility from Lucious' new "concierge" doctor?

Yes, Derek Luke's character is straight-laced and strict but I sense Cookie can (and will) loosen him up. And since, he'll be the man who knows where all the cameras are...nobody will have to know.

Raven's character came up on the scene like a stage Mom urging that child to sing that song. I hope they stick around for awhile because this looks like this is going to be fun!

Another Lucious contradiction. Lucious is not cool with his son's homosexuality, yet what do I notice on his wall...artwork by Kehinde Wiley! Does Lucious know this...kind of a clever touch by the show's production department.

I read that Elle was originally based off of Whitney Houston (L Dallas, W Houston). The producers got a chance to get Courtney on the show so they changed the character to fit her

I read that Elle was originally based off of Whitney Houston (L Dallas, W Houston). The producers got a chance to get Courtney on the show so they changed the character to fit her

The Dallas/Houston thing kind of blows my mind.

The Dallas/Houston thing kind of blows my mind.

I wish they had kept it and hired someone like Faith Evans to play her

Oh wow. Dallas/Houston! That sent a shiver (maybe it's the cold weather?).

I could see Faith Evans as a vulnerable type because it often comes through in her singing and Lord knows she's seen her fair share but can she act?

Based on acting experience, I can see why Courtney got the part though.

Oh wow. Dallas/Houston! That sent a shiver (maybe it's the cold weather?).

I could see Faith Evans as a vulnerable type because it often comes through in her singing and Lord knows she's seen her fair share but can she act?

Based on acting experience, I can see why Courtney got the part though.

Naomi cant act and they built a whole role around her...lol

for the 8th episode Cookie get hip to Anika. The Lyons children does desperate things to save Empire. Jamal get close to singer Estelle character. Hakeem and Cookie come together. Andre doing more then he can handle.

_{Don't know if it's true, but I seen pictures of Hakeem & Cookie.}

_{Can we at least admit that Hakeem & Cookie shouldn't be allow in high scale restaurant ever again.}

Edited February 13, 201510 yr by MoTheGreat

Naomi cant act and they built a whole role around her...lol

True (lol). I'm hoping they keep Naomi doing her little side part(s) and not expand her role in any way. I shudder to think what could happen if someone is foolish enough to have her face off against Taraji!

At the very least, I felt that Courtney could hold her own with Taraji, there was give and take. You've got me interested now, though in the possibilities of what Faith Evans could bring--a tough and vulnerable sensability in a character. And Empire needs a mature R&B singer, around Cookie's age-- that might be fun and tense! Okay, now I want to see that...maybe they can create a different role for her. Someone should put that out there, Cheap.

Edited February 13, 201510 yr by DramatistDreamer

True (lol). I'm hoping they keep Naomi doing her little side part(s) and not expand her role in any way. I shudder to think what could happen if someone is foolish enough to have her face off against Taraji!

At the very least, I felt that Courtney could hold her own with Taraji, there was give and take. You've got me interested now, though in the possibilities of what a Faith Evans character could bring. Okay, now I want to see that...maybe they can create a different role for her. Someone should put that out there, Cheap.

Im guessing you didnt watch the previews?

Im guessing you didnt watch the previews?

You'd guess right. What? What'd I miss? Did someone post them? Where can I find them? I watched on Hulu (unfortunately), so I'm lucky if the video doesn't freeze during the 10,000th commercial break.

You'd guess right. What? What'd I miss? Did someone post them? Where can I find them? I watched on Hulu (unfortunately), so I'm lucky if the video doesn't freeze during the 10,000th commercial break.

Cookie is coming for Naomi's wig!

Lawd! Okay, I'll gird my loins. Thanks, Cheap!

Naomi cant act and they built a whole role around her...lol

Yeah and that character was actually rewritten for her too! The character was supposed to be some Cookie esque lady.