Ep 1. The Devils Are Here

Empire is a critically acclaimed American drama television series with an edge-of-the-seat narrative and an equally gripping cast. The show has, over the years, attracted a significant following who eagerly wait for each new season with bated breath. The second season of Empire kicks off with the episode titled "The Devils Are Here," promising to be as entertaining and engaging as the previous season.

The first season of Empire ended with a cliffhanger, and the second season picks up from there, launching right into the thick of things. Lucious Lyon, the head of Empire Entertainment, is just being released from prison after serving a sentence for murder. While it's clear that he's set to take back his place at the helm of the successful music label, it's not going to be smooth sailing. The first episode opens with Lucious reflecting on his time in prison, and it's pretty clear that he's a changed man.

The first few minutes of the episode hint at the drama that's about to unfold, as Lucious and his family reunite and tensions run high. The cast of Empire has always been exceptional, and the first episode of Season 2 proves that they are only getting better. Taraji P. Henson shines, as always, in her role as Cookie Lyon, Lucious' ex-wife. Her performance in this episode is particularly noteworthy, as she tries to keep her family together while navigating the new terrain of his release from prison.

One of the standout moments of this episode is when Lucious hosts a white party the night of his release. He is looking to prove to the music industry that he's still the man in charge. The music at the party is spectacular and features some of the most talented artists in the music industry. The scene is vibrant, filled with life, and shows off the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that the characters are dealing with different issues. Lucious is dealing with PTSD and trying to come to terms with how much he's changed. Cookie is struggling to find her place in the newly structured organization after Lucious' imprisonment. Hakeem, the youngest of the Lyon sons, is quickly coming into his own, and Andre is fighting to bring a business deal to the family. Meanwhile, Jamal, Cookie's favorite son, is busy working on his next album.

The season premiere also introduces us to some new members of the cast, including Marisa Tomei's Mimi Whiteman, a billionaire investor with a keen interest in Empire Entertainment. Her character promises to bring new challenges and add another layer of intrigue to the show.

The tension and suspense are palpable throughout this episode as we see Lucious and Cookie's love-hate relationship continue to play out. There are moments of laughter and moments of heartbreak that viewers can expect from Empire. The episode also features some impressive musical performances, showcasing the talents of the cast.

Overall, "The Devils Are Here" is an excellent start to Season 2 of Empire. The show's production values remain top-notch, and the cast continues to excellently portray the complexities of the characters they play. The episode sets the tone for the season's upcoming drama, and fans of the show can look forward to another exciting season.