Ep 12. A Rose by Any Other Name

The episode "A Rose by Any Other Name" is the twelfth installment of the second season of the popular hip-hop musical drama Empire. The series follows Lucious Lyon, a music mogul and CEO of his own company Empire Entertainment, who has been diagnosed with ALS. The show explores the dynamics between members of his family as they all battle for control of the company and navigate their own personal and professional struggles.

In this episode, Lucious and Cookie set their sights on the Las Vegas music conference as a way to break into the mainstream market. However, their plan hits a snag when they discover that one of their headlining acts, the girl group Mirage a Trois, is missing. Determined to find them, they enlist the help of a local music promoter named Laz Delgado.

Meanwhile, Andre Lyon is dealing with his own personal demons as he continues to struggle with his bipolar disorder. His wife, Rhonda, tries to support him but their relationship is strained when they both receive news that could change their lives forever. As they navigate their way through the difficult situation, they begin to unravel the truth about Andre's mental illness and the events that led up to it.

Back at Empire, Hakeem is still trying to win back his ex-girlfriend, Laura, who quit the girl group due to disagreements with Mirage a Trois. He enlists the help of Jamal, who is busy recording a new album and collaborating with celebrity guests including rapper Pitbull. Together, they work to convince Laura to rejoin the group and mend her friendship with the other members.

As the episode progresses, secrets are revealed and tensions rise as each character faces their own challenges and obstacles. Lucious and Cookie must navigate the cutthroat world of the music industry, while Andre struggles to come to terms with his illness and Rhonda tries to protect their future. Hakeem and Jamal work to keep their family and business together, even in the face of betrayal and deception.

"A Rose by Any Other Name" is a captivating and emotional episode that delves into the complex relationships between the Lyon family, offering a glimpse into their past mistakes and present struggles. With incredible performances and unexpected plot twists, the episode leaves viewers on the edge of their seats, eager to find out what happens next in the world of Empire.