Ep 16. Absent Child

In Empire season 3 episode 16, titled "Absent Child," the Lyon family is still reeling from the fallout of Angelo's betrayal and Cookie's arrest. Lucious is struggling with his own demons and the sudden reappearance of his mother, Leah, who he thought was dead. Meanwhile, Jamal is embarking on a new project with music icon Phylicia Rashad, but is also dealing with the aftermath of his recent panic attack. Hakeem is trying to balance fatherhood with his demanding career, while Andre is fighting to keep Empire afloat amidst the company’s financial troubles.

The episode opens with Cookie in prison, struggling to adjust to her new surroundings and still heartbroken over Angelo's betrayal. The rest of the Lyon family is grappling with the aftermath of Cookie's arrest, with Lucious trying to keep the company together despite the negative press and Andre frantically searching for ways to improve Empire's financial situation. Meanwhile, Jamal is working on a new project with Phylicia Rashad, a legendary music icon he idolizes, but is also struggling with the fallout from his recent panic attack.

As the episode progresses, tensions continue to rise within the Lyon family. Lucious is haunted by his mother's sudden reappearance and the revelations she brings, while Hakeem is struggling to balance his career with fatherhood. Andre is spiraling out of control as he tries to save the company from financial ruin, and Jamal is conflicted about his relationship with D-Major and the impact it might have on his career.

But the heart of the episode lies in the relationship between Cookie and her youngest son, Jamal. Despite everything that's happened, Jamal still looks up to his mother and seeks her guidance and comfort. As they share a tender moment in the prison's visiting room, it becomes clear that their bond is stronger than ever and that Cookie's strength and resilience will continue to inspire her family, even from behind bars.

Overall, "Absent Child" is a powerful episode that explores the complicated dynamics of the Lyon family and the challenges they face both individually and as a group. It's a testament to the strength and resilience of the characters, and a reminder that even when they're at their lowest, they still have each other.