The season finale of Empire varies depending on the season. While some seasons had cliffhangers leading into further installments, the series finale of Empire aired on April 21, 2020, with Episode 18 of Season 6, titled “Home is on the Way.” This article delves into the nuances of Empire’s season finales, answers frequently asked questions, and provides context to this iconic television drama.
Empire’s Complex Run: Season Finales Explained
Empire, the groundbreaking musical drama that captivated audiences for six seasons, had a history of delivering dramatic season finales. However, the path to its eventual conclusion was not without its complexities, particularly concerning Season 6. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted production, leading to an unplanned ending.
Season 1 – 5 Finales: Standard Endings
From Season 1 through Season 5, Empire adhered to a relatively standard format. Each season ended with a pre-planned episode that provided closure while simultaneously setting the stage for the next season’s conflicts. These finales were meticulously crafted to leave viewers wanting more.
Season 6: An Abrupt End and Unresolved Plotlines
Season 6, however, faced unforeseen challenges. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced production to shut down prematurely. As a result, Episode 18, initially intended to be near the season’s (and series’) end, became the de facto series finale. While elements of closure were present, many storylines remained unresolved, leaving some fans disappointed. The final planned episodes were never filmed.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Empire’s Ending
This section addresses some of the most common questions surrounding Empire’s season finales, particularly focusing on the impact of the pandemic and the ultimate conclusion of the series.
Question 1: Which episode was intended to be the series finale of Empire?
Answer: The originally planned series finale was intended to be Episode 20 of Season 6. Episodes 19 and 20 were never completed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The producers had hoped to complete the season, but the logistics proved impossible.
Question 2: What happened to Cookie and Lucious in the official series finale, “Home is on the Way”?
Answer: In “Home is on the Way,” Cookie and Lucious decide to finally commit to one another and get remarried. While their relationship has always been tumultuous, they reaffirmed their love. They plan to relocate to Paris and start fresh. This was a resolution after years of on-again, off-again relationships and power struggles. However, the ending felt rushed, and some plot points regarding Lucious’s past criminal activities felt hastily resolved.
Question 3: Were there any major cliffhangers left unresolved after Episode 18?
Answer: Yes, several storylines were left hanging. For instance, the identity of who shot Lucious remained largely unresolved in the aired finale, though some clues were presented. Several other plot threads concerning the other Lyon family members and their individual struggles also suffered from abbreviated resolutions.
Question 4: Did the writers try to incorporate any plot points from the unproduced episodes into “Home is on the Way”?
Answer: The writers did try to salvage what they could from the unfinished scripts. Some dialogue and plot elements intended for the missing episodes were incorporated into Episode 18, albeit in a condensed form. This resulted in a somewhat rushed and less satisfying conclusion for some viewers.
Question 5: Are there any alternative endings or fan theories regarding how Empire should have ended?
Answer: Absolutely. Numerous fan theories circulate online proposing alternative scenarios for the Lyon family. Many focus on the shooter of Lucious, delving into potential motives for Andre, Hakeem, or Jamal. Others speculate on the long-term implications of Cookie and Lucious’s move to Paris. Because the official ending was abrupt, fans have filled the void with their own creative interpretations.
Question 6: Will there ever be a revival or reboot of Empire that addresses the unresolved plotlines?
Answer: As of today, there are no confirmed plans for an Empire revival or reboot. While the series remains popular in syndication and on streaming platforms, the challenges of reuniting the cast and navigating the unresolved storylines make a revival unlikely, though not impossible. The TV landscape is always changing, so it’s something to watch for.
Question 7: What were some of the biggest criticisms of Empire’s final season?
Answer: Common criticisms of Season 6 centered around the uneven pacing, the introduction of new characters that felt underdeveloped, and the reliance on shock value over character development. The biggest complaint, of course, was the truncated ending and the unresolved storylines due to the pandemic.
Question 8: Who are some of the key actors in Empire, and did their characters receive proper closure?
Answer: The main cast included Terrence Howard (Lucious Lyon), Taraji P. Henson (Cookie Lyon), Bryshere Y. Gray (Hakeem Lyon), Jussie Smollett (Jamal Lyon), and Trai Byers (Andre Lyon). While Cookie and Lucious received some form of closure, the other characters’ arcs felt less complete, especially with the absence of the final episodes. Jussie Smollett’s controversial departure from the show mid-season 5 further complicated things.
Question 9: Was the cast aware that Episode 18 would be the series finale before it aired?
Answer: Yes, the cast was informed about the situation once it became clear that production could not resume in time to film the remaining episodes. This allowed them to approach the existing material with a sense of finality, even though it was not the intended ending.
Question 10: What is Empire’s legacy in terms of representation and diversity on television?
Answer: Empire had a significant impact on television by showcasing a predominantly Black cast in leading roles and tackling themes related to race, class, and sexuality within the context of the music industry. It contributed to a broader conversation about diversity and representation on screen. The show also brought increased visibility to LGBTQ+ characters and storylines.
Question 11: What are some similar shows fans of Empire might enjoy?
Answer: Fans of Empire may enjoy shows like “Star” (also created by Lee Daniels), “Power,” “Queen Sugar,” “Greenleaf,” and “Nashville.” These shows share similar themes of family drama, power struggles, and the complexities of the entertainment industry.
Question 12: Where can I watch all seasons of Empire?
Answer: Empire is available to stream on various platforms depending on your region. Common streaming services include Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and potentially Disney+ (depending on region and licensing agreements). DVD and Blu-ray box sets are also available for purchase. It’s best to check your local streaming options for availability.
Final Thoughts: Empire’s Enduring Appeal
Despite the less-than-ideal conclusion, Empire remains a significant cultural phenomenon. Its captivating storylines, memorable characters, and groundbreaking representation continue to resonate with viewers. While the planned ending never came to fruition, “Home is on the Way” offers a bittersweet, albeit incomplete, farewell to the Lyon family and their empire. The enduring legacy of Empire lies in its impact on television and its contribution to the ongoing conversation about diversity and representation. The music, the drama, and the unforgettable characters will continue to entertain audiences for years to come.