The final episode of Empire wasn’t the ending creator Lee Daniels envisioned; instead, the series concluded prematurely due to production shutdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This resulted in the originally planned ending, which was to feature a resolution for all the major characters and storylines, being scrapped and replaced with a patchwork finale cobbled together from existing footage.
The Unfinished Symphony: Why Empire Ended Early
Empire, once a ratings juggernaut, saw its final season cut short, leaving fans with a lingering sense of incompleteness. While the show had faced declining viewership and critical reviews in its later years, the primary reason for its truncated ending was undeniably the unforeseen global health crisis. With filming halted and no clear timeline for resumption, Fox made the difficult decision to end the series with episode 18 of its 20-episode final season. This sudden conclusion left several plot threads unresolved and significantly deviated from the intended narrative arc.
The Missing Pieces: What We Didn’t See
The original ending was intended to be a grand culmination of the series’ themes of family, power, and redemption. The writers had planned to delve deeper into the complexities of the Lyon family dynamics, particularly the rivalry between Lucious and Cookie, and offer closure to their tumultuous relationship. Furthermore, storylines involving Andre’s mental health struggles, Hakeem’s burgeoning career, and Jamal’s return to the spotlight were meant to reach satisfying resolutions. Instead, viewers were left with a finale that felt rushed and incomplete, lacking the emotional resonance that characterized the show at its peak. The ending focused primarily on Lucious’s disappearance after a bomb threat and Cookie’s desperate search for him, leaving many subplots dangling.
A Show That Defined an Era
Despite its imperfect ending, Empire undeniably left its mark on television. The show broke ground in its portrayal of a predominantly Black family at the helm of a media empire, addressing themes of race, sexuality, and mental health with unprecedented visibility. Its soundtrack became a cultural phenomenon, catapulting the careers of emerging artists and further solidifying the show’s influence. While the final episode may not have provided the closure fans desired, Empire‘s legacy as a groundbreaking and impactful series remains firmly intact.
FAQ: Unraveling the Mysteries of Empire’s Finale
Here are answers to frequently asked questions surrounding the ending of Empire:
1. What episode was considered the series finale of Empire?
The 18th episode of the sixth season, titled “Home is on the Way,” aired on April 21, 2020, and served as the unplanned series finale of Empire.
2. Was there ever a possibility of filming the actual finale later?
While there were initial discussions about potentially filming the intended finale at a later date, these plans never materialized due to logistical challenges and the ongoing pandemic. Contractual obligations with the cast also posed significant hurdles.
3. Did the cast and crew know the show was ending abruptly?
Yes, the cast and crew were informed of the production shutdown and the decision to end the series prematurely. This undoubtedly impacted their ability to deliver a fully realized conclusion to their characters’ stories.
4. What were the original plans for the ending of Empire?
The original plans for the ending involved a deeper exploration of the Lyon family’s past, present, and future, focusing on the evolving relationships between Lucious, Cookie, and their sons. The intended finale promised to provide closure to long-standing conflicts and offer a glimpse into the next chapter of their lives.
5. Was Jussie Smollett’s absence related to the show’s early ending?
While Jussie Smollett’s departure from the show after the controversy surrounding his alleged hate crime played a role in the overall narrative arc of the final season, it was the COVID-19 pandemic that ultimately led to the series ending prematurely. His character, Jamal, was written out of the show prior to the pandemic.
6. How did the unplanned ending affect the character arcs?
The abrupt ending left several character arcs unresolved or truncated. For example, Andre’s mental health journey lacked a clear resolution, and Hakeem’s career aspirations were left unexplored. The rushed finale also limited the opportunity to fully explore the complexities of Lucious and Cookie’s relationship.
7. Were there any attempts to provide closure in other formats, like a reunion special or movie?
There have been no concrete plans announced for a reunion special or movie. While fans have expressed interest in revisiting the Empire universe, no such project is currently in development.
8. Where can I watch the final season of Empire?
The final season of Empire, including the unplanned series finale, is available for streaming on platforms such as Hulu, Amazon Prime Video (purchase required), and on demand through your cable provider. You might also find episodes available for purchase on YouTube.
9. How did fans react to the show’s abrupt ending?
Many fans expressed disappointment and frustration with the show’s premature conclusion. They felt that the rushed finale did not do justice to the characters or the overall narrative of the series. Social media platforms were filled with comments lamenting the lack of closure and expressing a desire for a more satisfying ending.
10. What other TV shows were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in a similar way?
Numerous television shows and movies experienced production disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some notable examples include Grey’s Anatomy, The Walking Dead, and Supernatural, all of which had their seasons cut short or delayed.
11. What is Lee Daniels doing now, after Empire’s conclusion?
Lee Daniels has continued to work in television and film. He created the Empire spin-off, Star, and has been involved in various other projects, including directing the biopic The United States vs. Billie Holiday.
12. What made Empire such a groundbreaking show in its early years?
Empire was groundbreaking for its portrayal of a wealthy, powerful Black family in the entertainment industry. The show tackled important social issues such as race, class, sexuality, and mental health with a level of visibility rarely seen on mainstream television. Its incorporation of original music and a diverse cast further contributed to its cultural impact. The show pushed boundaries and opened doors for greater representation in the media landscape.