When “Empire” premiered Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) and Jamal (Jussie Smollett) had the best relationship. The only person to visit Cookie in prison was Jamal. Considered the Lyon family’s black sheep, Jamal is gay and Cookie was his biggest supporter.
Throughout the first season, Jamal wins over Lucious (Terrence Howard), to the detriment of his relationship with Cookie. Soon warring with brother, Hakeem (Bryshere “Yazz” Gray), Jamal is firmly on Lucious’ side. This puts him at odds with Cookie and tensions rose.
In tonight’s episode, Jamal is seen running Empire, meanwhile Cookie is being threatened by Frank Gathers (Chris Rock). Hoping for a family bonding moment, Cookie demands her children all move into Lucious’ house with her sister, Carol (Tasha Smith) and her children. Once it is all over, Jamal rudely kicks everyone out and disrespects Cookie when she tries to smooth things over, prompting her to slap him twice and for Twitter to give memorable reactions.
