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The Worst Episodes of Empire

Every episode of Empire ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of Empire!

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A powerful family drama about the head of a music empire whose three sons and ex-wife all battle for his throne.

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#1 Worst Episode
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#1 - Slave to Memory
S4:E912/13/2017
Cookie and Lucious devise an elaborate plan to take down Diana Dubois and her family once and for all. Andre recovers from his mental breakdown in the hospital, Shine tries desperately to protect his secret and Eddie Barker is concluding his tenure at Empire. Amidst the chaos, someone's life hangs in the balance.
Director:Sanaa Hamri
Writers:Dianne Houston, Joshua Allen
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Director:Sanaa Hamri
Writers:Dianne Houston, Joshua Allen
0.0/10(0 votes)
#2 - Birds in the Cage
S4:E103/28/2018
Nurse Claudia takes her job to a new level, when she kidnaps Lucious. To find him, Cookie must race against time and use the skills she learned in prison to rescue him. Meanwhile, Andre, Jamal and Hakeem pick up the pieces from their battle with the Dubois family.
Director:Craig Brewer
Writer:Craig Brewer
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Director:Craig Brewer
Writer:Craig Brewer
0.0/10(0 votes)
#3 - Sweet Sorrow
S4:E124/11/2018
A Lyon health scare shakes up Empire, as Cookie holds down the fort, in spite of it all. Both Andre and Jamal try to right their wrongs, and Jamal makes a shocking revelation on live TV with Robin Roberts. Eager to take Empire to new heights, Eddie's motives are questioned when numbers don't add up. Meanwhile, Hakeem and Tiana find common ground and Becky reveals the secret she's been keeping from J. Poppa.
Director:Eric Haywood
Writers:Jamie Rosengard, Eric Haywood
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Director:Eric Haywood
Writers:Jamie Rosengard, Eric Haywood
0.0/10(0 votes)
#4 - Of Hardiness is Mother
S4:E134/18/2018
Although Lucious pressures Cookie to take it easy, she can't help but take matters into her own hands when she receives unsettling news about an old friend. Meanwhile, Tiana's new 20 for 20 single takes off, leading to an unexpected change in her demeanor. Also, Jamal struggles to rebrand his image, Hakeem adopts a new role as musical mentor and Andre recruits Lucious to help him uncover the truth about Eddie's intentions.
Director:Craig Brewer
Writers:Dianne Houston, Carlito Rodriguez
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Director:Craig Brewer
Writers:Dianne Houston, Carlito Rodriguez
0.0/10(0 votes)
#5 - A Lean and Hungry Look
S4:E155/2/2018
As Eddie fights for his place at Empire Entertainment and gets the board on his side, Lucious and Shine must find a permanent solution to keep him out. Meanwhile, Cookie is desperate to fulfill a promise to a friend before it's too late. Then, when tensions rise in Jamal and Tory's new band, Preacher Azal inspires Jamal with an idea to get everyone in sync.
Director:Bille Woodruff
Writers:Matt Pyken, Joshua Allen
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Director:Bille Woodruff
Writers:Matt Pyken, Joshua Allen
0.0/10(0 votes)
#6 - Fair Terms
S4:E165/9/2018
When Cookie finally visits her mother, the two must confront their complicated past. Meanwhile, Lucious and Eddie continue their fight over Empire and Eddie makes a power play at the grand opening of Empire's 20 for 20 showcase. Then, Jamal and his band anonymously release their latest single and Hakeem tests out a career in film.
Director:Jussie Smollett
Writers:Dianne Houston, Jamie Rosengard
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Director:Jussie Smollett
Writers:Dianne Houston, Jamie Rosengard

The 20 BEST Episodes of Empire

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#7 - Bloody Noses and Crack'd Crowns
S4:E175/16/2018
Cookie and Lucious fight to keep Empire in the family, as they prepare a livestream concert to crowdfund the amount needed to trump Eddie's plans. Meanwhile, the success of Jamal's new anonymous group climbs, Hakeem brings Haven to the showcase to make Tiana jealous, and Andre is put to the test and must decide between the family or his career.
Director:Howard Deutch
Writer:Carlito Rodriguez
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Director:Howard Deutch
Writer:Carlito Rodriguez
0.0/10(0 votes)
#8 - Pay for Their Presumptions
S5:E210/3/2018
Cookie and Lucious learn the difficulties of launching an artist without Empire Entertainment's resources, and their future with new artist Treasure is jeopardized. So when they receive two interesting offers that will launch them back into power in the music industry, they make a surprising decision. Meanwhile, Jamal decides to put his family first and move back to New York, leaving Kai with some tough decisions.
Director:John Krokidas
Writers:Yolonda E. Lawrence, Carlito Rodriguez
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Director:John Krokidas
Writers:Yolonda E. Lawrence, Carlito Rodriguez
0.0/10(0 votes)
#9 - Pride
S5:E310/10/2018
Cookie and Lucious push to get back in the music game, but they'll need the whole family and some old allies to make serious sacrifices in order to do so. Meanwhile, Andre finds a risky way to make a name for himself among his fellow inmates.
Director:Clement Virgo
Writers:Joshua Allen, Diane Ademu-John
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Director:Clement Virgo
Writers:Joshua Allen, Diane Ademu-John
0.0/10(0 votes)
#10 - What Is Done
S5:E611/7/2018
In an effort to sign more artists, Cookie and Lucious make a bet to see who can find someone first. While Lucious bets on the chance to meet an up and coming rapper in a high stakes poker game, Cookie takes to the streets to find untapped talent in a set of auditions. Meanwhile, Hakeem refuses to leave the studio when his rage inspires what he considers his best music yet and Jamal finds himself at a crossroads when Becky claims he's spending too much time with Kai.
Director:Jussie Smollett
Writers:Felicia D. Henderson, Thomas Westfall
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Director:Jussie Smollett
Writers:Felicia D. Henderson, Thomas Westfall
0.0/10(0 votes)
#11 - Treasons, Stratagems, and Spoils
S5:E711/14/2018
In an effort to bridge the gap between Lyon Family Management and Empire, Lucious must play nice with Jeff Kingsley, so that the two companies can get girl group TBD back on the map. Meanwhile, Jamal grows frustrated with Cookie when she tries to steal his London artist, Wynter, out from under him, Andre works with the mother of one of his old inmates to help free her innocent son and Cookie realizes her sister is in danger.
Director:Tamra Davis
Writers:Dianne Houston, Joshua Allen
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Director:Tamra Davis
Writers:Dianne Houston, Joshua Allen
0.0/10(0 votes)
#12 - Had It From My Father
S5:E912/5/2018
The financial security of the Lyon family is on the line as their LFM showcase quickly approaches. Kai's research for an expose on Empire uncovers some dirty activity within the company and causes conflict with Jamal. Meanwhile, Hakeem and Tiana finally reach an agreement on how best to move forward with their relationship, Andre struggles with his decision to let a new love interest in and Kingsley strikes a deal with Giselle.
Director:Sanaa Hamri
Writers:Carlito Rodriguez, Diane Ademu-John
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Director:Sanaa Hamri
Writers:Carlito Rodriguez, Diane Ademu-John
0.0/10(0 votes)
#13 - My Fault Is Past
S5:E103/13/2019
With the control of Empire within reach again, the Lyons must pull out all the stops to prove Lucious and Becky's innocence in the datamining scandal. Meanwhile, Cookie struggles with Lucious' past and Jeff Kingsley's place in it, Jamal and Kai try to figure out where they stand and a mystery begins to unravel.
Director:Michael Goi
Writers:Craig Brewer, Cameron Johnson
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Director:Michael Goi
Writers:Craig Brewer, Cameron Johnson
0.0/10(0 votes)
#14 - Shift and Save Yourself
S5:E123/27/2019
Cookie is offered a career game-changer that would put her future in the family business in jeopardy. Jamal works diligently to try to make Tiana and Treasure's track a success, as Lucious, Cookie and Giselle deliberate future plans for Hakeem and the rest of the artists at Empire. Meanwhile, the feds pressure Thirsty, due to his affiliation with Lucious and Damon Cross, and Andre receives startling news.
Director:Dianne Houston
Writers:Matt Pyken, Thomas Westfall
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Director:Dianne Houston
Writers:Matt Pyken, Thomas Westfall
0.0/10(0 votes)
#15 - Hot Blood, Hot Thoughts, Hot Deeds
S5:E134/3/2019
When Empire launches its national tour in Philly, things heat up and egos clash. Jamal and Kai's relationships gets complicated and Treasure has an embarrassing mishap on stage. Cookie tries to grapple with her feelings for Damon, while the Feds start investigating Empire.
Director:Gabourey Sidibe
Writers:Diane Ademu-John, Evan Price
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Director:Gabourey Sidibe
Writers:Diane Ademu-John, Evan Price
0.0/10(0 votes)
#16 - Without All Remedy
S5:E144/10/2019
After receiving news about Andre's health, the Lyon family does everything in its power to support him, while continuing the tour. As Cookie and Lucious hash out their wrongdoings, Kai comforts Jamal through this process. Meanwhile, Maya comes to terms with where she stands with Blake and the others, and the rest of Empire must make sure the tour stays afloat.
Director:Craig Brewer
Writer:Jamie Rosengard
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Director:Craig Brewer
Writer:Jamie Rosengard
0.0/10(0 votes)
#17 - A Wise Father That Knows His Own Child
S5:E154/17/2019
As the Feds close in on Empire, Jeff Kingsley seeks the truth about what really happened between Lucious and Tracy Kingsley. Meanwhile, Teri and the Lyons pray for Andre's health, and Cookie faces the truth about her relationship with Damon Cross. Jamal and Kai reach an understanding, while Hakeem attempts to figure out where he stands among his relationships.
Director:Dawn Wilkinson
Writers:Yolonda E. Lawrence, Carlito Rodriguez
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Director:Dawn Wilkinson
Writers:Yolonda E. Lawrence, Carlito Rodriguez
0.0/10(0 votes)
#18 - Never Doubt I Love
S5:E164/24/2019
It's a special day for Jamal and Kai, but drama might ruin it when AUSA's Meghan Conway continues to pursue the Lyons by any means necessary. Meanwhile, Damon shows up, threatening to expose Cookie's secret; Teri confides in Cookie, sharing a big secret; and Andre asks Lucious for help with a life-altering task.
Director:Darren Grant
Writers:Joshua Allen, Thomas Westfall
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Director:Darren Grant
Writers:Joshua Allen, Thomas Westfall
0.0/10(0 votes)
#19 - My Fate Cries Out
S5:E175/1/2019
Cookie gets picked up by AUSA Conway, while Lucious is visited by his past. Becky, Hakeem and Andre devise a plan to save Empire by putting on a show with special guests Sevyn Streeter and Ty Dolla $ign. Meanwhile, Andre helps Empire by getting help from the last person the Lyons expect and Cookie may never forgive Lucious for what he's done.
Director:Paul McCrane
Writers:Cameron Johnson, Janeika James, Jasheika James
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Director:Paul McCrane
Writers:Cameron Johnson, Janeika James, Jasheika James
1.0/10(1 votes)
#20 - Got on My Knees to Pray
S6:E210/1/2019
While Lucious is still on the run, Cookie confronts Damon about why he lied to her. Andre, who is dealing with his own personal trauma, is suddenly forced to grapple with an unforeseen family complication. Meanwhile, Becky and Giselle try to get the star power they need out of their first Bossy Media artist and Tiana tries to help Devon find his sound.
Director:Mario Van Peebles
Writers:Matt Pyken, Indira G. Wilson
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Director:Mario Van Peebles
Writers:Matt Pyken, Indira G. Wilson
1.0/10(1 votes)
#21 - You Broke Love
S6:E310/8/2019
While Lucious' plan to escape from the Feds finally comes to a head, Cookie finds herself in a dangerous situation with Damon. Andre is haunted by a ghost from his past that he can't seem to shake and Tiana receives backlash from fans over a social media post. Meanwhile, Becky tries her new artist on track and is surprised by an unexpected visit from family.
Director:Howard Deutch
Writers:Yolonda E. Lawrence, Marcus Guillory
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Director:Howard Deutch
Writers:Yolonda E. Lawrence, Marcus Guillory
1.0/10(1 votes)
#22 - Tell the Truth
S6:E410/15/2019
A happy family occasion brings the Lyon family back together, but it becomes apparent that no one seems to see eye-to-eye. Lucious, unhappy with how Empire and the Empire movie are progressing, springs into action and comes face-to-face with demons from his past. Meanwhile, Cookie reaches her breaking point and considers seeking help and Andre encourages Tiana to smooth over the controversy she created for the company.
Director:Bille Woodruff
Writers:Jamie Rosengard, Michael C. Martin
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Director:Bille Woodruff
Writers:Jamie Rosengard, Michael C. Martin
1.0/10(1 votes)
#23 - Stronger Than My Rival
S6:E511/5/2019
Lucious, still obsessed with his past, tries to make amends for his wrongdoings with an old friend. Cookie vies to take control of the house, putting the whole family in the middle. Andre and Lucious go head-to-head in a competition to figure out the direction Empire should be heading in. Meanwhile, Becky and Giselle are at odds over the future of Bossy music.
Director:Dawn Wilkinson
Writers:Janeika James, Jasheika James
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Director:Dawn Wilkinson
Writers:Janeika James, Jasheika James
1.0/10(1 votes)
#24 - Heart of Stone
S6:E611/12/2019
Candace and Carol take Cookie on a girls' trip to Miami to have some fun and take her mind off Lucious. After an unsettling visit with Leah, Lucious is left to deal with some inward self-reflection. Meanwhile, Andre makes a bold decision regarding Treasure's upcoming album and Giselle goes behind Becky's back to find Tiana a new audience.
Director:Sanaa Hamri
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Sanaa Hamri
Writer:Unknown
1.0/10(1 votes)
#25 - Good Enough
S6:E711/19/2019
After realizing that music is her real first love, Cookie makes moves to get back into the music world and offers to throw an event to gain exposure for Bossy Media. Meanwhile, Lucious tries to regain control of Empire by attempting to sabotage Andre’s vision for the company. Also, Hakeem feels threatened by DeVon’s strong bond with Prince and Bella.
Director:Gabourey Sidibe
Writers:Evan Price, Cameron Johnson
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Director:Gabourey Sidibe
Writers:Evan Price, Cameron Johnson

Worst Episodes Summary

"Slave to Memory" is the worst rated episode of "Empire". It scored /10 based on 0 votes. Directed by Sanaa Hamri and written by Dianne Houston, Joshua Allen, it aired on 12/13/2017. This episode scored 0.0 points lower than the second lowest rated, "Birds in the Cage".