The Best Episodes Written By Matt Pyken

Episode Rankings

1. #1 Fan Favorite
   

   10.0/10(1 votes)

   #1 - Love All, Trust a Few

   S5:E410/17/2018

   The Lyon family works to get back in their groove with a brand-new project underway. As Cookie and Portia attempt to sign Devon, who has just the sound they're looking for, Andre tries to prove himself useful to Lucious on the business side of things. Not having heard from Kai, Jamal panics and looks back at their history together. At Empire, the new management entangles itself with a dangerous tie from the Lyon family's past.

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   Writer:Matt Pyken

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2. 

   10.0/10(1 votes)

   #2 - Without Apology

   S4:E114/4/2018

   On the brink of a lucrative tech deal, Eddie realizes that he must work on rebranding Empire. Cookie springs into action when a girl group from the past re-unites and threatens to expose secrets about Empire and Lucious. Meanwhile, Hakeem makes a major move with Tiana, Andre continues to struggle with his guilt and Becky is faced with a difficult situation.

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   Writer:Matt Pyken

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3. 

   10.0/10(1 votes)

   #3 - The Lady Doth Protest

   S4:E711/29/2017

   Production comes to a halt on Empire's 20-For-20 when Calvin and Portia, feeling overworked by their new producer, Eddie Barker, call for a strike, leaving Cookie to find a solution to the issue. In an attempt to prove that he can still be the man he was before the explosion, Lucious arranges a deal on Hakeem's behalf, not knowing the repercussions that could follow. Meanwhile, love is in the air for Jamal and Andre, who each express their feelings for their significant others, not knowing the secrets that are being kept from them.

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   Writer:Matt Pyken

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4. 

   9.0/10(4 votes)

   #4 - Mixed Blessings

   S2:E62/10/2002

   Justin and Brian negotiate their relationship – it's not like your parents! Ted's new business flourishes thanks to Emmett. Could one of Michael's first customers turn out to be the love of his life? Lindsay can't stand Ted's dirty little business. Melanie shares a dirty little secret of her own.

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Matt Pyken

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5. 

   8.8/10(4 votes)

   #5 - Sick, Sick, Sick

   S2:E186/2/2002

   Michael's worst fears come true when Ben is hospitalized. Justin wishes Brian was more romantic – like Ethan. Emmett considers a million-dollar offer to keep his relationship with George a secret.

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   Writer:Matt Pyken

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6. 

   8.7/10(3 votes)

   #6 - Strange Bedfellows

   S3:E124/5/2017

   Angelo makes an unsettling discovery and is concerned that Cookie's past isn't in the past and will hurt his chances of becoming the Mayor. Anika is faced with a life-changing decision after Tariq reveals what he is really after. Meanwhile, Hakeem's 21st birthday party takes an unexpected turn.

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   Writer:Matt Pyken

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7. 

   8.5/10(4 votes)

   #7 - Priorities, Please! (Beat the Time)

   S2:E103/17/2002

   Michael mourns the death of his comic book hero, Captain Astro, while Debbie finds a real life murder victim behind the diner. Emmett helps George to enjoy himself. Melanie & Lindsay are inspired by the contents of Lindsay's Granny Faye's secret letters.

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   Writer:Matt Pyken

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8. 

   8.5/10(4 votes)

   #8 - The Dangers of Sex and Drugs

   S2:E144/28/2002

   Justin's making too much money as a go-go dancer to care about his suffering schoolwork. George offers to take Emmett on a world tour! Detective Carl Horvath returns to the diner, to ask Debbie out on a date.

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   Writer:Matt Pyken

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9. 

   8.2/10(6 votes)

   #9 - Missing

   S1:E131/26/2010

   The team rushes to a crime scene after receiving an "agent needs assistance" page and learns that one of their own is in peril.

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   Writer:Matt Pyken

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10. 

    8.0/10(5 votes)

    #10 - Hand-to-Hand

    S1:E194/6/2010

    When an undercover operation has the NCIS team investigating a MMA gym and its fighters, Sam Hanna is tasked with donning gloves and entering the cage for a one-on-one fight.

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    Writer:Matt Pyken

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11. 

    7.8/10(21 votes)

    #11 - The Dead Pool

    S3:E214/11/2011

    When a champion swimmer and Olympic hopeful is found dead in a training pool, Castle & Beckett dive in to investigate his murder, and uncover myriad secrets that might have led to his death.

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    Writer:Matt Pyken

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12. 

    7.6/10(21 votes)

    #12 - Murder Most Fowl

    S3:E811/8/2010

    Castle and Beckett investigate the murder of an NYC subway worker found shot in Central Park. But, while investigating the murder they uncover the abduction of a young boy as well. The team must determine the motives behind the high stakes kidnapping in order to save the young boy's life.

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    Writer:Matt Pyken

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13. 

    7.3/10(7 votes)

    #13 - Keepin' It Real

    S1:E611/3/2009

    The NCIS team must find a motive when they discover the body of a marine who had been living a double life as a wealthy bachelor.

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    Writer:Matt Pyken

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14. 

    7.3/10(3 votes)

    #14 - Knight and the City

    S1:E162/18/2009

    During his "decompression" time, Mike visits an old hangout---Sonny's Bar---and helps the new proprietress restore the joint to its original glory. But Mike must square off against a mysterious someone who wants the bar sold, and that person may resort to arson to fulfill that desire.

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Matt Pyken

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15. 

    7.2/10(8 votes)

    #15 - Cupid Kills

    S3:E410/12/2016

    Things heat up between Cookie and Angelo, so Lucious finally recognizes Angelo as a formidable rival and prepares to take him on. Meanwhile, Jamal is finally able to face Freda Gatz, a big first step on his journey to recovery. Also, Anika goes back to work at Empire and instantly causes turmoil, while Hakeem starts falling for Nessa, even though she might be into a different Lyon.

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    Writer:Matt Pyken

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16. 

    7.0/10(1 votes)

    #16 - Evil Manners

    S4:E310/11/2017

    When Cookie is denied a line of credit, she flashes back to her years in prison and compares her past struggles to her life now. Lucious continues to struggle with demons of his own and begs his family to tell him about the ways he's wronged them, but they are reluctant to tell him the truth. Meanwhile, the NYPD is still on Andre's case about the events that transpired in Vegas and one officer in particular catches his eye.

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    Writer:Matt Pyken

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17. 

    6.3/10(3 votes)

    #17 - Knight of the Zodiac

    S1:E811/19/2008

    Billy tags along with Mike as he heads to Vegas on a mission to stop a money laundering ring, and Billy has his eye on finding romance along the way. Meanwhile, The KITT cave is assessed and also locks horns with an old nemesis, Dr. Graiman.

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    Writer:Matt Pyken

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18. 

    6.3/10(3 votes)

    #18 - Knight Fever

    S1:E912/31/2008

    The world is in jeopardy when a devastating computer virus is released. With Kitt infected by the bug, it may mean the ultimate stall out. Elsewhere, Mike becomes jealous when Sarah and her ex-beau reconnect.

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    Writer:Matt Pyken

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19. 

    6.1/10(11 votes)

    #19 - A Furnace For Your Foe

    S3:E912/14/2016

    Cookie attempts to help Angelo appeal to the masses and win the mayoral bid, by hosting a free park concert. Meanwhile, the FBI continues to investigate Lucious and freezes all of Empire's assets, which has major repercussions.

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    Writer:Matt Pyken

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20. 

    6.0/10(6 votes)

    #20 - Bowling for Equality

    S2:E196/9/2002

    Michael is tempted to expose Justin's affair with Ethan to Brian. Ted's become immune to porn. Melanie and Lindsay ask Leda to leave. Bowling Showdown: Cops vs. Queers!

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    Writer:Matt Pyken

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21. 

    3.0/10(1 votes)

    #21 - Master of What Is Mine Own

    S5:E811/28/2018

    The cost of running Lyon Family Management starts to put pressure on Cookie and Lucious' relationship. When Kingsley pulls a power move of his own that has major financial repercussions for Lucious, Cookie thinks back to their early struggles. Kai becomes upset when Jamal announces their engagement on live TV and Tiana hits a crossroad with Hakeem, who refuses to set aside his beef with Blake. Meanwhile, Candace becomes vindictive after feeling betrayed by Cookie and Giselle uncovers a key to her future.

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    Writer:Matt Pyken

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22. 

    1.0/10(1 votes)

    #22 - Home Is on the Way

    S6:E184/21/2020

    In the midst of the Bossyfest launch and the fight to regain control of Empire, Cookie reflects on her life and the woman she has become. Lucious finds it impossible to deny his feelings for Cookie, while continuing to support Yana and her rise to stardom. When the Lyons face their biggest threat yet, Lucious prepares for the battle of his life and realizes that in the end, family is what matters the most.

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Matt Pyken

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23. 

    1.0/10(1 votes)

    #23 - Love Me Still

    S6:E153/31/2020

    As their wedding day arrives, Teri's fears concerning Andre's temper continue to surface. Meanwhile, Cookie finds a shocking discovery while digging into Bossy's finances, which leads to a heated confrontation with Giselle. Then, Yana starts to fall for Lucious again and Maya sets her sights on Hakeem,

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    Writer:Matt Pyken

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24. 

    1.0/10(1 votes)

    #24 - Remember the Music

    S6:E912/3/2019

    Hakeem raises concerns over Lucious’ changes to the Empire movie script, causing Lucious and Cookie to come together to recount the events that lead to the evolution of Empire. Andre turns to Kelly Patel to help him gain controlling interest in the company, as Teri grows increasingly suspicious of Andre’s role in signing Prophet the Poet. Meanwhile, Bossy Media considers taking on a silent partner to help with their financial issues and Philly Street confronts Lucious about the info he received from White Tracy.

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    Writer:Matt Pyken

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25. 

    1.0/10(1 votes)

    #25 - 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.

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    Writer:Matt Pyken

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