‘Empire’: what to expect ahead of Season 3’s premiere

(Terrance Howard and Taraji P. Henson/FOX)

“Empire’s” Season 3 premiere is tonight and here’s a recap to get you all caught up and some previews to let you know what to expect ahead of the premiere.

When Season 2 ended, there was so much going on. The Lyons boys were having a rough night. Jamal (Jussie Smollett) was still recovering from being shot and Hakeem (had just been left at the alter after Shine (new series regular Alvin Nathaniel Joiner, aka Xzibit) and his entourage crashed the wedding.

 Elsewhere, Rhonda and Anika were on the balcony having a good old-fashioned cat fight after Rhonda suspected and confirmed that Anika (Grace Gealey) was the one who pushed Rhonda (Kaitlin Doubleday) down the stairs causing her to lose her child with Andre.

Their parents were having a rough time of it as well. Luscious (Terrance Howard) had just found out that he had a brother, Tariq (Morocco Omari), the federal officer who is on a mission to take him down once and for all.

And Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) was upset with Luscious when he made the decision to marry Anika just as the Feds were coming after her to tell all that she knew of Luscious’ dealings.

TVMusic Network got a chance to see the explosive episode, entitled “Light in Darkness” and here’s what you can expect.

Someone Dies

With the show ending on the biggest cliffhanger ever, we find out right away who didn’t survive the nasty fall – Anika or Rhonda and the aftermath plays all throughout the episode.

New music and new artists

Since Empire is a record company, you can expect plenty of music. A new singer comes into the forefront – Nessa, played by R&B artist Sierra McClain. Nessa is a protégé of Luscious’ arch rival “Shine” played by Xhibit. Nessa is sure will mix it up with Hakeem based on their first meeting. Label mate, Tiana (Serayah), is not going to like the competition – for Hakeem’s attention and for the music spotlight.

Young Cookie and Young Luscious

We get to see how these two characters met through a series of flashbacks giving us insight into who they were then that led then to the people they are today.

Family Ties

Tarik gets to know the family when he is invited for dinner but are his motives in the interest of brotherly love or is he hoping to finally make an arrest. 

Catch the season premiere of “Empire” Wednesday, September 21 at 9:00 p.m. on NBC.