EMPIRE STRIKES BLACK

“Whoever controls the media, the images, controls the culture.”

Allen Ginsberg

I have a few thoughts on the Fox season premiere of Empire, starring Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson. 

For starters, I am really happy that scripted series (in general) have seemingly taken back the reigns from Reality TV.  After all, there are few things in life further from reality than Realty TV.  I challenge you to find any love or Hip Hop in Love and Hip Hop. Naturally, there is room for it all, but in recent years it seems like the tomfoolery is running unopposed.  It’s clear (to me) that the Writers Guild of America strike (in 2007-’08) probably had the greatest impact on American television since the launch of cable TV.  Nothing like a good boycott to bring a reality check to a plastic entity.

Here’s the Half Full Side

For the most part it’s always good to see people of color working in this industry—especially when you consider most of America is more Des Moines than New York, L.A., Detroit, Chicago or Atlanta.  So having a predominately black cast on broadcast television in prime time is certainly worth noting, no matter how low a bar.  Now we know Empire won’t have the television impact of (say… a.. Cosby Show, but…, hey, unless you are one of Bill’s attorneys you probably wouldn't want that type of association anyway.

  

Here’s the Half Empty Side:

Did we really need a TV version of Hustle and Flow, meets Baby Boy in South Central?   Granted this series has a more plausible plot than the last time Howard and Henson locked lips and glock on TV.  And, a better storyline is saying alittle something since I am about as big of fan of the show’s producer, Lee Daniels as I am of: potholes, red lights and cold toilet seats—I would rather avoid them but I deal with them when I have to. 

The high-profile peek into the record label “empire” has a bit of intrigue, but the storyline seems almost as typical of the cast themselves.  Taraji P. is not-so slowing becoming THAT neck-rolling, gum-poppin' loud-mouth, fast-talking chick that every man dreams of smashing then dashing.  Howard is an above-average talent and his flair shines in this "Belly" of a storyline.

If you like mainstream (Timbaland-induced) RAP music (and I stress rap music), shiny P. Diddy-eqque suits and sitting at the bar, popping bottles in your typical urban filled night spots this will be appointment viewing for you. The rest of us should wait for the book. Now there are some decent acting from Jussie Smollett, Trai Byers and a cool showing from the not-so-newcomer like, Gabourey Sidibe—who isn’t a bad actress.  And, honestly..., what would a black nighttime drama be without Malik Yoba?

Overall, I give it a C- mainly because I like black people FAR more than I like the low standards Hollywood holds us to.

    

1 love,

Ray Lewis