The main character's backgrounds are rooted in long-standing black stereotypes (drug dealing hustlers from the hood, turned hip hop moguls), which is problematic if the show, boasting an almost all-black cast, is to be viewed as "the black experience." Unfortunately, in being one of the only serious television dramas centered fully around black lives, Empire's storyline can be misread as something universal. However, if viewed as situational the show breaks new ground on multiple levels.
First and foremost, the show offers relatively complex characters, who deal with various interpersonal relationships/conflicts, proving that black families are just as nuanced and complicated as any other race.
Second, the show flips the "token black" staple, by including a single white face, singer Elle Dallas, who just so happens to be played by rock legend Courtney Love.
Third, the show tackles homosexuality, both male and female, in the black community. While gay has become a staple as of late in with TV soap, it had yet to be dealt with in the context of black life, and, more specifically, the hip hop community, which is notoriously known for reinforcing homophobic views. Empire not only chooses to diverge from the stereotypes, offering a gay male who is both masculine and intelligent, but also confronts the hardships of rejection and identity crises in the face of homosexuality.
As a lover of music, Empire may not provides the most accurate depiction of the industry, but it does offer a substantial dose of superstar cameos from. As previously stated, Hole front-woman Courtney Love is on the show; Snoop Dogg and Mary J Blige are also set to make cameos, and rap legend Lil' Kim and singing sensation Mariah Carey have also been rumored to join the cast. So while not being the most intellectually advanced, lending itself to a younger audience, it also provides a nostalgic edge for the older generation.
All-in-all, the show is far from perfect. If you're looking for fun entertainment, I would definitely recommend. If depth or complexity is what you're going for, this is no "How to Get Away with Murder" or "Scandal." The plot is unrealistic and dumbed down. It's not painstakingly idiotic, but it doesn't require a single brain cell to follow along. Next to Viola Davis' Annalise Keating in the aforementioned "Murder," Taraji P Henson's Empire character, Cookie looks like a cardboard cutout - Cookie's a business saavy, witty, loving and devoted but she, as well as the rest of the characters, lacks true layers.
Empire's fun, mindless, and relatively politically correct fun. There isn't a dull moment. You won't be bored, but you won't be intellectually stimulated either. When one of the characters blasts President Obama, labeling him a "sellout," and the handling of that situation which follows, may spark off-air debate in with greater social implications, however offer little inherent substance.
First and foremost, the show offers relatively complex characters, who deal with various interpersonal relationships/conflicts, proving that black families are just as nuanced and complicated as any other race.
Second, the show flips the "token black" staple, by including a single white face, singer Elle Dallas, who just so happens to be played by rock legend Courtney Love.
Third, the show tackles homosexuality, both male and female, in the black community. While gay has become a staple as of late in with TV soap, it had yet to be dealt with in the context of black life, and, more specifically, the hip hop community, which is notoriously known for reinforcing homophobic views. Empire not only chooses to diverge from the stereotypes, offering a gay male who is both masculine and intelligent, but also confronts the hardships of rejection and identity crises in the face of homosexuality.
As a lover of music, Empire may not provides the most accurate depiction of the industry, but it does offer a substantial dose of superstar cameos from. As previously stated, Hole front-woman Courtney Love is on the show; Snoop Dogg and Mary J Blige are also set to make cameos, and rap legend Lil' Kim and singing sensation Mariah Carey have also been rumored to join the cast. So while not being the most intellectually advanced, lending itself to a younger audience, it also provides a nostalgic edge for the older generation.
All-in-all, the show is far from perfect. If you're looking for fun entertainment, I would definitely recommend. If depth or complexity is what you're going for, this is no "How to Get Away with Murder" or "Scandal." The plot is unrealistic and dumbed down. It's not painstakingly idiotic, but it doesn't require a single brain cell to follow along. Next to Viola Davis' Annalise Keating in the aforementioned "Murder," Taraji P Henson's Empire character, Cookie looks like a cardboard cutout - Cookie's a business saavy, witty, loving and devoted but she, as well as the rest of the characters, lacks true layers.
Empire's fun, mindless, and relatively politically correct fun. There isn't a dull moment. You won't be bored, but you won't be intellectually stimulated either. When one of the characters blasts President Obama, labeling him a "sellout," and the handling of that situation which follows, may spark off-air debate in with greater social implications, however offer little inherent substance.