Its the first episode sinceall 16 felony charges posed against actor Jussie Smollett were droppedand his record was cleared.

The news, which came Tuesday morning, has sparked speculation and celebration and possibly reconsideration?

Now that hes been exonerated, could he be reclaiming his time?

empire-3-2000

Credit: Chuck Hodes/FOX

Cookie elects to handle Giseles attitude.

Lucious is still without his Empire and Gisele and Cookie are still exchanging insults.

Ah, the way we were.

As far as hes concerned, shes already a star.

What can this agent offer that she doesnt already have?

Cookie tries to make excuses for her husband, but Gisele doesnt want to hear it.

Shes gone above their heads and asked Kelly to come back her up.

Thurston is still taking the FBI agent down memory lane.

Their attorney-client relationship is characterized by Damons intimidation and Thurstons fear.

In the studio at Empire, Treasure and Tiana are too busy fighting to lay down any music.

He feels that the company owes fans of Empire a show of gratitude and good faith.

Kelly is immediately against the idea, but for some reason, Gisele is now on board.

Math certainly isnt my best subject, but none of this is adding up.

Thurston manages to convince the FBI that he isnt in as deep with Damon and Lucious as they suspect.

Hes just a middleman masquerading as a tough guy to impress his girl.

They let him go, but that in no way means their investigation is over.

They seem very determined to take down the Lyon family in particular one way or another.

When Damon is satisfied that Thurston didnt say anything he wasnt supposed to, he lets Vera go.

Hes diagnosed with Stage 4 Lymphatic Cancer.

Did the news of Andres cancer break your heart?

Does Damon Cross smile also make your skin crawl?