Tonights episode opens with Lucious silently paying vigil next to a closed white casket.
As hes about to play the video again, Cookie appears.
Shes ticked at Lucious for missing a meeting about a possible judge role on aVoice-like singing competition.
Chuck Hodes/FOX
Look at our boy, Lucious says wistfully.
Youre telling me Keem wasnt meant to do this?
Yep, were in a time jump ladies and gentlemen.
Chuck Hodes/FOX
Andres gonna deliver, dont you worry about that, Cookie declares.
Turns out hes in maximum security prison serving time for Anikas murder.
And survive he has, cornering Eddies former money manager Steve over a game of chess.
EMPIRE: L-R: Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson in the “Steal From the Thief” Season Five premiere episode of EMPIRE airing Wednesday, September 26 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. @2018 Fox Broadcasting Co. CR: Chuck Hodes/FOX.Chuck Hodes/FOX
If he did, Steve would have the financial information Andre needs to reclaim his familys legacy.
And if he wasnt behind it?
Youre no use to me, and that is no good for you, Andre chillingly intones.
Hes concerned about what will happen if her ex-turned-current husband Eddie finds out about their affair.
Hes too busy test-driving hotel mattresses with his new assistant, Giselle says.
She makes it clear that once Eddie gets tired of running Empire, the company will be hers.
Blake then turns the gun on his father and kills him before joining Tiana at Hakeems aid.
When we next see Hakeem, hes undergoing physical therapy after losing part of a lung in the shooting.
Despite his physical uncertainty, Hakeem ultimately agrees to join Tiana for the performance.
Before Cookie can approach the woman, Porsha tells her theyre running late to the MVP Movie Awards.
However, the tension grows as Eddie and Lucious get closer to one another on the carpet.
When Giselle and Cookie cross paths at the bar, the shade flows like the wine in Cookies glass.
Of course, shes proven wrong immediately as Cookie spills her glass of red wine on Giselles dress.
When Eddie says they cant prove that he was skimming money, Cookie promises they have all the receipts.
We were brothers and you just flushed that all down the toilet, didnt you?
Lucious drawls as Eddies about to walk off.
Sit your ass down, both Lyons say at the same time.
As all this is going on in the audience, Best Original Song is being announced and Ibiza wins.
Eddie says repeatedly as he tells her the Lyons discovered his indiscretion.
Giselle implores him, saying she didnt work this hard just to lose everything.
Im sorry, she says quietly.
I cant help you anymore, Eddie.
(Meanwhile, hes just swigging cognac like its no big deal.)
With things now calm, Hakeem tells Tiana he needs space to get himself together.
Now sweatier than ever, Cookie and Lucious discuss Jamals idea about creating something new.
Broke aint never stopped us before, Cookie responds.
Old school with a new sound.
You trying to get me killed?
Andre wonders at this request.
She turns out to be a social worker named Treasure.
Im gonna change your life, Cookie tells her.
Meanwhile, Giselle is asked to become Empires interim CEO at Eddies funeral.
She immediately says yes, saying she cant think of a better way to continue his legacy.
And continue the legacy she does, dumping Eddies ashes in the sewer like a woman on a mission.
Back at the Lyon mansion, Cookie invites Treasure and her smarmy manager over to play for Lucious.
Seeing the state that his apartment and brother are in, Jamal wonders whats going on.
Ultimately, Jamal acknowledges that Hakeem has always been there for him and the two share a brotherly embrace.
The reluctance is clear in his eyes as the four Lyons toast to a new beginning.
May we rise, Lucious toasts; Like always, Cookie adds as the glasses clink.
We then cut back to the scene that opened this episode: Lucious paying vigil on the casket.
Im sorry, he whispers, and we fade to white after a truly hectic season premiere.
