But Foxs hit series returns Wednesday with its midseason premiere, the first of season 5s final nine episodes.

Kelsey) announced to the Lyons and the world that hes Lucious illegitimate son.

Youre on set as we speak, so whats the mood been like?

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Credit: Chuck Hodes/FOX

Everyone is really focused on getting these episodes done, despite everything that is going on around us.

But, luckily, we have such a strong ensemble and so many stories to tell.

Where does all of this stand now?

And its too early to think about what we would have to do if we didnt have Jussie.

She asks if Lucious is down for that and he says that he is.

While I anticipate Andre and Hakeem (Bryshere Y. Theyve got to treat him differently because its almost like an enemy within.

And is Jamal tired of apologizing for being a Lyon?

So that scene we saw of Andre flatlining is very close to our finale episode.

So youve officially locked in on the final unlucky candidate?Exactly.

Because its not a coffin for two [laughs].

You have the Empire, but at what cost?

Because while the Empire is often a wonderfully great thing, for some its also sort of poisonous.

And what we will also see is the boys becoming men and creating families of their own.

I know that the connection and studio is really happy with what weve done creatively this season.

All the indications I have are that we will be.

Empirereturns Wednesday at 8 p.m.