Empire (2015–…): Season 6, Episode 5 - Stronger Than My Rival - full transcript

Previously on Empire...

It fits you, but remember,
I'm back now.

We need you to make
a public statement

clarifying what you said
about abortion.

We don't need the

I was pretty clear.

I'm a Bossy lady now.

You signed her
behind my back.

Philly Street used to be hot
back in the day.

He's a nobody.

Philly Street.



I heard you've been talking
about me.

Therapy's for white people,
girl.

You need to deal with this
before you get fired.

I can't sleep.

Why can't I sleep?

Ain't nothing in this world

I haven't
fought long and hard for

My freedom, my family,
my life.

Never in a million years
did I think

it would end like this.

Boy, did I underestimate
your weak ass.

What I wouldn't give to see

your beautiful smile again,
baby.

I am so sorry I let that
lying bitch steal your heart.



Cookie stole everything
from me.

Everything.

I promise you, my darling,

I will take back what's mine.

Uh...

Lucious,
what are you doing in here?

This is the master bedroom,
and I'm the master.

Fine.

I thought you was comfortable
over there in the guest wing.

You've been hiding out
over there for days.

Okay, now, why is my stuff
in these cheap-ass boxes?

'Cause I'm moving back
into my bedroom,

and I want you out of here
by the end of the night.

You can move into any room that
makes you feel comfortable.

You can be the guest.

You must be out
of your damn mind.

No, I'm tired of living
in my house like I'm a guest.

Why are you coming at me
like this, Lucious?

You know why I'm coming at you!

You betrayed me.

When I was good to you,
you lied to me.

Negro, I have forgiven you
a million times

for your dirty,
little filthy lies,

and you can't forgive me
for once?

'Cause you don't deserve it.

You humiliated me by confiding
in that son of a bitch Damon.

Damon held me hostage,
and shot me because of you.

No, because of you.

Juanita!

I got research for my show,

and I have a fundraiser
to host.

-I don't have time for this BS.
Do me a favor.

Have the movers
move these boxes

into whatever room
Cookie wants.

Juanita, ignore him.
He's on his period.

Why don't y'all just call me
when you've made up your mind

about what you
really want to do?

Nobody asked for

Nobody
asked you nothing, Juanita.

Thank you.
Bye-bye.

That one-legged fool
holds grudges like a toddler.

Hmm.

You talked a great deal
about Lucious.

So, if Lucious is,
in your words,

the problem,
why are you fighting so hard

to stay in the house with him?

Well, because Empire
built that house.

Damn right.

And I built Empire,
so that makes it my damn house.

And Andre is there
with my new grandbaby,

and I'm not going nowhere
this time.

That's the family house,
and I shouldn't have to leave.

Nope, not this time.
Mm-mm.

So, it's not Lucious
that's keeping you there?

No.

I didn't miss his ass
when he was gone.

You know, when we were young,
my sister Carol brought home

this little mangy lost dog,

and that little thing just,
"Yap, yap, yap, yap."

I justand he had nasty fur

that he got
all over everything.

And when his owner
finally came and got him,

I kind of missed him.

You know, like that.

Okay, so you're
comparing your husband,

the man you married twice,
the father of your children

with whom you built Empire

to a mangy dog?

And I'm being nice.

But see, you would understand
if you met him.

Okay.

Let's discuss setting up

some clear
and healthy boundaries

while you and
your mangy dog...

Mm-hmm.

Are under the same roof.

Philly Street.

How you doing, brother?

Huh.

You kicked me
out of your movie.

Now you come all the way
down here to rub it in my face?

No, you just popped up
out of the middle of nowhere.

What was that about?

Everybody knows there
wouldn't be no Lucious Lyon

if it wasn't for Philly Street.

Oh, you think so, huh?

Oh, I know so.

Now I'm spitting with you.

Lucious, I was locked up
for a dub.

I been let that go.

But this movie,
that's your job, man.

Do whatever the hell
you choose.

But I am honored
that you took the time

to come down and see me.

Ain't you full of surprises,
man?

I thought I was gonna
come down here;

you'd be all

Bent out of shape,

'cause you blew up
when I was locked up?

Hell no.

I meant no disrespect, man.

It's just this is
the Lucious Lyon legacy.

Philly Street deserves
his own damn movie, man.

Nah.

Lucious, there's not one day
that I don't regret

laying that boy Khalil down
for robbing me.

He got me for a mil.

But, man, if I wouldn't have
picked up that gun

and pulled that trigger,

I could have got that back!

Lucious, I could have
got that back 100 times.

That's on me.

Look here, man.

I want you to come
by the studio.

And you and me,
we gonna chop it up

in front of them boards
the way we should have done

a long time ago.

-For real?
-Real talk.

Thank you, man.

You're welcome.

Tiana's departure hurts,

but it also affords us
new opportunities.

We need to fast track
Treasure's album.

She's poised to be an
even bigger star than Tiana.

Wait, Treasure ain't no way
near ready.

We still have a few tracks
to record.

Let's get her in the studio
today and knock it out.

Wait, hold on.

Forgive me for interrupting,
son,

but why have we moved up
Treasure's release date?

Jamal's in London,
and Hakeem is filming.

But to the audience,

that's gonna look like
we replaced

our most beloved female artist

with just
another female artist.

Looking at the marketplace

and our competitor's
release schedule, Pop,

well, this is the best move.

No, no, no, no.

We never go chasing
after competitors.

We lead the pack.

What we need to do is
go with Devon, something new.

Um, everybody take ten, please.

Empire is breaking records
worldwide

and on my watch, okay?

So, you can trust me.

No, no, I know,
and I'm so proud

of how you've led this company
while I was gone.

I appreciate that Pop, okay?

But Treasure has
a massive following.

There's no controversy
surrounding her.

Her metrics mirror Tiana's.

Metrics, metrics.

My God,
you sound like Kingsley.

I mean, I taught you
better than that.

Look, why don't we have
a little contest?

Now, we'll have
Treasure and Devon

both record the same single,

and we'll put it out
and see what the fans like.

So whoever gets
the most streams,

gets Tiana's release date?

That is if you're up for
a little father-son challenge.

Always.

Bossy is bold.

It's bracing.
It's badass.

It's a brave new venture.

It's truly a first
for women in music.

Bossy is bank,
which is why I'm proud to say

Bossy Media is
my brand-new home.

Tiana is a phenomenal talent.

We are proud to have
this iconic female artist

as our premiere act.

Lala is her name,

Our debut artist
who's unlike anything

you've ever heard.

She's fresh talent
who allows Bossy

to curate our own stage.

So watch out, world.

"Bad or Bossy"?

-What the hell is this?
-Just...

turn it off, please.

How did an exclusive
turn into a bashing?

Well, actually,
I really blame them,

the way you out here
trotting around Empire's ex

as if we're breaking
brand-new ground.

Becky, we talked about this.

Tiana was the get we needed
to kick our girl-boss goals

into high gear.

It is not a good look
when the two women in charge

aren't on the same page.

Oh, okay,
then won't you tell me

what is a good look, then, sis?

Because it certainly is not
the cover art that you chose

for Lala's album.

Well, it definitely isn't
those three interns you hired

who work about as hard
as Lala sings.

All right, I'm gonna take
an early lunch.

Come on.

What are you doing,
running away?

-We have to talk this out.
Uh-uh.

I need to go before I say
something disrespectful

to my elders.

Elders?
Really, sis?

So, what do you think?

Yours to record,
a bona fide Empire hit.

Yeah, written for Tiana, right?

I'd like you to record this
as your first single.

I don't wanna clout chase
off of her leftovers.

I'm my own artist.

And an incredible one.

Which is Empire is prepared
to put all resources

behind your debut.

A hit single,
appearances, promotions...

It's because you can do
with this song

what Tiana couldn't.

You can elevate it.

I just wanna elevate music
that tells my story

and my sound, you know?

I want that for you too,
which is also why

I've already set up
your session.

The sooner you record,

the sooner
your album's released.

Porsha's waiting for you
in studio three.

Oh, I'm not done here.

Yeah, but he is.

Hey, Juanita.
Ooh, that look good.

Hi, Ms. Cookie.

Uh, Juanita...

Yes?

What the hell is this?

Mr. Lucious said
anything with his name on it

was off limits,

and he left
very strict instructions.

The horseradish?

He's so petty.

You can tell Mr. Lucious

that he can kiss my black ass.

Is everything all right,
Cookie?

Ooh!

Everything is perfect

now that
my little angel is here.

Walker is getting ready
for his first wellness checkup.

Oh.

Have you seen Andre?

He was supposed to meet us here
and he's late.

Oh, you know that boy.

He's probably already
at the doctor's office

waiting for y'all.

If you hear from him,
tell him that we had to go.

Okay.

Uh, really, Juanita,
right in my face?

Well, Mr. Lucious said

that Teri and Walker were
on his list.

Oh, you finna end up
on my list.

You his hitman now?

I'm sorry, Cookie.
That's...

Let's just hope Andre
didn't get petty

from his father.

He already got cranever mind.

Have a good day.

-Thank you, Cookie.
Mm-hmm.

Okay, that's hot.

Turn it up
just a little bit more.

I got you, mommy.
I got you.

Cut, cut.
I'm sorry.

I'm not feeling
this whack-ass track.

Here we go.

Can you give us a sec?

Not a problem.

-You know what I'm not feeling?

Your whack-ass attitude.

But guess what.
I'm here anyway.

You wanna know why?

Because I got a lot to prove
as a new A&R.

Okay, and I have a lot to prove
as a new artist.

Keep playing with Andre,
and he gonna cancel

the both of our asses.

Porsha, listen.

All I'm trying to say is that

when the fans hear this song,

they're gonna know that Empire
just threw me

one of Tiana's tracks,
because she flew the coop.

And that's not okay.

It's creative suicide.

Then breathe some life
into this joint.

I can play with the track,
throw some bass on it,

and you can make it your own.

Okay.

-Okay?
-Yeah.

Glad you could make it.

What else did I have to do?

Oh, that boy phenomenal.

Where'd you find him?

Actually, in a junkyard.

Have a seat, man.

Man, it's been a while

since I've been in a lab.

I can't lie.
I miss it.

Yo, why don't you throw
some harmonies on that junk?

Why don't you do it?

Seriously?

Absolutely.

Youngblood could use
a little old school,

don't you think?

Yeah.

And if it works out,

I always could use
another hit-maker on the squad.

Now, I'm sure you guys can
all agree

we've just witnessed
another Empire classic

in the making.

So let's get this

Just dump it right there
on the table, fellas,

right in the middle.

-Hello, everybody!
-Wait, what are you doing?

Christmas has come early.

You get a Gucci.
You got Prada, girl!

Take your pick.
There's Gucci.

Oh, baby, that'll look good
on you, honey.

-Go ahead, make yourself...
-Everybody, out, out.

-Everybody, out right now.
Okay, everybody, out.

Out!

"Everybody out."

Why didn't you take them
Gucci shoes?

They match your jacket.

Have you lost your damn mind?

I might have.

You don't want my stuff
in the house, Lucious,

so I figured your stuff
is better off here

in your Empire.

Let me tell you something,
Lucious.

You don't wanna feel like
a stranger in our house.

That's fine,
but I will be damned

if I'm made to feel like
I don't belong there.

Now, pick up your peg leg
and match your suit,

you damn pirate.

What gives?

Apparently, you do.

A lot,
according to Hey Girl Hey.

"Devon 'swangs'
that 'thang'"?

I don't even get down
like that.

You rocking and knocking
somebody boots up in here.

And it's not your girl Tiana,
so...

Wait, hold up.

That's notthat's not even me.

Okay.

I'm not mad if it is.
Are you, sis?

No, not at all.

I mean, Tiana might be,
but I'm good.

I don't get how a video of me
goes viral,

and it's not even me.

Listen,
you just gotta understand

that nobody in this room
is above a little controversy.

I swear on my life.

I don't need to pimp my junk
to sell records.

My music speaks for itself.

One would hope.

I've got the head of tech

working overtime
trying to figure out

who's behind this whole thing,
and I bet you

it's some little kid
up in Russia

doing the whole damn thing.

But Publicity has put out
a statement.

All you need to do is just keep
working on your music,

and this whole thing
is gonna blow over.

-I promise you.
-Of course.

-Just fix it.
-I will.

You'll be all right, man.
I been through worse.

So, the Russians are
not only trying

to undermine our democracy;
they're trying to derail Devon?

Well, if the goal was
to derail Devon,

they have failed miserably,

because he's about to become
a household name

and his single...

it's already breaking
the Top 10 as we speak.

How's your Treasure doing?

Hmm.

"Visuge" steaming, Cookie,
really?

All right, sis,
we really could have

rescheduled
the fundraiser meeting.

Okay, look, both of y'all.

I said that I have research
for hot topics, okay,

while we finalize
the fundraising details,

all right?

Don't burn out on me now.

No, it's kind of hard
to do that

when you feel like you got
fire up your coo

Ooh.

-Ooh.

I mean, sis, she getting
real ready down there.

You sure you're not prepping

for a little Tea Talk
with Lucious?

Ooh.
-Child, please.

Me and that man haven't
two-stepped to the same beat

in...in a minute

Anyway, he won't forgive me,
so...

Shouldn't he be seeking
forgiveness

for what he put you through?

Hmm?

Yeah, well,
my therapist said...

Excuse you.

Therapist?

Yes, I'm seeing a therapist,
bitches.

But, sis, you dumped Lucious'
clothes all over Empire.

I'm not too sure
the therapy is working.

It is called setting
healthy boundaries, okay?

I'm not so sure that's what
your therapist meant.

You need to take time
for yourself.

Stop working so hard,

and get out of that vicious
cycle with Lucious.

Hmm.

Sis,
the cycle is called marriage,

and it wouldn't be so vicious
if she would just admit

she wants Lucious back.

You know the man loves
her dirty drawers

no matter how much he acts out.

But it's not healthy.

All of this back-and-forth,

it's like their twisted version
of foreplay.

Why are y'all two
sitting up here,

talking about me
like I'm not in the room?

Well.

All I got to say, sis,
is you need to kick back

and enjoy the steam,

because that girl is about to
go on a bumpy-ass ride.

Mm.

-You still a slut.

Ain't this a bitch.

There ain't nothing sweet
in this damn house.

Walker's breast milk is
probably not the answer

you're looking for.

Um...you might try being

a little sweeter to Cookie.

I promise you, darling,

this is not a fight
that you wanna pick sides with.

Please, that's the last thing
I wanna do.

Now, she'd never admit this
to you,

but she missed you,
everybody did,

especially Andre.

And then you came back
like a tornado.

I...I wasn't expecting that.

Welcome to the Lyon pride.

You know, Quincy's father was
a lot like you.

He was headstrong,
yet sensitive.

When he was hurt,
instead of talking to me,

he lashed out.

And he didn't mean to,
but he drove me away.

Teri...

I firmly believe
that Andre lucked out with you.

Oh.

But unlike Quincy's father,

I'm one of a kind.

Cookie,
thoughts on the Yoni craze?

Well, this hot girl
likes to keep it cool

down under in the summer,
honey.

So all you girls out there
trying to sell

this Yoni steam dream,
it was a nightmare, honey.

Can we please say a prayer

for the real hot girl

who's not having
such a hot time right now

My new fav, Tiana?

I mean, between the Left
terrorizing her

and this R&B star
who is cheating on her

in a video that I cannot
take my eyes off of...

Oh.

So, let me
get this straight.

So, you can do without
black people,

but it's okay for you
to fantasize

over the big, black

I hear that we have
a very special guest

that's here to clear up
the Devon sex tape controversy.

Oh, very special.

Please welcome to Tea Talk
the founder of Empire,

the legend himself,
Lucious Lyon!

Morning, ladies.

I love you, Lucious!

How y'all doing?

Okay, let's get onto
our next hot chocolateum,

topic of the day,
and that is this sex tape.

Is it a win for Devon?

Um, what's a win for Devon
is this new single.

It's an absolute win
for his fans.

Well, I think it's a shame
that that boy's talent is being

overshadowed by his pistol.

And it does cast
quite a shadow.

When he say it's not him,
I believe it's not him.

Okay, well, then,
that makes me wonder

who faked the video.

Devon, baby,
if you're out there watching,

you may wanna reconsider
the record company you keep.

Speaking of company, Lucious,

how is losing Tiana
affecting Empire?

Artists do come and go
from labels.

Oh, oh, no, no,
not superstars.

See, Empire's loss is
definitely Bossy Media's gain.

Oh!

They are also a sponsor

for the Cookie Lyon
Community Center Fundraiser

I'm having this weekend.

Yes!

And I'm gonna stream live
nationwide.

And I still haven't received
my invitation yet.

Yes, and I'm waiting
for your donation.

But I bought the damn place,
and without me,

you wouldn't even have
the fundraiser.

What you're not gonna do,
Lucious, is come up here

and lay claim on my success,
right, ladies?

Yes!

You know how men
like to do that?

Lift up their leg
like a little dog

on a fire hydrant.

That's the last thing
I'm trying to do.

What I really wanna say
is that at that fundraiser,

we're gonna have Devon perform
his single

and 100% of the proceeds
will go directly

to the Cookie Lyon
Community Center.

That's a man.
That's a good man.

Generous.

It's just that Giselle
barely ever listens to me,

and we disagree on everything.

And who thinks that Tiana needs
to be

the face of anything
right now?

-For real.
-Okay, okay, all right, Becky.

Did you not just see
what Lucious did to me

on national television?

Hmm?

-Oh, my God, Cookie, I'm...
Jeez.

I'm so sorry.

I came all this way.
Please focus on me.

God.

-Okay.
-Sometimes...

All right, all right.

So, you're freaking out,
'cause you're all in

and this is all you got.

Bossy is your dream, Becky.

You can't give up
without a fight.

I'm just saying, like,
am I wrong?

Because we're
a brand-new label, okay?

We need to be launching
fresh, new talent.

Maybe I'm just not
cut out for this.

If it's that easy
for you to walk away

from your investment,
your sacrifices...

then maybe the dream was
never yours

in the first place, Becky.

I really hate when you do this.

What, tell the truth?

-Yes, exactly.

I have the best idea.

Let me help Tiana
on her road to recovery.

Have her come and perform
at my fundraiser.

Okay, but that sounds like
you think that I was wrong

and that Giselle was right.

Becky, do you wanna be right,

or do you wanna be
a boss bitch?

What exactly is stopping me
from being a right boss bitch?

Okay, I'ma leave that with you.

I'm wrong?

Well, well, well.

Hello, Lucious.

Your little reunion
that you set up

between me and Philly Street...

Hmm?

It really paid off.

The brother's pen game
is tight,

and so he's a producer
here now at Empire.

Really?

What's wrong, Trace?
You look stunned.

Mm.

You didn't cut Philly Street
from the script

because of his pen game.

Something in this piss
ain't pure.

You would know.
Yours never was, was it?

And by the way,
if you're wondering,

you're still not in the film.

I'm the mother of
your first-born child, Lucious.

You can rewrite a script,
but you can't rewrite history.

Well, we all know that.

The winner always writes
history,

and we agree that's me.

Becky.
Okay.

That video is BS.

I would never play you
like that.

I know you wouldn't.

Right there.

Oh, wow.
Tracy's here.

Uh, uh, uh.

-Keep it classy.
-Right.

Tonight's about second chances.

I thought NA meetings were
on Wednesdays.

Really, Cookie?
You owe me.

Take some singles, ladies.

Let me talk to my friend Tracy
here.

How long you gonna
hold that over me, huh?

Besides,
that debt's been paid,

or aren't you enjoying
running around Empire

like you belong?

Oh, honey,
can't we just get along?

I mean,
we have so much in common.

Just look at our past.

Oh, no,
see, my past holds a husband

and multimillion-dollar
music company.

Your past holds a crack pipe

Uh, Tracy, it's so good
to see you again, honey.

-You look gorgeous, gorgeous.
-Thank you.

You know she just dropped
25,000 on a table, right?

Oh, well, excuse me.
I'm sorry.

-She's at table three, correct?
-Mm-hmm.

Carol will show you
to your table.

-My apologies.
-Mm-hmm.

Oh, and Snow White,

don't get it twisted.

You're not a major player here,
okay?

You're just an addict
with money to blow.

But we appreciate
your generosity.

You look fabulous.

One of our donors.

This way, girl.

Look at you.

On point as always.

Hmm.

The more charm you throw,

the more snake
I know you are.

-What are you up to, Lucious?
-What's wrong?

Can't I show some appreciation
to my beautiful wife

and all the wonderful things
you've accomplished?

I'm so proud of you.

Lucious, get an interview?

No, thank you.

Don't ruin tonight
with your petty games.

Please, Lucious.
This is very important to me.

I promise you,
tonight is all about you.

Hmm.

Ladies and gentlemen,
Lucious.

-You're walking too fast.
-Girl, I'm...

Becky, what...

Listen, I wanna apologize

for letting my beliefs
get in between our business.

I really don't wanna
fight with you no more.

Well,

me neither.

Are we good?

-Okay.
-Good.

Hey.
-Yeah, we're good.

Ooh, Cookie, listen.

Thank you for the lifeline
for the Tiana performance.

Yeah, I'm sorry.
I'm gonna have to pull her.

What?

Yeah, the people over there
in these T-shirts

will act a fool and protest
if Tiana gets on that stage.

Now, I can't have them
ruining my fundraiser.

It's too important.

Yeah, but we can't afford

to have Tiana cancelled again.

I am doing you a favor.

We are live-streaming
this event.

If that girl gets up
on that stage,

the internet is gonna
crush her,

and my center will suffer.

I'm sorry.

This has damn Lucious
written all over it.

Whoo!
Welcome, everybody!

Cookie!

Whoo!

Do we have an incredible
performance for you tonight.

Uh, no, ladies, it's not Devon.

Please allow me to introduce
Empire's own Treasure.

She's killing it.

And the beat knocks
thanks to me.

Babe, you won.

Yes!

Let's give it up for Treasure.

Whoo.

Because of your belief
in second chances,

this center will be able
to give women

and girls at risk
a second opportunity

in a world
that so often dismisses them.

Mm-hmm.

Truth is, I benefitted
from a second chance.

So I know how valuable
they are.

Where's your father?

He's not coming to see you
today.

Bam.

You are not a part
of my company.

You're not wanted here.

You're a ghetto rat.

-You'll always be a ghetto rat.
-A ghetto rat?

Don't you touch me.

Empire was mine!

You built this company
on my back.

-Oh, you a

I can't take it anymore.

I sold drugs for a man I loved.

And it was my $400,000
in drug money

that started Empire...

Tell it, girl.

And landed me
17 years in prison.

-Ooh!
-Oop.

The truth hurts.

Ladies, please,
don't ever follow a man

into a life of bad choices

and sacrifices.

Thank you.

That's right, Cookie!

I really hope you enjoyed

making a mockery of me tonight.

You signed an NDA, remember?

So, sue me.

Did you even consider

what your little "truth"
would do to my legacy?

Our legacy is something

I won't let you deny anymore.

This is our house, Lucious,

our Empire, our legacy!

You want truth?

Well, I got some truth
for your ass.

You violated a $4 million NDA,

and I'm gonna sue you
for every damn penny you got.

Come see me, Lucious.

I sweat that much
on my day off, bitch.

You knew how important

this fundraiser was for me,

and you still couldn't put
Petty D away

for the night.

You resent me...

Because I did this
all my myself,

and you didn't.

There it is

That little myth
you take so much pride in.

What myth?

That 17-year myth,
that $400,000 myth

that you throw in my face
every time you get

on your little high horse.

That 400,000 was gone
within months

after they locked your ass up.

You're lying.

I had to pay producers.

I had to buy studio time.

I didn't know what I was doing,
so I got raked

by every damn vendor
that printed or packaged my CD.

You weren't there to help.

So within a matter of months,
I was broke.

That is until Bunkie told me

about how Philly Street...

robbed banks in order to
fund his career.

It was a genius idea;
shouldn't have told me that.

Everybody on the ground, now!

What?
What?

Shush up.

Where the money at?

I don't know
what you're talking about.

Now you know
what I'm talking about?

It's in the closet.

Get your ass up and show me.

I'm justI'm going
for the money.

Soon as I find out
who under that mask,

you getting rocked.

You sure about that?

Stay down!
Stay!

Huh?
Huh?

No!

Philly Street did 20 years

for murdering the man
that he thought robbed him.

Khalil.

Yep.

So it was the $1 million
that I stole from Philly Street

that funded my first album.

I built this, not you.

So your 17 years
is nothing but a fantasy.

And the 400,000
you put in...

that meant less to Empire

than you do to me now.

So, you expect me

to sit here and believe
Petty-ass D

held on to this
all these years?

You're lying.

I don't believe you.

The truth hurts,
don't it?

What you think
you about to do, huh?

It really challenges
your manhood

that I'm 100% that bitch
behind your legacy.

Instead, you'd rather
fool yourself

with that BS story...

than face that...

the truth.

Klimt.