‘Empire’ recap: Jamal gets frisky (with a woman) while Cookie finds sister, loses boyfriend

As we prepare for next week’s season finale, the world of “Empire” is spinning in every direction possible. This week, in the episode “A Man Sinned Against,” we begin with Cookie -- or "Loretha," as the government may call her -- and Candice (Vivica A. Fox) looking for their younger sister Carol in the crack houses of Philly. Apparently that head in a box on Cookie’s doorstep from the start of the season sent her to the dark side… again.

While in the City of Brotherly Love, we delve deeper into Cookie and her family’s strained relationship. Much like Lucious, her older sister virtually abandoned her in jail. But let Candice tell it, it’s because she didn’t have to guess where Cookie was. And she doesn’t do jails.

Back at Lyon Dynasty, Cookie’s Cookout -- the massive block party concert to debut the label -- has sold out. In making plans to book a second show, Laz’s Longhorn-branded goons pop into the studio. They want to shake down Cookie and crew for money for both security and the venue, but Laz has a different idea. Pulling out his gun, he breaks off whatever deal he had with them. This jeopardizes the venue for the follow-up show, prompting Hakeem, in his new media mogul role, to implore Laz to fix it.

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In preparation for the concert, which Hakeem will headline, he’s got a new duet with Laura called “Miracles.” While they rehearse, Chicken periscopes it. On the other end is a Boo Boo Kitty that’s gone bonkers. She’s sitting on the floor with newspaper clippings, photos and maps presumably of Laura’s home as if she’s plotting something she shouldn’t be doing.

Cookie and Candice locate Carol with the help of one of Cookie’s former cellmates (Rosie O’Donnell). After pulling their sister away, Carol makes the decision to get clean under the not-so-watchful eye of Cookie in New York while Candice watches her children. By the end of the episode, Cookie forces her into rehab.

In Empire Entertainment news, on the heels of Jamal’s Pepsi contract, he’s set to record a new song with “girl power pop” artist Skye Summers (Alicia Keys in a purple wig). When Jamal plays her a smooth pop track, she turns up her nose, seeking a new sound. Ignoring Lucious’ assertion that she stay in her land, she and Jamal write “Powerful,” seemingly a tribute to the Black Lives Matter movement.

But, it also has a hint of the All Lives Matter crowd to it.

With Lucious grieving (but not really) over Hakeem’s rejection of the Lyon last name, he makes a play to get back in Andre’s good graces by buying his son and daughter-in-law (and grandbaby) a new six-bedroom mansion. He also begins to trust Andre’s judgment more by deciding to sell off some of Empire’s assets to solidify the streaming company deal.

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Rhonda invites Anika over to her new not-so-humble abode. Telling the newly pregnant Kitty about tormenting a girl who tried to steal Andre away from her in college, Rhonda inspires Anika to go straight nice-nasty (and petty) on Laura.

Anika pops up at Hakeem’s while he’s having a party. After hurling a number of insults at Laura -- the best being “Jenny from the block knock off” -- she walks out triumphantly. But not before revealing that the new duet with Laura was originally written for Camilla (Naomi Campbell).

Lucious makes one last play for Hakeem’s love by offering him a partner position with the streaming company if he signs with Empire. But money can’t buy this son.

Papa Lyon also needs Cookie to relinquish her rights to some of his older hits. He goes to her office once she returns from Philly to make his plea, but is interrupted by a slight make-out session between his ex-wife and Laz.

Lucious returns days later to deliver some news about Cookie’s boo thang. He reveals Laz’s identity as a member of the 125th St. Bulls -- not Longhorns, apparently -- a local gang known for extorting young rappers. Needless to say, Cookie loses another boo. (Lucious kills him at her request.)

Director Lee Daniels makes his first cameo in the show in all of his fabulously black and gay glory as the director of Jamal’s Pepsi commercial. Though it really wasn’t needed, what we do find out from the scene is that Lucious is quickly losing control of Jamal’s career. And we all know Lucious likes to have the power.

The episode ends with Jamal and Skye putting the final touches on their song. But all of a sudden, the two kiss each other.

Now that the recap is done, can we talk for a quick second?

What is Lee Daniels and crew doing with Grace Gealey’s character? One of the beauties of the show was that all the black women possessed, embraced and used their intellect and gravitas to master life. By spinning Anika into a crazed, lovelorn soon-to-be baby’s muva, the character morphs into something that we’ve very much seen before.

And what is the deal with Jamal kissing Skye? Now, I’m all for bisexual visibility -- and it is just as important as (though less common than) black gay visibility -- but part of this feels gimmicky. But then again, Jamal could’ve always been persona-sexual (or something like that) and we’re just being introduced to that side of him. Part of me, however, feels like this is going to drum up foolish thoughts for Lucious about Jamal’s ability to “choose” to be gay. But in a world where folks who believe being gay is a choice continue to contribute to the deaths of so many queer people, we could do without this story line.

Get your life! Follow me on Twitter: @TrevellAnderson.