Empire season 4 episode 16 preview: Jussie Smollett directs

Are you excited for Empire season 4 episode 16? We think there’s plenty to be stoked about when it comes to the story itself but there’s also something notable beyond that. The title for this article is a pretty dead giveaway to one of the most notable things about — Jussie Smollett is heading into the director’s chair! We’re always curious to see what an actor’s vision is going to be for an episode, especially someone like Smollett who has had so much experience over the years being on set and seeing how other directors work. He’s got a great rapport with some of his co-stars and we have a feeling that some of that will lead to some really great performances.

Below, the Empire season 4 episode 16 synopsis offers up a little bit of news when it comes to what lies ahead:

When Cookie finally visits her mother, the two must confront their complicated past. Meanwhile, Lucious and Eddie (guest star Forest Whitaker) continue their fight over Empire and Eddie makes a power play at the grand opening of Empire’s 20 for 20 showcase. Then, Jamal and his band anonymously release their latest single and Hakeem tests out a career in film in the all-new “Fair Terms” episode of EMPIRE airing Wednesday, May 9 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (EMP-416) (TV-14 D, L, S, V)

Related – Did you know that the show is coming back for a fifth season?

Beyond Smollett directing, it’s pretty clear at this point what one of the other big incentives is when it comes to this upcoming episode is getting a chance to see Taraji P. Henson and Alfre Woodard going toe-to-toe in a really epic, exciting way. This is a show that really succeeds on the strength of many of its performances and when you get guest stars like Woodard in the mix, you want to be able to use them however you possibly can.

As for everything else in this episode, seeing Hakeem test out things in the film industry is one of the most unsurprising parts of the story coming up. Just remember here that there are SO many musicians who think that they can carry over their career into the acting world. Sometimes, the transition works; however, on other occasions it completely tanks out and ends up hurting your movie career in turn. The biggest thing that Hakeem needs to watch out for as he enters this particular moment in his career is becoming a joke, a meme, or something else that could damage him permanently.

What do you want to see when it comes to Empire season 4 episode 16? Share right now in the attached comments below!

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