The Best Episodes Written By Jamie Rosengard

Lucious and Cookie prep their new artist Devon (guest star Mario) for a premiere listening party, but worry he may not be ready for that kind of pressure. Hakeem is determined to convince Tiana that he's matured, but she has a hard time letting go of everything they've struggled through the past couple years. Meanwhile, Cookie becomes concerned about Jamal.

Hakeem feels the pressure of his underwhelming fiancé, Laura, as he struggles to find a place for her both in his family and his career. Cookie finally reveals to Jamal the truth behind what happened to Freda's father, prompting Jamal to warn Freda of his family's ulterior motives. Meanwhile, despite his frustration with the family, Jamal makes a sacrifice for Lucious from which it will be hard to recover.

An unlikely alliance begins. Nick throws Mel a surprise birthday party, where she connects with Coop.

The race is on when Cookie announces that the number one album for Empire's 20-For-20 will be a competition between all of the label's top artists, giving Jamal a bold idea for his newest song. On the heels of Bella's first birthday, the family plans a special "Prince and Princesses"-themed birthday party, including a special Prince tribute, but the special day brings back haunting memories for one of the Lyons. Meanwhile, Lucious is at a crossroads, as he tries to put to rest the anger from his past life.

A clue to Owen's past provides a lead. Jake and Jules start piecing together how much trouble the Michaels family is in.

Hakeem throws an epic 21st birthday party and live-streams it all on Empire Xstream. Meanwhile, suspicions surrounding Anika's motives put the Lyons on high alert and the arrival of Giuliana gives Cookie a run for her money.

Andre sabotages Tiana's big appearance at a fashion edvent in an attempt to get Nessa into the spotlight. Meanwhile, Tariq works with Leah to try to bring down Lucious, and Jamal works with Philip to get over his PTSD.

As she looks into the deaths, Poppy uncovers a massive secret. Shreve reveals a medical diagnosis to his family.

Poppy takes the investigation into her own hands and grapples with whether she can trust Eva.

Eva bares her soul to Poppy. Markus spirals out of control. Poppy and Aames uncover more evidence about the suspect in custody.

A happy family occasion brings the Lyon family back together, but it becomes apparent that no one seems to see eye-to-eye. Lucious, unhappy with how Empire and the Empire movie are progressing, springs into action and comes face-to-face with demons from his past. Meanwhile, Cookie reaches her breaking point and considers seeking help and Andre encourages Tiana to smooth over the controversy she created for the company.

Cookie becomes frustrated with Lucious, who is struggling to accept that their relationship is over. Upon being shut out of the ASA nominations, the women of Bossy choose Melody to take their performance slot at the ASAs, causing Tiana to question all of her decisions over the past few months. Meanwhile, Teri confronts Andre over his lies and elsewhere, an emotional confrontation ends with a bang... or two.

Lucious continues to run Empire and discovers some of Andre's business missteps by way of Kelly Patel. Meanwhile, Cookie tries to relaunch BossyFest but is met with major obstacles from the ASAs. Also, Hakeem and Maya's unlikely partnership proves to be beneficial and Becky celebrates her birthday.