While it captures the trademark "Empire" energy with high-stakes brawls and musical glamour, ultimately suffers from being a finale that wasn't meant to be one. It offers emotional beats for Lucious and Cookie but leaves many of the show's biggest questions permanently unanswered.
The confrontation between Lucious and Damon Cross is a highlight for its sheer intensity—and absurdity—including a memorable moment where Lucious uses his prosthetic leg as a weapon. However, the central mystery of the season (the flash-forwards showing Cookie and Lucious's supposed deaths) remains completely unresolved.
Centered on the reconciliation between Lucious and Cookie, the episode highlights their enduring, toxic, yet undeniable bond. While the family meeting at a movie premiere provides a "sweet" moment, some felt the heavy use of past series footage lacked impact due to its repetitiveness throughout the season.
The episode attempts to wrap up multiple sprawling storylines—including the launch of Bossyfest and the fight for control of the Empire—in a way that feels frantic. Critics at TV Fanatic described it as more of a "clip show" with musical performances, lacking the definitive closure a six-season journey deserves.
Audience ratings on platforms like IMDb are notably mixed. Long-time viewers often cited disappointment at the lack of "loose ends" being tied up, though some appreciated the show ending on a rare positive note for the core family. Final Verdict
