Season 2 Of 'Empire' Should Be All About Cookie

It seem unbelievable now, but actress Taraji P. Henson was very hesitant about taking on the role of Cookie Lyon. Henson embodies the sassy and vivacious mother of three so well that it's hard to imagine any other actress in the role. Furthermore, I'm not sure that Empire would be the huge success that it is without Henson's portrayal of Cookie. This is not to discount any of the other amazing actors that work on the series, but it's undeniable that Cookie is the glue that holds Empire together.

But Cookie was almost someone completely different. Taraji P. Henson spoke to The Wrap about her uncertainty in taking on the role.: "I was scared to death. I struggled with it because I was like, ‘Oh, my God. She is so ghetto.’ But then I was like, ‘But she’s so real. She speaks the truth.'"

Cookie's truths have really shaken the Lyon family to its core. She forced Lucious to acknowledge how poorly he treated her and their sons; she encouraged Jamal to acknowledge who he really is; Hakeem has had to acknowledge his feelings of anger towards her; and Andre's bipolar disorder has come to light. This is not to say that Cookie doesn't have her problems, she certainly not always the most politically correct. However, unlike Lucious, she actually tries to make decisions that are in the best interest of her family.

Luckily, Cookie is on her way back when Empire Season 2 premieres Sept. 23 with an additional six episodes. From her affair with Lucious to her run-ins with the Feds, Cookie has been through quite a lot. Now that Lucious is in jail, Cookie should take this as an opportunity to really grasp on to her freedom. Here are eight reasons why Empire should start being all about Cookie.

1. Cookie Proves That Women Don't Have To Be Likeable

The moment Cookie walked into the Empire Entertainment conference room it was game time. Though Vernon and Anika tried to dismiss her, they soon realized she wasn't going to sit in the corner. She was coming to get what was owed to her, and she didn't care whose toes she has to step on to get it.

2. She Won't Be Tamed

Lucious had gotten so used to getting his own way that he'd forgotten that Cookie doesn't play by those rules. She refused to give in to his ridiculous demands.

3. She Deserves True Love

In the flashback sequences, it's apparent that what Cookie and Lucious once shared was real. However, a lot has changed in the time they've been separated. The man we see now is certainly not the man Cookie married. Though Lucious drove Malcolm away, I still hope that Cookie will be open to love. It is confirmed that actor Adam Rodriguez will guest star during Season 2, and the rumor is he might also be Cookie's love interest. Here's hoping that's true.

4. Cookie & Anika Need to Come To A Truce

Cookie & Anika had been at each other's throats because of their individual relationships with Lucious even though there's no reason at all to fight over the guy. Now that he's screwed them both over, hopefully they can reassess their relationship. After all, they're the two who could really take over the company.

5. She Keeps It Real

Cookie is a bit blunt. However, I respect her because she always has the guts to say what everyone else is thinking. Cookie has no time to beat around the bush and we could all learn from that.

6. Cookie Owns Her Sexuality

Cookie's honesty reaches every aspect of her life. She isn't afraid of her sexuality, and she embraces love, intimacy and sex. She's a mother and she's career-minded, but she's also a woman with sexual desires. (You really can be all of those things.)

7. Cookie's Fashion Game Is Amazing

Seriously, I just want to spend a day in Cookie's closet. She is making up for all the years she spent in a prison jumpsuit. From her furs to her jewelry and her shoes, Cookie always dresses impeccably.

8. She's Never Afraid To Tell You Who She Is

Cookie has never apologized for who she is which might be why Henson was terrified about embodying someone with such a big personality. If you come for Cookie, she's going to clap back at you with no apologies. However, if she loves you, she will be fiercely loyal.

Who wouldn't want a show all about this woman?

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