Jamal Lyon (Jussie Smollett) ended season 2 with a promise to quit the family business until he could stop the way things were being handled, violently and illegally. The character quit his musical career but was gunned down before the finale was over, and now series creator Ilene Chaiken reveals that season 3 will focus on Jamal's journey.
Speaking to TV Line, Chaiken explained that a good chunk of season 3's story will focus on his recovery. Jamal was gunned down in season 2 but the finale did squeeze in a scene where he was shown alive and getting out of the hospital, hoping to make the recovery at home.
"In the finale, he comes out of the hospital after being shot, but he's clearly not recovered physically, and certainly not psychically," Chaiken stated in the interview. He'll also be dealing with Freda (Bre-Z), who was responsible for his injuries. According to Chaiken, he understands she is a victim, too, and will need to try and stop her from causing more harm.
Jamal's recovery is not just about his injuries but also about his mental and emotional state. Chaiken explains that the third season will deal with Jamal and D-Major's (Tobias Truvillion) relationship. The two had a serious falling out in the penultimate episode and Chaiken explains that a lot needs to happen for the two to get back together.
According to the series creator, the moment they had in that argument is a moment many people in a gay relationship can connect to and that it is a very hard situation to get back from. Chaiken states that there is hope if Jamal can find it in him to forgive and understand D-Major and if D-Major can change and live more honestly.
"Empire" season 3 has no specific relese date but the series is set to premiere this coming fall.
