Empire_2x17

Just when you think Lucious might be showing a shred of humanity—like when he gave Cookie a diamond bracelet earlier in the hour—he reminds us why he’s the ultimate villain. After catching Jamal and the closeted producer D-Major in a compromising moment, Lucious unleashes a homophobic tirade. His cruelty peaks when he tells Jamal he will "celebrate" the day his son dies of AIDS. It’s a line so vile it left many viewers speechless. 2. The Truth About Freda’s Father

In a heartbreaking twist of irony, Jamal—the son Lucious just wished death upon—steps in front of the gun to save his father. The scene, shot in dramatic slow-motion, ends with Jamal bleeding on the red carpet while Cookie’s screams echo through the crowd. As Jamal is rushed to surgery, the family is left in a daze of guilt and terror. Empire: Season 2, Episode 17 Recap | The Young Folks Empire_2x17

The "sin" in the episode’s title largely refers to the secret Lucious has been hiding from Freda Gatz: he murdered her father, Frank Gathers. A drunk and bitter Carol spills the beans to Freda on the ASA red carpet. Enraged, Freda snatches a security guard's gun and aims for Lucious. 3. Jamal Takes the Bullet Just when you think Lucious might be showing