Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
As Empire prepares to close out its third season soon and we look back on the dramatic-as-ever season, there’s a guest star that stands out amongst the rest. Of course, the delicious Taye Diggs continues to bring the sexy and suspense as Cookie’s (Taraji P. Henson) ex, Angelo Dubois. But the woman that brought a new sizzle to the show was not Eva Longoria’s all too brief appearance, or Nia Long’s ultra bitchy Giuliana. It was Rumer’s Willis’ Tory Ash.
When she first appeared as a rehab pal of Jamal’s (Jussie Smollett) expectations were a bit low. What is this trashy-looking (at least for Empire standards) white girl going to bring to the mix? It seemed as though she’d simply be an unwelcome, unnecessary nuisance. The Lyons have enough going on already, darling. But as soon as she hit the studio with Jamal, just like Lucious (Terrence Howard), our eyes lit up at the sound of her soulful and sultry voice.
Who knew Willis would have all the ingredients of a perfect Empire guest star? Her character really can’t be trusted, she’s bold enough to not be intimidated by Cookie, and most important, her next move always remains a mystery. Her latest finds her flirting and soaking in a hot tub with Tiana (Serayah) — it’s maybe the lamest move yet, really, and perhaps on the part of Tiana. But who even saw that one coming? We’ll accept it because of all the prior excitement she’s brought to the screen so far, and she’s clearly not done yet.
Maybe we should’ve had higher expectations: Rumer was funny in 2008’s The House Bunny, she won Dancing with the Stars in 2015 and followed that up by starring in Chicago on Broadway. But the surprise of her talent on Empire only makes Tory that much more intriguing.
Plus, she’s the right kind of addition to the cast. She’s got a great on-screen chemistry with Jamal, and mixed with a live band and the way their voices weave together, “Feel So Good” instantly became one of the best songs of the soundtrack this season. Her character keeps the drama fiery yet fun — she might be giving her chords to the wrong person or letting a bitchy comeback fly, but she’s not murdering people or having babies removed from their home or causing the Lyon family any real harm, because sometimes that shit gets intense.
Empire has given Willis the opportunity to show off her feisty side, one that no doubt other shows and movies will jump at the chance to include. She’s kept storylines interesting and songs soulful, helping the Fox musical drama to avoid a slump. This show always knows how to keep us on our toes, but with this lady’s voice, it’s got us dancing on our feet, too.
