The return of the hit television series “Empire” was highly anticipated and watched by millions of viewers. It’s the saga of a black family’s quest for dominion of the music industry, a position fueled in large part by illegal activities in the family’s past. 

The series was an instant megahit, largely because of the skills of actors Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson.

The primary force behind the scenes is Lee Daniels, whose vision produced and directed independent movies such as “Monsters Ball,” “Shadowboxer” and “Precious.” His imprint on “Empire” is unmistakable and therein lies the problem. The family Mr. Daniels presents to viewers is profoundly dysfunctional and morally corrupted. 

“Empire” is the latest incarnation of blaxploitation, a term regarding several movies from the 1970s featuring African-Americans and further implemented by BET founder Robert Johnson, whose early idea of black entertainment consisted of booty shaking, gangsterism and thuggery set to music virtually 24/7, with Sundays being reserved for gospel.

This season, writers for “Empire” seek to blur the lines between fiction and reality, mixing celebrity cameos into its make-believe story lines. There was a time when champions of the community would fight against stereotypes and for the positive image of African-Americans on television. They have been replaced by those whose love for the spotlight is so great that they are playing themselves — literally and figuratively — on the show. CNN anchor Don Lemon and MSNBC host the Rev. Al Sharpton both showed up in the show’s season opener.

With its twisted plots, “Empire” attempts to leave no stone unturned, with the notable exception of black love. Mr. Daniels, judging from his previous film endeavors, appears impervious to the concept of black love. Moreover, network television in general scoffs at the notion of black love. The accepted format for featuring black actresses in prime time today revolves around pairing them with white male leads, romantically and otherwise. Kerry Washington, Halle Berry and Emmy winner Viola Davis lead the way.

“Empire” gives viewers black dysfunction and disarray. I’m hoping Mr. Daniels somehow is miraculously inflicted with W.E.B. Du Bois’ century old “The Souls of Black Folk.” 

Gerald Amandla

Henrico County