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Empire

Since Empire debuted on Fox on January 7, 2015, two questions have consumed America. One: What makes this show so damn addictive? And Two: Who will Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard) choose to be the heir of Empire?

Empire‘s show runners Lee Daniels and Danny Strong have teased that tonight’s two-part finale will be full of shocking twists and fitting resolutions. As Strong told Deadline, “A lot will be resolved, we’re not going to Laura Palmer the finale.” Many people are speculating that we might finally find out whom Lucious Lyon will dub the future king (or queen) of Empire. So, we’re taking stock of all the candidates to see if we can figure out whom Lucious might deem fit to wear his crown

Andre

Why It Could Happen: Andre is not only the oldest, but he is also the smartest and most ambitious. Andre wants it the most and he would be a good choice for the role. Plus, at this point, it feels like there’s no way it could happen, which is why it would make a great narrative twist in the season finale.
Why It Won’t Happen: Andre is a hot mess. William Pitt once mused that “No man is fit to command another who cannot first command himself,” and Andre can not keep himself in line. He refuses to take his bipolar medication, is prone to suicidal outbursts, and was just hospitalized after having a nervous breakdown. He’s not glamorous, nor is he musical, and each and every one of his schemes to win Lucious’ approval have been scorned.

Jamal

Why It Could Happen: Only one of Lucious’ sons has the maturity, respectability, and musical talent to follow in his father’s footsteps, and that’s Jamal. He would probably be the best person to take the business into the future. Plus, if Strong and Daniels are going to continue to stick close to The Lion In Winter as they have been, Jamal would be the one to inherit the throne.
Why It Won’t Happen: Lucious will always despise Jamal for his homosexuality and Jamal has reason to hate Lucious for lying about the whole Lola thing. Plus, it’s too perfect. The audience loves Jamal too much and if he gets the keys to the kingdom, it will only be too wonderful, too cathartic, and too peaceful a transition. We want a crazy second season, right?

Hakeem

Why It Could Happen: Hakeem is Lucious’ favorite. That alone should ensure him the mantle, but he’s also been angling for it since the first episode. Sure, he’s got a weakness for older women, but he’s made huge strides this season to be more mature. He’s ditched a lot of his bratty behavior and learned how to compromise (and scheme) to get things done.
Why It Won’t Happen: Even though Hakeem is Lucious’ favorite, even Lucious knows the boy is far from being a man. His mommy issues make him susceptible to the charms of older, manipulative women, and while he is undoubtedly a star, he lacks the leadership skills to keep an entire corporation in line.

Cookie

Why It Could Happen: Forget the boys. The strongest member of the Lyon family is Cookie Lyon. Lucious knows that he built Empire on her vision and her sacrifice. She has an innate understanding of the music industry, a strong personality, and she’s committed to keeping the family’s legacy alive. Plus, it would be a way for Lucious to finally repay Cookie for all she’s sacrificed.
Why It Won’t Happen: There isn’t a really good reason, honestly. Since we’re all expecting that it will be one of the boys, it would be a great twist. But then, Lucious’ heir is supposed to be one of Lucious’ children. Speaking of which..

Lola

Why It Could Happen: Right now, Lola is the only member of the Lyon clan who hasn’t done anything to piss off or disappoint Lucious. Oh, and she’s well-liked and loved by everyone.
Why It Won’t Happen: She’s a little girl.

Someone Outside The Family

Why It Could Happen: Maybe the real heir to Empire should be someone who knows the business, but who hasn’t grown up entitled to it.
Why It Won’t Happen: Because this is Empire, and Empire is as much a show about the political struggle within an entertainment conglomerate as it is about the Lyon family. It has to go to someone with blood ties to Lucious, otherwise half the dramatic tension will go away. Giving Empire to a non-Lyon would only bond everyone together and we can’t have that. We need drama.

The two-part Empire season finale airs tonight on Fox. [Where to Stream Empire]

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[Photos: Everett Collection & Fox]