TV Plus (South Africa)

Lyon down

When it comes to dealing with blood on his hands, Empire star Jussie Smollett is as strong as his character Jamal Lyon.

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Empire’s (2015- current) mid-season finale on Thursday 30 November 2017 veered wildly between triumph and tragedy for middle Lyon son Jamal (Jussie Smollett). He went from the successful concert at the Governor’s Ball, where he helped sass and destroy the DuBois clan, to holding former mentor Angelo DuBois (Taye Diggs) as he died from a gunshot wound after they wrestled over a gun. tvplus met with the oh-so charming Jussie when he was in SA to film his music video for Hurt People in December 2017, to discuss how this season 4 calamity will affect his character.

BULLET POINT

Jamal is in emotional turmoil when the show returns and the 34-year-old actor reveals that “Angelo came into the Lyons’ life because of Jamal. After Jamal was shot, he interviewe­d Angelo about his anti-violence group WOKE (We Organise for Knowledge & Empowermen­t). In season 3, Jamal spoke out against the cycle of violence and how these stories are told – notably that of his parents Lucious and Cookie (Terrence Howard and Taraji P Henson). For it to end at the hands of a gun is ironic. I loved the scene, but I’m sad that Taye exits,” Jussie pauses for a sidelong glance. “I guess I shouldn’t have said that! Spoiler alert!” he says bashfully, adding that “this will mess with Jamal. He needs a retreat! He needs to pray with monks in Thailand!”

O.V.E.R.

Another spoiler alert: Jamal’s romance with Angelo’s brooding cousin Warren ( Terrell Carter) is as dead as Angelo. “You can forgive the whole thing about betrayal, but not falling in love with him. But once you bring in Jamal’s older brother Andre (Trai Byers) almost dying from being given “doctored” medication – and Warren knew about that – that is a whole other level,” insists Jussie. “When I was younger and I was dating someone, I tried not to tell my family what the person was doing wrong because you don’t want them to judge until you’re completely done. When you know you are done, then you tell your family. It’s like a defence mechanism. If you’re stupid enough to go back to that person, your family will make it more difficult for you. I think that since the Lyons all know about Warren, how can he come back into the fold? You’re excommunic­ated, Homie, bye!” Jussie grins and mimes slitting a throat.

INSIDE OUT

We’ll see Jamal’s struggle reflected in his wardrobe, which will go from zen, sexy chic to frankly slobby – much to Jussie’s delight. “I am always excited when Jamal is depressed because I know that he’s going to wear tennis shoes. It’s the truth!” Jussie laughs. “When Jamal isn’t depressed, he wears high-heeled Yves Saint Laurent Boots, stretch jeans and low- cut shirts. But when he is depressed, I get to be comfortabl­e in what I get to wear,” Jussie boasts. “I’m looking forward to depressed, going-through-things Jamal. He is my favourite Jamal because I ain’t got to do much to get dressed. Throw on some shoes and sweats and it’s all good!”

LOCAL COLOUR

It’s a strong departure from Jussie’s real-life look for this interview, which is cool and crisp. “I’m actually wearing South African fashion now. I love these shirts,” he says gleefully. “I will wear this everywhere because I secretly feel like I’m connected to Nelson Mandela in this shirt. All jokes aside, I like colours and I think that being in South Africa, for some reason, I am a little bit more risky with the stuff I wear because they feel fun, breezy and happy.” Take a style note, Jamal.

 ??  ?? Will Jamal come to grips with what he’s done? The Lyon family (from left): Lucious, Jamal, Cookie, Hakeem and Andre.
Will Jamal come to grips with what he’s done? The Lyon family (from left): Lucious, Jamal, Cookie, Hakeem and Andre.
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