Empire wrapped up its first season in epic fashion Wednesday night, thanks to a two-hour installment filled with pregnancy, murder, deceit and betrayal.

Would you expect anything less from the Fox hit show?

Picking up where Empire Season 1 Episode 11 left off, Empire Season 1 Episode 12 saw the stakes rise even higher still for Hakeem, Dre and Jamal.

Each of the three sons of Lucious and Cookie was gifted something impressive by their father, but as much to pit them against each other as anything else.

As for Cookie, she took a major step in her new romance, and with her former husband, whom she plotted against after learning some alarming secrets.

By the end of Empire Season 1 Episode 12, someone was in jail, someone else was dead and buried, and someone had taken the crown from Lucious.

Who will run the Empire? Watch it now and find out!

Watch Empire Season 1 Episode 12 Online

Carissa Pavlica is the managing editor and a staff writer and critic for TV Fanatic. She's a member of the Critic's Choice Association, enjoys mentoring writers, conversing with cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of television and film with anyone who will listen. Follow her on X and email her here at TV Fanatic.