Empire Finale: How You Reacted to the Biggest Shockers

Updated on March 21, 2015 at 3:00 PM

If you're as obsessed with Empire as we are, you were probably glued to this week's stunning finale. The episode is filled with scandalous moments, eyebrow-raising hookups, and aggressive confrontations. Once again, Cookie proves that she's a total badass, and several great new songs debuted. Before the reality that Empire's first season is over sets in, let's go over how you reacted to the most startling shocks — in GIFs! Then, if you're still inconsolable, check out where else you can see the cast.

When Hakeem Calls Out Lucious in a Rap

Tensions have been boiling over between Lucious and his youngest son for a while, so it's no surprise that they come to a boiling point. However, Hakeem calling out his father in such a public way is a hugely bold move.

When Lucious Punches Hakeem

He punches him in front of all those people! In the FACE!

When Lucious Sees Hakeem and Anika Hooking Up

This family is melting down. We've seen a different side to Anika in the past few episodes, but I didn't think she would stoop that low.

When Cookie Stages a Hostile Takeover

We all know Cookie runs the world, so it's about time she take what's hers.

When Lucious Finds Out He Doesn't Have ALS

I'm not sure if I'm relieved or upset that the writers don't stick with the original diagnosis. It would have been insane if Lucious dies in the second season from the disease, but having it turn out to be a misdiagnosis feels like a cop-out.

When Cookie Almost Smothers Lucious With a Pillow

Cookie will do almost anything to make her kids' lives better, but even she can't murder their father — though admittedly, I thought she did for a second.

When Jamal Gets the Family Business

Jamal for the win! It's incredibly gratifying to see him go from being the least likely to be appointed as his father's successor to Lucious handing him the throne. One question, though: Jamal has zero business experience, right?

When Lucious Gives Cookie That Bitty Little Pillow

Of course Lucious knows Cookie almost killed him. You can't away with anything in that house! Where did he find that tiny pillow in such a short amount of time?

When Cookie and Anika Have a Knock-Down, Drag-Out Fight

Finally! After all the snipes and sideways glances throughout season, Cookie and Anika get into a gigantic brawl. It goes on way longer than you might think. They push people out of the way, they get on the pool table, it's extreme.

When Jamal Calls Black Rambo a B*tch

This side plot seemed unnecessary in a finale jam-packed with so much, but Jamal's battle with homophobic rapper Black Rambo is great.

When Rhonda Accidentally Kills Vernon — and She's Pregnant!

Rhonda's a killer! Obviously she doesn't intend to murder Vernon, but she must hit him pretty hard for him to bleed out like that. Also, I wouldn't have believed she's pregnant if not for the shot at the end of her and Andre at the ultrasound.

When Lucious Gets Arrested at His Own Concert

Lucious is one deeply, tragically flawed antihero. On the one hand, you want him to succeed. After all, he's worked hard and raised those sons practically on his own. On the other hand, he's a murderer and a scumbag. Seeing him arrested at his own party felt grossly satisfying.

When You Find Out Vernon Is the Snitch

Vernon is the FBI's star witness? OK, sure.

When Lucious Says "Game Time, B*tches" at the End

Whether you're rooting for or against him, watching Lucious crawl out of the trouble he's gotten into is bound to be filled with juicy moments. His declaration is the perfect end to a fantastic finale.