After the outstanding series debut of FOX's new hip hop musical TV series "Empire" on Wednesday, fans are now craving to know more about Lucious Lyon's (Terrence Howard) quest to find the successor to his throne.

The synopsis for the second episode of "Empire" reads:

"Lucious must defend Empire's IPO launch after controversies arise around one of his artists being involved in a shooting, and Cookie proves to be invaluable by helping Lucious turn a crisis into a triumph. Competition between Lucious and Cookie heats up when Cookie hears of Lucious's plan to stage a huge performance for Hakeem - but not Jamal. Meanwhile, the police begin to investigate Bunkie's murder."

Spoilers suggest that high profile hip hop mogul is in deep waters after a shooting controversy threatens to cloud over the upcoming IPO release of his "Empire" records. Good thing his recently emerged ex-wife Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) is there to help him sort things out, which later on turns an ugly situation into a gold mine. 

But instead of patching things up, the former lovers become embroiled in a new drama involving their sons. Cookie is disappointed when she finds out that Lucious is planning to stage a grand performance for their youngest son Hakeem (Bryshere Gray) rather than for their super talented but openly gay son Jamal (Jussie Smollett). It seems that Cookie will try to find a way to re-establish her relationship with her boys after being behind bars for a long time.  

Also, the police visits Cookie to ask her to testify about a big case. Does this have something to do with Bunkie's (Antoine McKay) murder? In addition, the promo teaser shows that award-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr. will have a guest spot in the show as Cookie's old friend. Could he be her former lover? 

"Empire" episode 2 titled "The Outspoken King" airs Jan. 14.