Bryshere Gray and guest stars Yani Marin, Jamila Velazquez and Raquel Castro in the “A High Hope For A Low Heaven”  Cr: Chuck Hodes/FOX. The title describes this show probably a little better than the creator would like. Empire has fluctuated between being inspired and disappointing so much that I was ready to give my Wednesdays to another show two weeks ago. But this episode actually lived up to my expectations enough to make me give it another shot next week. His kidnapping ordeal leaves Hakeem with mild PTSD and deepens the animosity between him and his parents. Lucious can’t stand to see Hakeem succeed without him because he thinks his son has to be at Empire in order to become a man, but his stint at Lyon Dynasty is making him grow up more than saying “Drip, Drop” while fake jet skiing ever could. Trai Byers and Jussie Smollett in the “A High Hope For A Low Heaven” Cr: Chuck Hodes/FOX. Andre is settling into his new role at Empire as President of Gutter Life Records, which he thinks means firing everyone who has not accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Thankfully, his newfound judgy-wudgy behavior won’t impact the career of Freda Gatz. Lucious likes her too much because unlike his sons, she is actually from the streets and isn’t afraid to show it.   Guest star Bre-Z in the “A High Hope For A Low Heaven” Cr: Chuck Hodes/FOX. Speaking of kicks to the face, Boo Boo Kitty is there for Hakeem when he needs her the most, even though she is a lonely, crying mess. When she pretties up and goes to visit him at his post-performance party with Mirage à Trois, he’s grateful but is still all like, “you can’t sit with us” and closes the door. They have finally made me feel sorry for Anika, which I thought was impossible. I also thought it was impossible to be angry with Cookie, but I most certainly am. I KNEW she should have been more cautious with her new out-of-thin-air security guard and I was right. I still think her checking him out just because he’s Hispanic would have been in character for her, but know we’ll have to wait and see what disaster Lucious has to save her from now. In spite of the plot holes you can drive a kidnapper’s van through, Empire still manages to be a quality show. The audio-visual representation of Hakeem’s PTSD through his music has me thinking he is ready for an Emmy nomination. Despite his petulance, he has true talent and seeing his gift literally distorted after his trauma was heartbreaking. I also enjoyed seeing Jamal pour his heart out during “You Broke Love” with the approving reflection of his father’s face. The acting and production are top quality, even when the writing isn’t, and that is what will keep this show alive. Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down One Tough Cookie:…