Season 2 of “Empire” ended with a cliffhanger, which may leave either Rhonda (Kaitlin Doubleday) or Anika (Grace Gealey) dead. Fans and critics have made a number of predictions for the plot and characters of Season 3.

Entertainment Weekly notes that in the Season 2 finale, Andre walked into the end of a catfight between Rhonda and Anika. One or both women may have fallen off the ledge of the balcony. The cliffhanger ending left may fans and critics guessing who died from the altercation.

According to Wetpaint, “Empire” Season 3 will return in spring 2017. Between Anika and Rhonda, even the cast are still clueless on which one of them fell to her death. If Rhonda survives, it is very likely that her marriage to Andre (Trai Byers) will not. As for Anika, she is expected to have some problems with Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) if she survives, considering how Lucious married her just when he and Cookie were on better terms.

According to showrunner Ilene Chaiken, there will be less focus on guest stars. They intend to give more time to develop individual stories among the core characters to solve pacing issues.

Season 3 will feature a theme, delving into the battle for the soul of Empire. It will be dark against light, or Lucious (Terrence Howard) versus Jamal (Jussie Smollett). How Jamal survived a bullet wound will be an important factor in the next season’s story. He is expected to cease creating new music until his family finally puts an end to their cycle of violence. More on Jamal and D-Major’s (Tobias Truvillion) relationship will also be shown.

Freda Gatz (Bre-Z) last ended in jail, but she will return in Season 3. Tariq (Morocco Omari), who was recently revealed to be Lucious’ half-brother will be in the next season to add more twists and controversies to the plot. Shyne Johnson, the furious character who helped ruin Hakeem and Laura’s wedding, will also return to wreak more havoc. Lucious mom is another returning character, who will continue to plague her son.

“Empire” Season 3 will launch sometime in 2017. More updates and details are expected soon.

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