Fans were heavily teased with deaths, survivals, and resurrections in season 2 until the very end. The cliffhanger shows a catfight between Rhonda and Anika, which leads to a fatal fall. Jamal, on the other hand, has survived a gunshot wound but refuses to do any more music until his family makes peace.

Executive producer Ilene Chaiken teased, "Based on the scream that you hear and the look on Andre's face, I'd say someone went over," when Entertainment Weekly asked to confirm about the balcony scene. She further teased that if someone did go over the balcony, there was not a chance of survival.

People behind the show are being secretive about the details, but more viewers believe that Anika will survive. After the events that transpired, it will be Anika's presence that will heighten the drama on the show. Rhonda's story revolves around her relationship with Andre, while Anika's marriage with Lucious has brought more complications. She is carrying the son of Andre and Lucious decided to marry her just when things between him and ex-wife Cookie were getting better.

Furthermore, two characters have been introduced in season 2 finale, Tariq and Shyne, whose involvement with Lucious will play a big role in the series moving forward. Chaiken said, "The third season of 'Empire' is a Godfather-styled opus of crime and hip-hop. That's really what we're doing, and the fact that Tariq is Lucious' half-brother makes it that much more dark and twisted and personal."

As for Shyne, "Shyne isn't necessarily an adversary, although I think he could become an adversary. Lucious has a long history with him — history that's going to come back and bite Lucious for a lot of earlier slights. If you have a guy who's not afraid to die, not afraid to go to prison, that's a very dangerous adversary."

Jamal who, in the past seasons, had tried so hard to please his father will come back stronger and determined next season. As opposed to his father who has embraced his darkness, Jamal's brush with death will inspire him to try to influence his family to turn the other way. He has announced that he will no longer be involved in music until his family gets together and he is expected to stick to that decision throughout the next season.

Chaiken has described the next season to be a battle for the soul of "Empire" with father and son on the opposing sides. After a half season of seeing the importance of family, how will the Lyons fare in season 3?

Find out when the series returns this fall, on FOX.