Empire Flashback Video: Jamal Wants To Step Up

Jamal Lyon (Jussie Smollett) was shocked, as was every viewer, to find out he fathered a child during Season 1 of Empire. Though she turned out to not actually be his child — gotta love television! — Jamal was determined to be a part of her life.

In this flashback video from Season 1, Jamal talks to Ryan (Eka Darville), a new guy he’s been hanging out with, about the possibility of Lola living with him. “I’ve got to ask you something about it. Is it just a song or is that really you?” Ryan asks Jamal.

“I mean, I don’t think that Lola should be staying with my dad. Especially since Anika’s gone. I’m thinking about taking her off his hands,” Jamal adds. Watch the clip above to see how Ryan reacts to the news!