The BEST episodes written by Danny Strong

#1 - The People vs. Purdue Pharma

Dopesick - Season 1 - Episode 8

Rick and Randy's criminal investigation now threatens Richard Sackler's empire, activists take action against Purdue, and Finnix tries to heal his beloved community that's been ravaged by addiction.

#2 - Who I Am

Empire (2015) - Season 1 - Episode 12

#3 - The Lyon's Roar

Empire (2015) - Season 1 - Episode 8

It’s time for the Lyon family to come together and record a legacy album with Lucious, Hakeem and Jamal. Cookie and Camilla finally come face-to-face, Andre struggles with some inner demons and Jamal steps into the spotlight with news that surprises everyone.

#4 - Black Box Warning

Dopesick - Season 1 - Episode 7

Richard Sackler and Purdue work the system to prevent their drug from being reigned in, Bridget has a breakthrough in her mission, Betsy has hit rock-bottom while Finnix explores new avenues, and Rick and Randy ready their criminal case.

#5 - The Devils Are Here

Empire (2015) - Season 2 - Episode 1

Three months after the shocking arrest and incarceration of Empire Entertainment head Lucious Lyon. Still in federal lockup, Lucious is trying to run Empire from inside, while a headline-grabbing state prosecutor hangs her political ambitions on bringing him down – no matter what it takes. Meanwhile, Cookie stages a star-studded #FreeLucious concert in his support, while scheming with Andre, Hakeem, Anika and the business savvy Mimi Whiteman to finalize the hostile takeover of Empire.

#6 - The Whistleblower

Dopesick - Season 1 - Episode 5

With OxyContin abuse spreading across the country, Bridget brings the fight to Purdue while Rick and Randy seek to find a whistleblower within Purdue to tie their case together.

#7 - Hammer the Abusers

Dopesick - Season 1 - Episode 6

Richard Sackler faces a catastrophic challenge to Purdue’s bottom line, Bridget takes her fight to the FDA, Finnix reassesses his life as Betsy struggles to kick her addiction, and Rick and Randy find a bombshell piece of evidence.

#8 - Death Will Have His Day

Empire (2015) - Season 2 - Episode 11

After losing the company he built, Lucious announces he will stop at nothing to regain his power, but Cookie has her own way of handling things. Meanwhile, Rhonda, Andre and the rest of the Lyon family come to terms with a horrific, life-changing tragedy that changes their lives as they know it.

#9 - Pseudo-Addiction

Dopesick - Season 1 - Episode 4

Sky-high OxyContin sales are threatened by reports of abuse, prosecutors investigate a claim central to OxyContin marketing, and Finnix begins to question the safety of the drug.

#10 - Poor Yorick

Empire (2015) - Season 2 - Episode 4

The Lyons are still split into warring factions, but they all decide to shoot a music video that will capitalize on Hakeem and Jamal’s duet from Hakeem’s leaked album, a collaboration that will benefit both companies. Meanwhile, Lucious trades his real handcuffs for virtual ones. However, knowing he can’t fully control his company with a federal murder case hanging over his head, he sets out to find Vernon and make him permanently disappear.

#11 - The 5th Vital Sign

Dopesick - Season 1 - Episode 3

Doctor Finnix begins to taper Betsy off OxyContin, Bridget sees the toll the drug is taking on communities, Rick and Randy investigate the world of “pain societies”, and with sales climbing, Richard Sackler makes bigger plans for his new drug.

#12 - The Outspoken King

Empire (2015) - Season 1 - Episode 2

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.

#13 - Pilot

Empire (2015) - Season 1 - Episode 1

Lucious Lyon, the head of a music empire whose reign has been unchallenged for years. But all that changes when he learns he has a disease and must choose one of his three sons to take over: Andre, Jamal or Hakeem. Complicating matters is their mother and Lucious’ ex-wife, Cookie, who emerges from prison to claim her share.

#14 - Breakthrough Pain

Dopesick - Season 1 - Episode 2

OxyContin is on the market but faces a potential threat, Purdue’s vast influence reaches the town of Finch Creek, Bridget steps outside her DEA authority, and the criminal investigation of OxyContin begins.

#15 - First Bottle

Dopesick - Season 1 - Episode 1

Richard Sackler begins to launch a powerful new painkiller, a rural doctor is introduced to the drug, a coal miner plans her future, a DEA Agent learns of blackmarket pills, and federal prosecutors decide to open a case into OxyContin.

#16 - The Struggle for Stonewall

Proven Innocent - Season 1 - Episode 8

The team tries to exonerate Cindy Whitman, a transwoman who is wrongfully convicted of murdering her fellow trans-friend and activist, Vanessa. Meanwhile, Violet has guest star NPR's Ira Glass on her podcast, and Bellow's latest campaign manager finds new evidence in the Rosemary's murder case. Inspired by the cast, Madeline embraces a part of her identity she once hid from her family.

#17 - The Shame Game

Proven Innocent - Season 1 - Episode 4

When Madeline takes on the case of Sarah Bukhari, a woman sentenced to 25 years in prison for murdering her newborn child, Easy has a dilemma deciding between his faith and doing the right thing. Meanwhile, Gore Bellows continues in his crusade to hinder Madeline's pursuit of justice, while Madeline uncovers a new lead that puts her one step closer to the truth.

#18 - The Burden of Truth

Proven Innocent - Season 1 - Episode 2

The Injustice Defense Group opens a case with Tamara Folsom, a rape victim convicted unjustly of murder. In addition to Tamara's case, Madeline comes to Levi's defense after he lands himself in hot water, but she uncovers a secret about his past that makes her question him. Meanwhile, Easy struggles to balance his work and family life.