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The Theory of Everything was nominated for 5 Academy Awards and the plot probably has something to do with the reason Actor Eddie Redmayne is winning big at Award Shows. Last night he took home the Best Actor Oscar for his performance in The Theory Of Everything Movie. The plot is centered around the brillance of one young and ambitious Scientist who somehow finds love. After he gets what seems to be everything he could ever dream of, he is challenged with facing a terminal illness, ALS.

The Ice Bucket Challenges had already created lots of health consciousness and everyone seemed to be eager to get involved, as videos of Ice Bucket Challenges were being uploaded by the dozens on You Tube. At Best Buy our Store Manager even participated in the challenge, along with some other members of the leadership team.

The fact that many of us are paying attention is not surprising and that could be one reason that Writers like Empire's Danny Strong and Director Lee Daniels are making it a point to write it into scripts. The result is an immediate appeal to the audience through this health issue.


PK-66 (Left to right.) Director Rusty Condieff and star Terrence Howard on the set of Relativity Media's Movie 43. © 2011 Movie Productions, LLC All Rights Reserved. Photo Credit: Sam Urdank

Hollywood may think Empire, the new Fox Series, is following in the footsteps of The Theory Of Everything because Actor Terrance Howard who plays Lucious Lion is dealing with ALS too, as he tries to prepare his Sons for his untimely death and ultimately their roles within the Musical Empire he's built.

There are lots of differences to be recognized.  First, Empire is described as a musical following the course of Glee; the performances are far more structured and the plot is also centered around the musical genius of a family built from the struggle of a drug dealing lifestyle.  The next difference is in their professional  status. In difference from Stephen Hawking the Scientist (played by Eddie Redmayne), Lucious Lion (played by Terrance Howard) used his street smarts to leave the street life behind, signing talented Artist and then grooming his children for careers in the Music Industry. Finally, Empire shows a chronological difference in how time passes, showing the progression of time through the ages of the children and not the aging of Lucious Lion through his illness.

The emotional appeal is still there without focusing on his ALS health issue, in that the series shows a successful black family, working as professionals in the Music Industry. However, seeing someone face an illness while striving to live a life full of love and complicated relationships does make the story line seem more real.

The fact that the entertainment delivery mode goes from the big screen to our televisions every week is great. Fox recognized the genius in taking Hollywood Celebrities like Terrance Howard and Taraji P. Henson and bringing them into our homes everything week. By doing so, we get a Hollywood Experience every week and the ratings will likely continue to soar. If The Theory Of Everything is any indication of the real potential Empire holds, we can expect to be watching for many more seasons to come. Watch Empire every Wednesday Night on Fox 9/EST.

Do you think appealing to the audience using health issues can increase the popularity of Empire and ultimately help ratings?

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