STAR | Jace Downs/FOX
On December 13, FOX aired the action-packed fall finale of sophomore drama “STAR.”
Wednesday night, the network airs the similarly loaded spring premiere.
Entitled “Rise From The Ashes,” the episode answers key questions stemming from the aforementioned fall finale. It also introduces developments — and characters — that will shape the remainder of the season.
“Rise From The Ashes” officially airs at 9PM ET Wednesday, but Headline Planet had the opportunity to view the episode in advance. Based on that screening, we can share eight (generally spoiler-free) things to expect.
Photos from the episode are also featured below.
1) Aftermath Of The Fire, Update On The Death
The December fall finale featured a double whammy of bad news for God’s Blessings salon.
Unbeknownst to Carlotta, Miss Bruce had been offering illegal cosmetic procedures. Those procedures prompted inspectors to shut the shop down.
The business subsequently suffered damage of the physical variety. Fire was set to Carlotta’s house, in which the salon resides.
Wednesday’s episode finds Carlotta — as well as other key characters — picking up the pieces in the wake of the fire.
It also reveals which character died as a result of the events that transpired on the night filled with such hardship and tragedy. That death, as you can imagine, yields some emotional consequences.
2) Update On Jahil
Jahil had spent the early part of the season righting his proverbial ship, but events in the fall finale set the character off course. He ended up overdosing.
The spring premiere provides an update on Jahil — and what the experience means for his nephew Angel.
3) Noah-Alex Fallout
It may have happened on stage, but the kiss Noah and Alex shared during the fall finale was hardly just for show. They had clearly developed feelings for each other.
Those feelings resulted in a hookup backstage. A hookup upon which Alex’s boyfriend Derek just so happened to stumble.
The situation also has ramifications for Star, who had developed her own feelings for Noah.
Wednesday’s fall finale addresses all facets of the fallout. Viewers will learn how the hookup affected – and continues to affect – the relationships between Noah and Alex, Alex and Derek, Alex and Star and Noah and Star.
And insofar as the situation impacts Take 3, Simone also has a vested interest.
4) Derek’s Progress
What made the aforementioned Noah-Alex hookup particularly heartbreaking is that Derek had good news to share with Alex: movement seemed to be returning to his foot.
The spring premiere addresses that development.
5) Carlotta’s Family Comes To Town
Wednesday’s episode marks the arrival of two characters: Carlotta’s mother Christine (guest star Patti LaBelle) and sister Cassie (Brandy).
While they share some of Carlotta’s personality traits, they currently reside in a different world. As such, they have a different perspective on how to deal with a key conflict.
6) Noah’s Comeback
Winning the showcase has indeed thrust Noah back into the limelight. It has indeed provided the star with much to celebrate.
Wednesday’s episode touches on that comeback — and what it means for Noah’s relationships with the other key characters.
7) Update On Take 3’s Music Career
Along with all the soapy drama, Wednesday’s episode devotes considerable attention to Take 3’s music career.
It provides an update on Take 3’s standing at the label, including the hope of receiving radio play for its single.
It discusses the impact Ayanna’s firing may have on that standing.
It explores how the professional and romantic relationship between Noah and Alex is affecting the group’s brand and internal dynamic.
On top of all that, it chronicles Take 3’s collaborative relationship with Gigi (guest star Keke Palmer). Specifically, it reveals why her offer to help promote the group may not be as wonderful as it appears on the surface.
8) Star (Development) In The Making
The very early and very late portions of Wednesday’s episode tease a story development involving Star.