The first season of Empire was so outrageous, what could they possibly do next? One of the main reasons everyone fell in love with the music industry drama was Taraji P. Henson’s portrayal of Cookie. Every character got a big moment, but Cookie did everything big. She created the popular nickname “Boo Boo Kitty” and started a hair pulling cat fight with said Kitty.

Henson met with the Television Critics Association this summer to talk about the second season of Empire. Of course, now that the show is a hit, the plot of the new season is a secret, but she dropped some good hints. She also spoke with reporters about dealing with the new attention from fans of Empire and just what it is about Cookie that makes us all love her. Empire airs Wednesdays at 9 PM on Fox and Season 2 premieres September 23rd.

Are you surprised which Cookie lines people responded to and started quoting?

No, because I have the reaction from the crew who are just like beer drinking guys, regular family guys. So when they yell cut and I have them laughing or going, “Oh my God” then I know it’s going to be a hit, because they’re the regular guys.

Why do you think the Cookie phenomenon got so huge?

I think she is everybody’s spirit animal. Or their alter ego or she lives in truth. If we lived in a world where people just weren’t afraid to live their truth, I think it would be a better place. We’re so busy trying to run around and be politically correct, and what is that? So Cookie, one thing she’s not is politically correct. She says it like it T-I is. I mean, you get asked a question, the first thing that comes to mind is the truth. But we’ve been taught in society to manipulate the truth, so we breathe, we hear the question and we manipulate it. Cookie does none of that.

What happens when you meet people and they expect you to be Cookie?

Usually they hit me. “Hey girl!” I’m like ow, don’t touch me. They call me Cookie and it’s like, “That’s not my name.” Yeah, it’s funny. People really think that I’m her. I’m not a fur girl. I’m a PETA girl. I don’t wear fur. Like selling drugs. I think selling drugs is a horrible thing. I’m not trying to go to prison.

Do you see any Suge Knight in Cookie?

I mean, Cookie is a culmination of a lot of people. I can’t specifically say that she’s one person. She has the gift of gab. She knows talent. She knows how to produce talent. She knows music. She has an ear for music. She’s a mother. She took a horrible situation in her life and flipped it and broke a cycle of poverty for her family. Her boys will not be statistics. So if you can find Suge in there, I don’t think about Suge when I portray Cookie.

What was your favorite moment from season one?

Geez Louise, there’s so many, I’m getting confused because there’s so many incredible moments this season. I think my favorite moment was when I had to drink with the fellas and I told Malcolm to take the cookies because that was all ad libbed. It’s a lot of fun.

What excites you the most about season two?

Her fashion. I can’t say it enough. I wish I could show you some things but I can’t.

What can you tell us about it?

Story? We’re going to see more of her backstory, maybe what that 17 years was like in prison. A lot more flashbacks.

Isn’t she getting a love interest, Adam Rodriguez?

Yeah, I heard two are coming my way. I live vicariously through her.

What does having all the attention feel like right now?

You know, I’ve been doing it for a long time so I’m not a spring chicken. I’m grown, my kid is grown now, so I’m kind of – relaxed in it. It’s just odd because I can’t do things that I used to do, like Target. I love going to super Target. I love going to Marshall’s or Ross just like I love going to Rodeo Drive. I still love TJ Maxx, bargains, I love it and it’s really difficult for me to do that. Or I have to go at a really weird hour and I have to dress like a unabomber.

How is your son adjusting to your fame?

He’s been with me on this journey the whole time. He’s 21 now and I never made it about Hollywood. I’ve always been a mom so he’s good.

Is it better that it’s happening for you now?

Absolutely, because I’m an adult now and I’m not caught up in the hype. I know not to believe the hype.