We’re halfway through the fourth and final season of Power Book II: Ghost, and when the series returns, many things will need to be wrapped up.
We’ve got dirty cops and fractured families, and Tariq’s revenge tour has barely taken off yet.
This is to say that these five episodes in September better bring the heat because there’s a lot of story hanging out there.
Since we have some time before diving into those final hours, we’re looking back at what we’ve gotten thus far during this split fourth season.
And it’s been a mixed bag, to say the least.
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Once you’ve checked out the report card, make sure to post all your thoughts in the comments.
Best Character – Dru Stands On Business
Dru Tejada has come a long way from the guy we met in season one, who had one foot outside the family.
Dru has struggled with his place in the family business, and after his and Diana’s betrayal of Monet, he started the season hellbent on seeing her go.
It was a bit jarring to hear him so explicitly want his mother dead, but he’s harbored a lot of pain, resentment, and anger that’s been building up since he was a child.
Various flashbacks shed light on the Tejada family, with Monet ingratiating her children into the drug business at a very early age when they didn’t know any better than to follow their mom’s instructions.
But they are no longer children, and Dru has stepped out on his own, refusing to bow down to Monet’s wishes or demands. Instead, he chose himself first and prioritized his own needs.
It’s a new side to Dru, and one that’s been welcome, as he didn’t back down, still wanting to be family, but not on anyone else’s terms.
Worst Character – Noma Lacks Bite
I’m sorry to say it, but Noma is not the scary villain she makes herself out to be. Outside of killing Obi, which was necessary for her to do as he proved unloyal, Noma hasn’t been nearly as menacing as she was when first introduced.
Perhaps that’s because Mecca’s death drove the sincere anger she felt when first introduced, and now that that’s all behind her, her motives aren’t as apparent or important.
Thus far, Tariq bested her at her own game and made inroads with her daughter.
She’s found herself seduced by both Cane and Davis, which, while understandable, will most likely prove disastrous in the end.
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Villains within the Power universe don’t always hit well, but they have their moments here and there.
Noma has had her moments, but as we head into the end of the series, there’s nothing about the way she’s currently being presented or the moves she’s making that leads me to believe Tariq and company won’t ultimately outsmart her.
Best Storyline – Tariq Activates Predator Mode
Power Book II: Ghost has always been Tariq’s story, and he continues to be the best part of it. And isn’t that a wild statement to make after we spent many seasons watching him on Power and lamenting how annoying he could be at times?
This series has helped transform Tariq into a fully realized character. As we’ve gotten to know him better, we better understand his motivations, what makes him tick, and why he’s become the man he is.
Fresh off a betrayal, Tariq started the season with Brayden as his only confidant. He’s been struggling to get back everything he lost, though he never gave up trying.
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Has Tariq made mistakes thus far?
Yes, he seemingly always does. But he’s setting himself up to get his revenge against everyone who wronged him, and that’s easily the most exciting thing this final season has going for it.
Love him or hate him, this is his story, and Michael Rainey Jr.’s performance continues to be one of the best on television.
Worst Storyline – Detective Carter & Company Are Dirty Cops…Oh My!
Michael Ealy’s addition as Detective Don Carter was highly anticipated, and Ealy is killing it as usual, but the character and his storyline are falling decidedly flat thus far.
When Paz went to Carter at the end of Power Book II: Ghost Season 4 Episode 1, the makings were there for Tariq to have a REAL threat in the waning hours of the series.
And Carter went balls to the wall right away, grilling Davis, Tariq, and even Monet in his quest to get them all to turn on one another. But nothing worked, and as the episodes rolled by, he seemed doomed to follow in the footsteps of all Power cops that have come before him.
Including the curveball of him and his task force being dirty was surprising and certainly a shocking reveal, but it also felt out of place. For starters, we don’t know enough about Carter (or anyone on his team) for it to be more than a passing surprise.
While it may be interesting to see how this affects Monet and Dru, I’m much more interested in the conclusion of Tariq versus the Tejadas than crooked cops.
Best Episode – Power Book II: Ghost Season 4 Episode 3
Everything about the third episode of the season felt like vintage Power Ghost, with the action flowing, storylines pushed forward, and Tariq and Brayden leading the hour.
Tariq and Brayden tried leading legitimate lives for a few days before they decided it wasn’t for them. They then started a new business venture, bringing in Davis to help them get their foot in the door.
But getting in the door wasn’t enough, and it was nice to see how Tariq used his instincts and intelligence to get what he wanted in the end. He hates to hear it, but there are certain instances where he’s the spitting image of his daddy.
Related: Power Book II: Ghost Season 4 Episode 3 Review: Birthright
The best part of the episode came during another explosive Tejada family dinner, which officially pitted Dru and Diana against Cane and Monet.
They could have easily dragged out Dru and Diana’s duplicitousness until later in the season.
However, revealing it so soon changed the family’s trajectory and set many different stories into motion. It’s not a flawless hour, but it’s by far the one that stood out the most.
Overall Grade – B-
I’d be lying if I said this half of the season has been amazing because it certainly hasn’t been as captivating as others.
But Power Book II: Ghost is still and will always be appointment viewing.
Tariq and Brayden fighting one second and protecting one another the next will never get old, nor will the twisted dysfunction that is the Tejada family.
The action could have been more plentiful, and the lack of shocks was unexpected, but considering their track record, it’s safe to hope that they will end things satisfyingly.
The set-up for the end may have been underwhelming, but there was still plenty to enjoy about the first five episodes. And even more to look forward to.