In an exclusive interview with BET, stars Michael Rainey Jr. and LaToya Tonodeo discuss their role in the legacy of the Power Universe.
Season four of “Power Book II: Ghost” is the final chapter in Starz’s successful spinoff of the crime drama “Power.” This series follows Tariq St. Patrick (Michael Rainey Jr.), the son of Power’s James “Ghost” St. Patrick. This season, the stakes are higher than ever as new alliances are formed and familiar ones fracture. Tariq and Brayden Weston (Gianni Paolo) find themselves in a power struggle, as Brayden’s reckless new lifestyle leaves Tariq questioning their partnership. With Monet Tejada (Mary J. Blige) on the brink of death, Davis McClean (Method Man) facing potential disbarment, and Effie Morales (Alix Lapri) focusing on securing her future at Stanford, every character is left to fend for themselves. Meanwhile, Cane Tejada (Woody McClain) strengthens his grip on the drug world by working with Noma (Caroline Chikeze), who fights to establish her empire in the U.S. With his future and family on the line, Tariq must confront his past to rise to the top and protect those he loves most.
Tariq’s actions prove the adage “like father, like son” as he increasingly mirrors Ghost despite his denial. Longtime “Power” fans will easily spot the similarities in their stories. When asked what viewers can expect this season, Rainey Jr. highlights the unexpected twists and surprises that will keep everyone on the edge of their seats. “Definitely a lot of plot twists and things that you wouldn’t expect to go down. There’s going to be a lot going on these last few episodes for sure, that’s all I can say,” Rainey tells BET. “My character this season finally accepted the fact that he’s just like his dad. He’s really on bad time. But for me, I’ve been portraying this character for 10 years. So, I was just like, ‘It’s time.’”
LaToya Tonodeo, who plays Diana Tejada, adds that her character’s focus this season shifts to the baby she’s having with Tariq. One of season three’s biggest bombshells was Diana’s pregnancy. In a pivotal moment, Tariq is moments away from killing Diana, but her mom, Monet steps in and reveals that Diana is pregnant. “Diana has been underneath not just Monet but her brother’s thumb. Definitely, it’s still family over everything for her. But she’s finally, especially with this baby with Tariq, she’s like, ‘Listen, I don’t want my child a part of this life.’ And yeah, she’s making tough decisions that she never had to make before because she is pregnant. So, yeah, the trajectory of her character has definitely changed this season, and I’m here for it,” Tonodeo says.
The Power Universe, created by Courtney A. Kemp and 50 Cent, became a groundbreaking media franchise in television crime drama. It produced one of the highest-rated shows on Starz and the most-watched series on the cable network. Executive produced by 50 Cent himself through G-Unit Film & Television in association with Lionsgate Studios, the end of “Power Book II: Ghost” marks a milestone for both the series and the overall Power Universe, solidifying its legacy in modern television. “It’s bittersweet,” Tonodeo expresses.
“We don’t want to go, but we’re just glad we gave them four seasons of a great TV show. I’m happy we ended on a note where they were like, ‘Why we ended?’ rather than, ‘This show needs to finally end,’” Rainey Jr. continues.
Rainey Jr. joined “Power” at just 12 years old, and as he approaches his 24th birthday, it’s clear how much he’s grown alongside the show. “To be a part of something this legendary, this iconic, it’s just a blessing, honestly. When I first started, I didn’t know what I was stepping into. I was just like, ‘Hey, I’m here.’ I’ll just do my job, and I’ll go home. And then, you know, three years, four years down the line, it becomes a cultural phenomenon,” he explains. “I’m blessed. I literally did grow up with this show.”
Tonodeo reflects on the dramatic shift in how fans perceive Tariq. She notes how their attitude toward him has completely transformed from intense dislike to fierce loyalty. Now, whenever Diana or anyone else crosses Tariq, fans are quick to defend him despite their previous hatred. It’’s so crazy how it happened, but hey, tables always turn. And that’s real life, too,” Rainey Jr. adds.
