‘Power Book II: Ghost’ Recap – ‘I Can’t Fix This’

9/14/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Latoya Tonodeo and Michael Rainey Jr. as Diana Tejada and Tariq St. Patrick in Episode 407 of ‘Power Book II: Ghost’ – ‘I Can’t Fix This’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 407 of ‘Power Book II: Ghost’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

It really is quite amazing what the hit STARZ series, Power Book II: Ghost, is accomplishing in its final season. Because it really is elevating crime dramas, by having the incredible characters that populate this world… be tested like never before. Courtesy of moments of accountability for past transgressions in this season of storytelling, something that is rare in this type of story, and they’re facing stunning challenges. Wherein they are coming to learn that they are not invincible and there are greater powers out there, and this week… they all finally came to learn there are serious consequences for their actions, especially when they are under the thumb of someone who might actually be invincible.

Because Detective Don Carter basically evaded trouble at every turn in ‘I Can’t Fix This’, and that was no easy task for him. Because Councilman Tate was making his presence known around the NYPD because of the death of his brother, and he wanted justice. Which meant that Carter had to do something to throw him off of the trail, and that prompted him to find some member of the Russian mob to pin this on. Because he knew all the councilman wanted was a body, and he got what he wanted. Taking all the heat off of Carter in that moment, while reminding us how untouchable he is. For even his own team dare not cross him on this matter, and the reach of his power was further explored by way of the episode’s examination of how actions have consequences.

Which was explored in part, via Dru in this tale. Because he was in deep, and eager to be the hero to get his family out from under Carter’s thumb. So, he did everything possible to not arouse suspicion within the walls of prison, so that when the moment arrived to drop Carter’s informant… he would be able to do it quickly and cleanly, and his family would be free when the act was complete. But alas, murder did not produce the effect that he wanted. Because Carter made it clear that all Dru did was impress the dirty detective even further and endear himself further to Carter. Giving rise to the reality that the consequence for trying to please someone with that kind of power, makes you valuable to them, and makes it impossible to escape.

Alix Lapri as Effie in Episode 407 of ‘Power Book II: Ghost’ – ‘I Can’t Fix This’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)

But truly, the centerpiece exploration regarding the consequences of everyone’s actions in this tale, came forth via Tariq and Diana. Mainly because… Diana lost the baby. For the attack on her was indeed as bad we thought it was and that put both her and Tariq in an understandably dark place. One where they both believed that revenge was the only way to settle this. An act that Tariq backed down from after talking with his mother, who reminded him that he still had a chance to leave the darkness behind. But for Diana, revenge was all she wanted, and all she desired, and it made sense as to why. For Detective Lewis crossed every line and harmed a mother and the fury and pain that came out of that… brought her to the home of Detective Lewis and the lesson at hand. Which came forth out of a shocking series of moments.

Wherein she flat out murdered Lewis, only to learn… that Lewis was also a mother. An ironic discovery, one that forced her to bring the family together to figure out their next moves and help her to heal. Because the immediate consequence of her action was the guilt and the agony that revenge provides, since it is in fact worthless. But it also plunged her and the family deeper into Carter’s pocket. For he arrived to check on Lewis, with Dru no less, and that prompted him to demand answers and demand their loyalty in helping him bring down Noma. All of which hammered home the central theme in an impactful manner and truly set the stage for more strife for the Tejada and St. Patrick families.

However, not all is lost. Since Effie and Cane did work with Brayden to get all kinds of information regarding Detective Carter and his dirty task force. Which could help everyone get out from under his thumb before more trouble strikes, and hopefully they use this quickly. Especially when one considers that Cane made quite the move to exert more power in the organization by asking Noma for her hand in marriage. A move that will undoubtedly put him at risk as Carter begins to squeeze his new rival. But while we wait to see how that plays out, we can celebrate another smart tale. One that continued to offer up incredible moments and incredible lessons, all while setting the stage for a unique showdown with a dirty cop, one that truly has all the power now and could change the dynamic of this season… with a simple choice. Until next time.

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