‘Power Book II: Ghost’ Recap – ‘Monster’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

One particular aspect of life that no one ever enjoys dealing with, is the moment when we have to face the consequences of our actions. Because that moment reminds us of the fact, that we’ve taken part in some foolish acts. The kind that we undoubtedly knew weren’t a good idea to begin with, but we did them none the less and we can no longer escape them and well, how we deal with it all is important. For we really are at a crossroads when this happens, wherein we can own our mistakes and try and come back from them… or we can double down and push ahead as though nothing happened, and likely endure more consequences. If anything, this crossroads is top of mind today, simply because several characters were forced to face it in the next episode of Power Book II: Ghost.
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Simply because the death of Lil Guap’s lieutenant and the fallout from that, combined with Davis and Cooper’s back and forth and Tariq’s desire to control everything… brought everything about full circle and really, it’s best we start with Tariq’s reckoning in ‘Monster’, since that set the stage for so much regarding the season finale. Because finally coming to understand that Cooper and Davis were coming for him, combined with the broken relationships surrounding him, forced Tariq to really ponder upon where he has been and where he is going, and that led to some epiphanies for him. In that, he really hasn’t done anything all that noble, and he really is causing a lot of trouble for a lot of people, which is why attrition was in the cards for him, so that he could finally try and come back from his many mistakes.

Which made for quite the positive journey for Tariq in this tale, one that stood in stark contrast to the Tejada family’s journey. For Cane’s decision to flex up and be his own kingpin, led to major trouble for Monet. To the point where Rico’s boys almost gunned her and Tariq and her family down. Simply because they smelled weakness and likely found out about their fallen distributor and well, rather than admit to the fact that this ego got in the way of being the protector for this family, Cane doubled down on his immature nonsense. To the point where Monet made it clear that his future with the family remains nonexistent, since she has no room for showboats or ego and well… that decision… motivated Cane to continue to thrive in his mistaken laden path, as evidenced by what he did to Officer Ramirez in this tale. 

Plus, he wasn’t the only one eager to slip into the proverbial ether when mistakes came calling, since Cooper Saxe also indulged in doubling down when Stephen Ott… exposed him in an embarrassing manner. Since he captured photographs of Cooper and Davis at Epiphany Turner’s place, exposing their alliance. Which would force Cooper to go hard on her when her time came to take the stand, in his continued efforts to put Tasha behind bars. But there was just one problem with that plan. In that, Tariq gave all of his drag cash to Epiphany, so she could escape town and never be heard from again. Giving Saxe one last chance to come clean and back out of his deal with MacLean or… do the wrong thing. Which he did. By calling Tariq to the stand and well… it is definitely safe to say that could lead to great trouble and strife.

After all, Tariq is indeed on a moral kick of sorts. One where it would seem he’s ready to face the consequences for killing his father by admitting to it on the stand. An act that would destroy any future for Tariq, and of course… it could in turn… expose the Tejada empire to everyone since the truth comes out in waves when people are finally willing to speak upon it. But while we wait to see what Tariq decides to do with his future and the future of so many, we can in fact… bask in the wonder of a fascinating tale. One that really did hammer home the crisis we face when the past and our mistakes come calling in a frank and realistic manner. The kind that really does make the viewer wonder what they might do if they were faced with that choice. But before we ponder upon our own path in such matters, it is best we brace ourselves for the season one finale. For it will undoubtedly bring about a bevy of epic moments since everything in his harrowing journey is ready to come to a head. Until next time.

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