If you’re a fan of high-stakes crime dramas, complex moral dilemmas, and the intricate world of drug empires, then “Power Book II: Ghost” is a direct continuation of the immensely popular “Power” universe that will pull you right back in. This series picks up immediately after the shocking events of the original show, thrusting its young protagonist into a treacherous new reality.
What is “Power Book II: Ghost” about?
“Power Book II: Ghost” follows Tariq St. Patrick (Michael Rainey Jr.), the son of James “Ghost” St. Patrick. Having murdered his father in the original “Power” series finale, Tariq is now forced to grapple with the seismic fallout of that act. His desire to escape his father’s criminal legacy is constantly at odds with the mounting pressure to protect his mother, Tasha, who is facing charges for the murder Tariq committed.
To inherit his father’s estate and secure his family’s future, Tariq enrolls in the prestigious Stansfield University. However, the need for money and his innate entrepreneurial drive quickly lead him back into the drug game. He starts by creating a study app that serves as a front for pushing pills on campus. This new venture brings him into direct contact and eventually an uneasy alliance with the ruthless Tejada family, a powerful drug cartel led by the formidable matriarch Monet Stewart Tejada (Mary J. Blige).
The series delves into Tariq’s dual life: striving to be a successful college student while simultaneously building his own criminal enterprise to secure his family and navigate the cutthroat world of the Tejada organization. He finds himself constantly making difficult choices, balancing his education, love life, and family affairs with the scrutiny from both local and federal law enforcement, all while attempting to forge his own identity apart from his notorious father.
Key characters include:
- Tariq St. Patrick (Michael Rainey Jr.): The son of Ghost, attempting to juggle college life with a burgeoning drug empire.
- Monet Stewart Tejada (Mary J. Blige): The calculating and powerful queenpin of the Tejada drug cartel.
- Brayden Weston (Gianni Paolo): Tariq’s best friend and business partner, who comes from a privileged background but gets increasingly entangled in Tariq’s criminal world.
- Davis MacLean (Method Man): A high-profile and ambitious defense attorney who represents Tasha and later the Tejada family, always looking to win at all costs.
- The Tejada Siblings (Cane, Dru, and Diana): Monet’s children, each with their own ambitions, loyalties, and roles within the family’s illicit operations, often clashing with Tariq.
Why “Power Book II: Ghost” is a compelling watch:
- Direct Continuation: For fans of the original “Power,” it provides immediate answers and a seamless transition into the next chapter of the universe.
- Tariq’s Evolution: Watching Tariq grow from a troubled teenager into a cunning and increasingly ruthless figure, struggling with the moral ambiguity of his choices, is a central draw.
- New Power Players: The introduction of the Tejada family, led by the commanding Monet, brings a fresh and equally compelling criminal dynamic to the forefront.
- High-Stakes Drama: The series is packed with betrayals, power struggles, unexpected alliances, and constant threats, ensuring a gripping viewing experience.
- Celebrity Talent: The inclusion of established stars like Mary J. Blige and Method Man adds significant weight and presence to the cast.
- Exploration of Legacy: It powerfully explores the theme of legacy and whether Tariq can truly escape the shadow of his father or if he is destined to repeat similar patterns.
Where to Watch “Power Book II: Ghost”:
“Power Book II: Ghost” is a Starz Original series.
All four seasons are available to stream on:
- Starz (via direct subscription or as an add-on channel on platforms like Amazon Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, Roku Premium Channel, and Hulu).
- Philo
- Spectrum On Demand
You can also purchase individual episodes or full seasons on digital platforms such as:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV
- Google Play Movies & TV
- Fandango At Home (Vudu)
Important Note: It has been announced that Season 4 will be the final season for “Power Book II: Ghost.” Season 4 is split into two parts: Part 1 premiered on June 7, 2024, and Part 2 is set to premiere on September 6, 2024.
If you enjoyed “Power Book II: Ghost,” you might also like:
- Power (Starz/Hulu): The original series that sets up Tariq’s story, following James “Ghost” St. Patrick’s double life.
- Power Book III: Raising Kanan (Starz): A prequel series that delves into the early life of Kanan Stark, another pivotal character from the original “Power,” exploring the origins of his criminal empire.
- Power Book IV: Force (Starz): A spin-off following Tommy Egan as he relocates to Chicago to establish a new drug enterprise.
- Snowfall (Hulu): A critically acclaimed series that chronicles the birth of the crack cocaine epidemic in Los Angeles in the 1980s, with a similar focus on the rise of a young drug kingpin.
- The Wire (Max): A sprawling, realistic crime drama that offers a deep, systemic look at the drug trade, law enforcement, and urban life in Baltimore.