The Starz crime drama Power, which concluded its six-season run in 2020, left viewers with a burning question: Why did Tariq St. Patrick kill his own father, James “Ghost” St. Patrick? The answer is complex and rooted in the show’s exploration of family, loyalty, and the cyclical nature of violence.
Tariq’s Motivation: More Than Just Patricide
Tariq’s decision to kill Ghost wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment act. It stemmed from a deep-seated resentment and a desire for liberation.
Both Tariq and his mother, Tasha, felt trapped by Ghost’s double life. They recognized that as long as he lived, they would never truly escape the dangerous world of drug dealing and its consequences. Killing Ghost was their only perceived path to freedom.
Beyond the immediate threat, Tariq harbored years of anger towards his father. Ghost’s constant lies, infidelity, and criminal activities created a fractured family dynamic. Tariq felt betrayed by the man he was supposed to look up to. He yearned to break free from Ghost’s legacy and forge his own identity. The confrontation in the nightclub, where Tariq finally confronted his father, culminated in a tragic act of rebellion.
The Influence of Kanan: A Ghost from the Past
Before the fateful encounter, Tariq received a visit from the deceased Kanan Stark, Ghost’s former mentor turned rival. This ghostly apparition, played by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, served as a catalyst for Tariq’s actions. Kanan’s words reinforced Tariq’s belief that he needed to sever ties with his father to survive. This scene underscored the Shakespearean themes of betrayal and revenge that permeate the series.
Ghost’s Final Plea: A Moment of Redemption?
In a heartbreaking twist, Ghost’s final words were a plea to Tommy Egan, his lifelong friend and business partner, to spare Tariq’s life. Despite the immense pain and betrayal, Ghost’s paternal instincts kicked in. This act of selflessness offered a glimpse of redemption for a character often defined by ruthlessness.
The Aftermath: A Cycle of Violence Continues
While Tariq escaped immediate punishment for his crime, the consequences of his actions reverberated throughout the Power universe. Tasha took the fall for Ghost’s murder, ending up in prison. Tariq, burdened by his secret, enrolled in college to secure his inheritance, but found himself drawn deeper into the criminal underworld in the sequel series, Power Book II: Ghost.
Tariq’s decision to kill Ghost was a culmination of years of simmering resentment, a desperate attempt to escape a toxic legacy, and a tragic commentary on the cyclical nature of violence. It was a pivotal moment in the Power saga, one that continues to resonate in the spin-off series and solidify the show’s exploration of complex family dynamics and the consequences of choices.
