Having played a huge role in the original show, Tariq’s importance to thePoweruniverse only continued to grow after becoming the protagonist ofPower Book II: Ghost, but he’s just one kill away from becoming the franchise’s biggest villain. Despite being Ghost’s son,it was hard to imagine Tariq evolving into such a major player inPower’s overall story when he was first introducedin season 1, but his arc transformed him into a capable drug dealer. AfterRaina St. Patrick’s shocking death, Tariq was never the same, especially because he was partially responsible for his sister’s demise.
He became colder and more ruthless after the incident, which carried over from the main show into his spinoff. Additionally, getting justice for Raina resulted in him taking his first life, and this set him up to be nearly as fearsome as his father, making him one ofPower’s most dangerous characters. However, despite Ghost being a fan favorite among audiences for possessing many of these same traits, the fan base never quite took to Tariq in the same way, creating a divisive reputation that could set up a villainous arc, which one major kill would solidify.
Tariq Killing Tommy Would Cement Him As Power’s Ultimate Villain
Tariq Has Already Been Involved In Some Of Power’s Biggest Deaths
Tariq’s first kill in thePoweruniverse proved to be the first of many, and the idea of him killing Tommy Egan would cement his status as the franchise’s biggest villain. WithPowerpremiering 10 years ago,Tariq and Tommy are the only two surviving protagonists left after Ghost and Kanan’s deaths, both of which Tariq played a hand in. His role in some ofPower’s most shocking deathsis a large reason why he is hated by a large section of the audience, but this would only get worse if he bumped off another hugely popular lead.
Tommy is easily one ofPower’s best charactersand the viewers absolutely love him despite his flaws, making his survival in the original show a welcome conclusion to his story. Therefore, Tariq taking his life would turnPower Book II: Ghost’s protagonist into a major villain, leading to most of his remaining fans souring on the character. Although this would add some much-needed depth to his arc and be an incredibly bold move, it would change the people’s perception of Tariq forever.
Despite Tommy operating in Chicago, Tariq eliminatingPower’s only other remaining main character would clear out the competition and make him one of the most powerful known drug dealers in the TV universe.
Despite Tommy operating in Chicago, Tariq eliminatingPower’s only other remaining main character would clear out the competition and make him one of the most powerful known drug dealers in the TV universe. The kill would also mean he is responsible for the franchise’s three biggest deaths despite having a personal relationship with each of them, which would instantly crown Tariq as the ultimate antagonist.
How Tariq Was Involved In Ghost & Kanan’s Deaths
Tariq Shot Ghost & Was Largely Responsible For Kanan’s Demise
Ghost and Kanan’s deaths were massive moments forPower, making it all the more fascinating that Tariq was responsible for both. His involvement in his father’s death is much more straightforward, as Tariq shot Ghost towards theend ofPowerseason 6. There was a huge mystery about who killed the protagonist, but the series eventually revealed it was Tariq who murdered his father after Ghost threatened to turn him in to the police. While this remains one of the franchise’s most divisive decisions, it highlighted just how cold-hearted Tariq had become, something he undoubtedly inherited from his dad.
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In contrast, Tariq never actually killed Kanan, but he was still largely involved in the character’s demise. Before offing his dad, Tariq set up Kanan for kidnapping with the help of Tasha and Angela. Although Kanan used Tariq at various points throughout the show, he did also act as a mentor figure towards him and protected him on occasion, making the betrayal unexpected for the veteran gangster. Rather than surrendering and going back to jail,Kanan ended up in a shootout with the police who attempted to arrest him, and while he won, he eventually succumbed to his wounds.
It may not have been Tariq’s intention for Kanan to die, but attempting to send him back to prison proved Tariq was willing to destroy his life. His actions mean two out ofPower’s four main characters have fallen because of him, suggesting Tommy is the only remaining protagonist that Tariq hasn’t dealt with.
Could Tariq Really Kill Tommy In The Power Universe?
The Franchise’s History & Future Suggests The Kill Won’t Happen Any Time Soon
The idea of Tariq killing Tommy would be game-changing forPower, but could it really happen? Most likely, the answer is no.Power Book II: Ghost’s series finale did tease a potential reunion between the characters, with Tariq answering a mystery call in the post-credits, claiming his caller was “Family for life.” However, the spinoff’s story hasn’t focused much on Tommy, whilePower Book IV: Forcehas barely mentioned Tariq, indicating he won’t appear in the final season. Given the franchise’s next spinoff will be a prequel, it doesn’t seem like the two characters will cross paths anytime soon.
Power’s next spinoff will focus on Tommy and Ghost’s younger years and will be titledPower: Origins.
Assuming the duo are eventually reacquainted in a future show,the response to Tariq killing Ghost feels like enough of a reason for this controversial storyline not to happen again.Powerfans are still holding out hope that Ghost is somehow faking his death as they aren’t willing to accept he died at the hands of Tariq, meaning it would be foolish to repeat history with Tommy suffering the same fate. The post-credit scene does keep the hope of a future interaction alive despite them operating in different states, but Tariq killing Tommy still feels too controversial to actually occur.
Power
Power, released in 2014, follows a successful New York entrepreneur who covertly leads a drug empire catering to wealthy elites. As he seeks to leave the criminal world behind and protect his family, he navigates the precarious balance between his dual identities.
