STARZ | Who Shot Ghost?

With all the foreshadowing leading up to Ghost's (fatal?) shot, you would think there are some tell-tale clues as to who exactly shot Mr. Invincible. It's usually never a good idea to go with the obvious choice, but sometimes obvious is also the most realistic, right? There are two people on my radar, but one rings a bit higher than the other. Besides, what formula are these writers using anyhow? Perhaps, one that can lend itself to a powerful (pun intended) final episode or spin-off?

Let's take a closer look at the possibilities:

Immediately, like everyone, I think about Tariq. It is no secret that Tariq is Courtney Kemp Agboh's (creator of Power) favorite character. She said so herself on Power Confidential (still can't believe I watched those additional videos as part of my binging spree). To my point, Tariq being her favorite has to mean something, right?

Anywho, before going any further, here are some of the memorable faces

lucky to have made it to Season 6.

Why exactly does Tariq being Courtney Kemp Agboh's favorite character matter?

It's simple: It means that Tariq will receive more character development attention and opportunities. Tariq has more room to grow as the plot continues - beyond Ghost? Tommy's commitment to revenge and hustling would become old news for a hungry fanbase. Others have little to no relevancy to Ghost's complex legacy. Well, Tasha is one to consider. Though, Tariq holds a bit of fresh air and mystery - "guess work" - folks would voluntarily go along for the ride in order to find out his own fate. The question remains, will Tariq's mystery be enough to force people like me to create a trial account to binge watch? I don't know! Nonetheless, it's the perfect formula --

1) Tariq mirroring his father's behavior(s)

2) Tariq's involvement with questionable love interest

3) Tasha taking on the role for Tariq that she once played for Ghost

4) Need for a character arch - Tariq's need for a serious reality check (that can only truly occur in Ghost's permanent absence - ironically caused by Tariq pulling the trigger himself?)

5) Power moves and motive(s)

Let's talk about motive: For me, there did not seem to be any true urgency for Tariq to kill his father. Yes, maybe perhaps in an impulsive panic and brewing anger - but Tariq seems a bit more calculated than to simply walk into his father's club to pull a trigger. However, filtering through my doubt, I have to consider the tension between the two of them and the constant foreshadowing layered in the son-against-father subplot. Tariq is a bit of an easy target to point the finger, but I also have a bit of doubt that it was him. Besides, Tariq needs Ghost alive in the event that Ghost were to follow-through and take the fall for Tariq's hand at playing God. With Ghost alive, maybe he could even come up with a more complex solution that works in Tariq's favor as well as his own? Or, unfortunately, Ghost could be worth more dead than alive - paying off the debts of both Tasha and Tariq? Should've-could've-would'ves aside, there was something in Ghost's eyes when he was hit with that bullet that immediately makes one believe the last image he saw was someone he certainly has a weak spot for. Though, I must admit again, it seems like a choice that is too obvious for writers who enjoy toying with their audience. Writers who seemingly unapologetically rid the show of some favorite core heavy-hitters. Speaking of which - why Ghost?

Getting rid of Ghost: Allows for Tariq's storyline to grow. Of course, this decision is a gamble when considering a core fanbase that aggressively declared they will NOT be watching the show or any spin-offs without Ghost. To those folks, I say this: No stress! Angela has reappeared quite a bit since her tragic "final" scene. I am certain Ghost will be woven in the fabric of the final episode and/or spin-off for obvious reasons!

Oh, to wrap this up abruptly - Tariq shot Ghost.

Maybe.