Tariq’s boss Monet is battling over control of her business with her incarcerated husband, Lorenzo (Berto Colon). Their children, Diana (LaToya Tonodeo), Dru (Lovell Adams-Gray), and Cane are all trying to determine who they are without becoming collateral in their parents’ war. Though ousted from his family’s inner circle at the end of last season, Cane seems determined to force his way back in, with the help of brand new drug distributor Mecca (Daniel Sunjata). In contrast, Diana and Dru have aspirations of their own, ones that have nothing to do with the family business and even less to do with following their mother’s oppressive orders.

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The Tejadas aren’t the only people going through some transformations this season. Tariq’s best friend and business partner, Brayden Westen (Gianni Paolo), is looking to break rank with his blue-blooded Upper East Side family. Still, money and whiteness are more potent than he might expect. Meanwhile, disgraced Councilman Rashad Tate (Larenz Tate) is looking for a way back onto the front page after his failed bid for governor. A new role at Stansfield might be his ticket back into the spotlight. Attorney Cooper Saxe (Shane Johnson) has joined forces with Davis McClain (Clifford “Method Man” Smith), who has some underhanded reasons for welcoming the former prosecutor into his criminal defense enterprise.

The first episode of the season, “Free Will Ain’t Free,” admittedly feels a bit like a circus, complete with garish, horror movie-type music playing in the background whenever something precarious is set to happen. This opening episode is about catching up with old characters and introducing viewers to the new ones. Tariq’s school, romantic, and work lives are in shambles. His unfinished businesses with his grandmother (Debbi Morgan) and younger sister are another source of stress for the college student. Also, the constant police activity on campus makes it a challenge for Tariq and Brayden to proceed with their drug business as usual.

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Mary J. Blige as Monet Tejada in Power Book II: Ghost
Mary J. Blige as Monet Tejada in Power Book II: Ghost
Photo: Starz

Episode two, “Selfless Acts,” feels a bit more settled than the premiere. The campy music is gone, and all of the characters’ motivations for this season are much clearer. However, Power Book II: Ghost fans know from past episodes of the show and entire seasons of its predecessor that things can turn on a dime. Lauren (Paige Hurd) appears to be fed up with Tariq’s omissions and cagey behavior, which could open a door for his potential romance with Diana. Some shocking aspects of Monet’s past are revealed. And finally, Professor Carrie Milgram (Melanie Liburd) emerges as the number one suspect in Jabari’s murder.

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The Power Book II: Ghost cast is so expansive that the varied levels in acting talent are immediately apparent. Some storylines are a lot more intriguing than others; Rainey’s transformation from a bratty teen to a manipulating young man is intriguing to watch. This season includes several standouts. Tonodo is stretching her wings as Diana, a seemingly meek young woman who is more than ready to navigate life on her own terms. Chicago Med alum Jeff Hephner has joined the cast as Detective Kevin Whitman, who is determined to figure out what happened to Jabari, and he’s not above letting his personal feelings interfere with his judgment. Finally, Sunjata’s Mecca gives fan-favorite Power villain Felipe Lobos (Enrique Murciano) a run for his money. The various characters and storylines will undoubtedly keep fans returning week to week.

For those looking for an entry point into the Power Universe, this season of Ghost is not the way to go. If you haven’t watched season one or any of Power, it’s going to feel convoluted, fast-paced, and almost unruly, especially in comparison to its more elevated and nuanced counterpart: the ’90s-set prequel series, Power Book III: Raising Kanan. But for fans who have gotten to this point in the universe, the drama, dangerous scenarios, and manipulative characters are in spades this season. If Power Book II: Ghost is anything, it’s consistent.

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Kemp ended Power because she’d run out of story for James St. Patrick. By allowing Tariq the space to navigate his own world, she’s afforded many beloved and hated characters the opportunity for fans to praise and despise them again and again. To that end, Power Book II: Ghost is precisely what you’d expect it to be—a lot of drama, some far-fetched scenarios, a ton of different absurd key players, some questionable choices, but also quite a bit of fun.