“Rest in Power” is an expression that’s been utilized since the passing last week of Albert “Prodigy’ Johnson. Because his lyrics have been in heavy rotation, I literally let them rest in “Power.” At least a piece about Season 4 of the best show on television.
Gangsters don’t die, we turn to legends…
The lead was to be the arrest of the show’s centerpiece Omari Hardwick’s Ghost. Ironically one of his major obstacles while facing an impending lifelong bid came in the form of U.S. Marshal Williams. Sadly, Charlie Murphy, who portrayed Williams didn’t get to see the fruits of his labor in his stint on the show. That made his appearance all the more powerful. Aside from having that effect on the viewers, his impact on Hardwick was just as strong.
“I don’t think I’m a stranger to being a grounded human being, but he was one that had been through so much,” said Hardwick. “I was never one to be walking down the street and be called Jamil or Malik’s brother. Malik and Jamil go through life being called Omari’s brother. Charlie’s gone through being called Eddie’s brother. So, when he’s away from the producers and the other actors—where his propensity to poke out his chest is a little more prevalent—I think with me, he went through, ‘Man, I’ve always been the other guy. My brother’s Eddie.’ So, he shared so much of that and how tough that was, with people going, ‘Oh, you’re just on because you’re Eddie’s brother.’ From that I think I took away to remain as humble as you possibly can because as much as someone’s hot in this industry is as quick as they can be not. So, I think he just showed a level of humility I just thought was incredible. Plus, he was an incredible father to his three kids.”
I got you stuck on the realness…
Oft times you’d chat with an actor and they differ greatly from a role they’re noted for. For the cast of one of the most exhilarating series on television, that’s a blessing. Although each of the main protagonists has traits that are uniquely them, for the most part they’re callous narcissists who would stop at nothing to achieve their ultimate end goal of power. But more on that later.
In the case of Joe Sikora, that observation was spot on, as he was displayed a cordial, mild-mannered demeanor. That was until he got crossed. A question was phrased in a way that presented the show as a typical, run of the mill “hood” yarn. In response, Sikora transformed into a, albeit a tad more controlled, version of his character, Tommy Egan.
Passionately and eloquently Sikora offered, “This isn’t hood books set to screen. This is an elevated, drama with different components by people with different realms of intelligence. The industry has tried to give us the typecast hood title, but fans across the world—we’re in 170 countries right now—have said that we see ourselves and identify with that struggle. To me that’s a transcendent show and we can’t be put in that box any longer.”
When worse comes to worse, my people come first…
Naturi Naughton’s Tasha now find a much deeper bond to share, as the actress is expecting her first child. She said, “This role has helped me and has me excited to be a mother. It amazes me how my emotional availability has become enhanced and my maternal instinct kicks in. For my character, this season is a lot about motherhood, and hopefully I can take from the mistakes that Tasha has made and not make them as Naturi.”
Loyalty or death don’t cross me…
This year we find new players in the mix. As entities grow, new elements are injected or elevated to keep things fresh. That’s where we find two ensemble pieces who now can see their names in the opening credits. As an actress, producer, New York Times bestselling author and fashion-and cosmetics mogul, Alani “La La” Anthony’s (LaKeisha Grant) presence in the film and TV industry is rapidly growing in part because of her being a Day One member of the cast. Now she’s on the verge of becoming indispensable.
“People have always had an interest in LaKeishia,” said Anthony. “They thought that she wanted to be Tasha and have her life, and that makes for a very complicated friendship. Now they get to see more of her personality and learn more about who she is and what she’s about. For an actress, that’s exciting, having more material to sink my teeth into.”
For Rotimi Akinosho (Dre), music was to be his entre to stardom. Born and raised in Maplewood, N.J., Rotimi made his way to Harlem, where he was a two-time winner at the Apollo Theater’s “Amateur Night” at the mere age of 15. Now he is poised to ride his acting chops to his destination. Rotimi said, “For me, art is imitating life a bit. Dre is in a situation where he has new responsibilities, so he has to have a new mind state, because he has to put in more time and more work. He has to dig in a little deeper. Being around strong people both on and off screen means I have to stay on my A-game. Everybody is just that good at what they do and I need to elevate constantly.”
Graveyard gambles. Prison probabilities. Are they built for that life? We got nine more weeks to see how it plays out. Strap in!
New Orleans bound. Holla next week. Til then, enjoy the nightlife.