The Most Shocking Moments of 50 Cent’s ‘Power’ Franchise

As ‘Power Book II: Ghost’ season 4 premieres, marking the 10th anniversary of the franchise, we’re highlighting the universe’s most shocking moments.

Photo: Starz

For the most part, there are no good people in the “Power” universe. Yeah, they all pretty much seem to be terrible—which means no one is safe from being killed off from the show. However, the very specific code these characters live by also often leads to outrageous, unexpected decisions. With the franchise celebrating its 10th anniversary, and “Power Book II: Ghost” set to premiere its fourth season, we’re looking back at some of the most shocking moments from the “Power” universe—created and produced by Courtney A. Kemp in collaboration with rapper 50 Cent.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
The Dangers of Trump’s Close Relationship With Tech Billionaires

Tariq Kills Ghost – Power

“Power” was always going to end with Ghost’s death (that’s how mob shows usually work). Having Tariq be the killer was a real gut punch to viewers who’d become deeply invested in the complex St. Patrick family dynamics.

Tasha Returns – Power Book II: Ghost

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJmE3hRhpeY

It was so surprising that Tasha would return to be involved in her son’s life. The shock of seeing her again was more about in demand actress Naturi Naughton having time to come back and wrap up her character’s story.

Kanan Kills His Own Son – Power

We all knew Kanan was ruthless and never to be trusted, but killing his own son as part of a plot against Ghost was low even for him.

Tasha Kills LaKeisha – Power

If you plan to have any sort of happy ending in the “Power” universe, you’re essentially signing your death warrant. It also doesn’t help to be romantically involved with Tommy Egan because that hasn’t ended well for any woman.

Tariq Reads Ghost’s Letter – Power Book II: Ghost

When Tariq was arrested, he received a letter from his dead ffather. If you were expecting a deep, emotional scene, sorry this absolutely was not the moment for you.

Unique Is Alive – Power Book III: Raising Kanan

Fans definitely felt some type of way about Unique’s death. Thankfully, Joey Bada$$ felt the same way and everyone got a surprise at the end in the Season 3 finale.

Ghost Destroys Marshal Clyde – Power

One of the reasons Ghost was able to stay in power so long was because he tried to keep emotion out of his business decisions. When he was in prison, the stress of everything he’d been holding in got to him, he snapped and beat a guard to death. Even by “Power” standards, it was a shocking outburst of rage.

Diana Goes Nuclear at Tejada Family Dinner – Power Book II: Ghost

It’s not easy being the child of a drug queenpin, especially when it’s the fierceMonet Tejada. Fed up with her mother’s BS, Diana went scorched Earth at a family dinner and revealed everyone’s secrets.

Kanan Betrays Jukebox – Power

This one hit even harder after we watched them grow up together on “Raising Kanan.” Jukebox never failed to have his back and do horrible things to help his empire, so in retrospect it was heartbreaking.

Vic Kills Walter – Power Book IV: Force

No one cried any tears over Walter’s death, he was always destined to die horribly. What made it so surprising was that Vic did the deed himself after working with his sister to have their father ambushed.

Theo Sacrifices Himself to Protect Davis – Power Book II: Ghost

Photo: Starz Photo: Starz

Loyalty is the common thread among all the series. Theo takes that to new levels when he kills Cooper Saxe to avenge his brother’s betrayal. After he handles that piece of business, he takes his own life.

Kanan Goes Out Guns Blazing – Power

There’s no way a man like Kanan was going to peacefully surrender and go to jail. That was never how his story was going to end.

Tommy Kills Holly – Power

Screenshot: Power Screenshot: Power

Tommy Egan is not a good guy, so it wasn’t a shock that his girlfriend’s attempt to kill Ghost sent him into a murderous rage. It was the fact that she was pregnant that made it even worse.

Raina’s Death – Power

As awful as they are, you can at least understand why some deaths are necessary to the storyline of the season. Raina’s death will always feel senseless.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

13 Inventions We Would Not Have Without Pioneering Black Women

13 Inventions We Would Not Have Without Pioneering Black Women

As we continue our celebration of Women’s History Month, here are some life-changing inventions brought to us by Black women …
A Look Inside Prince's Famous Paisley Park Mansion in Minnesota

A Look Inside Prince’s Famous Paisley Park Mansion in Minnesota

An all-new Prince book is set to be released soon, so what better time to revisit the place Prince called home? Let’s take a look! …
Teyana Taylor Wants 'One Battle After Another' Sequel, But Fans Aren't Feeling It

Teyana Taylor Wants ‘One Battle After Another’ Sequel, But Fans Aren’t Feeling It

Though Teyana Taylor’s role in ‘One Battle After Another’ earned her an Oscar nomination, it looks like fans aren’t so hyped to see a spinoff of her character …
Black ‘Klan Whisperer’ Has Led Hundreds Away From White Supremacy —And Has the Robes to Prove It

Black ‘Klan Whisperer’ Has Led Hundreds Away From White Supremacy —And Has the Robes to Prove It

Daryl Davis has used open conversation and music to persuade hundreds to leave hate behind, collecting their Klan regalia as symbols of change …
5 Times That Stephen A. Smith Crossed The Line

5 Times That Stephen A. Smith Crossed The Line

The controversial host of ESPN’s “First Take” has a track record of being a habitual linestepper …
They Wanted Tendernism. Just Not The Black Man Who Created It.

They Wanted Tendernism. Just Not The Black Man Who Created It.

Walter “Mr. Tendernism” Johnson made a restaurant famous. Then the fight over his creation began …
T.I Tells Us What He Really Thinks About His Sons Jumping in Beef With 50 Cent

T.I Tells Us What He Really Thinks About His Sons Jumping in Beef With 50 Cent

After Domani and King Harris released jaw-dropping diss tracks against 50 Cent, T.I. shares his thoughts on the whole ordeal …
Memphis Cemetery Sued for Allegedly Segregating Bathrooms and Forcing Black Workers to Use Gas Station Toilets—But it Gets Worse

Memphis Cemetery Sued for Allegedly Segregating Bathrooms and Forcing Black Workers to Use Gas Station Toilets—But it Gets Worse

A federal lawsuit claims a Memphis cemetery resurrected segregated facilities, then axed a manager for refusing to silence his Black crew …
See Oprah Stepping Out Looking Fit and Fly at Paris Fashion Week

See Oprah Stepping Out Looking Fit and Fly at Paris Fashion Week

Oprah Winfrey has been spotted with bestie Gayle King at Paris Fashion Week. Now, one red carpet look has the internet talking …
Billy Porter Details the Shocking Health Emergency That Left Him 'Dead for Three Days'

Billy Porter Details the Shocking Health Emergency That Left Him ‘Dead for Three Days’

In September 2025, Billy Porter had to leave a Broadway production due to a health emergency. Now, he’s opening up about the scary time …
Beware: The Real Version of Your Partner May Be Hiding in Their Phone

Beware: The Real Version of Your Partner May Be Hiding in Their Phone

One TikTok creator is stirring up conversation online after claiming that if you really want to know your partner — their phone might tell the real story …
Texas Teen Messed Around, Found Out After Depicting Black Student Athlete as Kunta Kinte Online

Texas Teen Messed Around, Found Out After Depicting Black Student Athlete as Kunta Kinte Online

A Texas teen is facing severe consequences after a school district says he depicted a Black high schooler as Kunta Kinte on Instagram …
After Tough Win Against Crockett, James Talarico's Fiery Victory Speech Is Something We Need to Hear

After Tough Win Against Crockett, James Talarico’s Fiery Victory Speech Is Something We Need to Hear

James Talarico says he plans to usher in a new wave of politics after beating Jasmine Crockett in the Texas primary …
If You Think  Michael B. Jordan Was Good in 'Sinners,' You Got to See Him in 'Fruitvale Station'

If You Think Michael B. Jordan Was Good in ‘Sinners,’ You Got to See Him in ‘Fruitvale Station’

Thanks to a viral clip from his 2013 film, fans are pointing to ‘Fruitvale Station’ as Michael B. Jordan’s earliest and finest work. And there’s good reason why! …
10 Songs Engineered By Bob Power, The Invisible Architect of Some of Your Favorite Hip-Hop Hits

10 Songs Engineered By Bob Power, The Invisible Architect of Some of Your Favorite Hip-Hop Hits

The renowned music engineer and producer who passed away on March 1 was a force behind numerous hip-hop and R&B cuts …
Black U.S. Tourists Trapped in Dubai After Iran Attacks Share Their Terrifying Experiences on TikTok 

Black U.S. Tourists Trapped in Dubai After Iran Attacks Share Their Terrifying Experiences on TikTok 

American tourists are taking to TikTok to share the terrifying reality of being stranded in the Middle East following the attacks on Iran …
Ex-NBA Star Iman Shumpert Reveals Love of ‘Spirituality’ Behind Kountry Wayne’s Comedy After Viral Skit

Ex-NBA Star Iman Shumpert Reveals Love of ‘Spirituality’ Behind Kountry Wayne’s Comedy After Viral Skit

Former NBA star Iman Shumpert explains why collaborating with Kountry Wayne goes beyond skits, from big paydays to the comedian incorporating faith, family, consistency, and generosity into his work …
Rapper Monaleo Reveals The Heartbreaking Health Emergency That Interrupted Her Tour

Rapper Monaleo Reveals The Heartbreaking Health Emergency That Interrupted Her Tour

Rapper Monaleo recently had to abruptly cancel shows on her tour stop. But the reason why is something no one expected …
Take a Look Inside Barack Obama's Former White House Man Cave

Take a Look Inside Barack Obama’s Former White House Man Cave

The impecabbly-decorated Treaty Room was where former President Barack Obama did most of his late night work, and watched a lot of basketball games! …
The Incredible Story of Fawn Weaver, From Homeless to CEO of Best-Selling Uncle Nearest Whiskey

The Incredible Story of Fawn Weaver, From Homeless to CEO of Best-Selling Uncle Nearest Whiskey

This women’s history month, we’re looking at the life and career of Uncle Nearest founder and CEO Fawn Weaver …