Consequences. For most of us, this is something we learn very early in our lives. Every action has a result or effect. Often times, it’s not immediate, but make no mistake it is a certainty. Unfortunately, when we commit acts that are anything less than above board, the consequences can be quite damaging to us individually and collaterally to those around us. In theory, we supposedly get better as we get older and learn from our mistakes. Sometimes we do, sometimes we make mistakes on even bigger scales. Last night’s episode of Power finds so many of our characters in predicaments of their own making. But what’s crazy is, they all keep making the same mistakes and poor choices and the higher the stakes get, the more deadly and dangerous the consequences. Are We on The Same Team, is the title of the episode and it alludes to every group that seemingly appears to be on the same side…
Let’s begin with Angela…the Head of Criminal for the Eastern District has NYPD (detective or sergeant?) Blanca Rodriguez hot on her heels. Angela is able to stay slightly ahead of her by pulling rank and jurisdiction. But she may have played her hand too early, sending her subordinates into Rodriguez’s office to take the files and fold them into her “investigation.” So, for those counting at home, that another obstruction of justice charge that can be tacked on to her growing list of crimes. This is the thing about lies. You have to keep lying to cover up the previous lie until it all falls apart. What makes this even more dangerous for Angela, is she has no idea that her colleagues (read: teammates) are all plotting to take her down. She’s so caught up in covering her tracks that she can’t see right in front of her. Rodriguez isn’t going away, it’s clear to her that Angela is hiding something and despite being officially off the case something tells me that won’t stop her. All she needs to do is find a sympathetic ear at Eastern. Lucky for her there is no shortage of people that would want to take Angela down. I could totally see her connecting with Saxe. Of course, he’ll want to smash, so that will bring its own set of issues, but comedy for us.
After Rodriguez leaves Angela’s office, Angela and Tasha meet for what seems to be bi-weekly meetings between girlfriends. Anyone else notice that the frost between these two has melted? I’m not saying they’re going to become besties and hang out at the spa, but there is a shared understanding and I think respect for each other somewhere. Naturi Naughton and Lela Loren have way more screen time with each other as the seasons have gone one. I like what showrunner Courtney Kemp and the writers do with these two characters. They are consistently forced to confront each other and navigate each encounter deftly. At that moment in the restaurant, they both have a look of recognition that they are where they are, mainly because of the choices they’ve made. I truly believe they both want it to end, but how?
With the discovery, by Angela and Medina, that Alicia Jimenez is, in fact, the leader of the cartel with her brother, Angela will really be locked in on trying to get a warrant to move that case forward. Something else that will keep her way too occupied to see that Mak and Saxe are running their own investigation into her connection to Ghost and Tommy. There is no way she makes it all the way through this unscathed, right? Does she have any allies at work that would warn her? We spoke about Agent Donovan possibly helping her, do we think that’s still viable? Also, there is her new friend. DEA Director of Public Enrichment Steve Tampio. Anyone else, read that “I’m only here for one more night” line as bs? He’s going to be a player the rest of this season for sure. But is he a friend or foe? If Agent Medina briefed him, I’d say foe and Angela better watch her back…