Brayden Weston faces moral uncertainty that could have dire consequences throughout this first episode of the season. Viewers witness his struggle with the repercussions of his actions in the previous season, particularly within his family dynamics. He finds himself on the outs after his father berates him following a violent visit from Cane Tejada (Woody McClain).

In one scene, Brayden’s father questions his desire to hang out with his “jungle buddies” and refers to his son as a “white monkey” before kicking him out, placing blame on his daughter’s kidnapping and other son’s brutal beat down from Cane on Brayden’s lifestyle.

Effie Morales (Alix Lapri) continues to be an enigmatic presence in Tariq’s life.

Her alliance with the Tejada family adds another layer of complexity to her relationship with Tariq. As the episode concludes, Effie’s clandestine activities come to light, setting up a potential betrayal that could jeopardize everything Tariq has worked for.

Her actions may also leave viewers wondering how long she can continue playing both sides before someone catches on, ultimately leading her storyline to take a turn for the worse.

Davis MacLean (Method Man) the sharp-tongued defense attorney, is back with more cunning strategies. The premiere showcases his relentless efforts to protect Tariq and navigate the legal system’s intricacies, despite his outward disdain for the lifestyle his former client chooses to live.

At one point during the episode, Tariq calls MacLean desperate for his help as his plan to get back at Noma falls short. MacLean ultimately hangs up the phone after reminding Tariq that his is no longer his lawyer (he’s currently under investigation) and to stay safe in the streets.

After a visit from Noma and learning of the bounty she has on Tariq and Brayden’s heads, MacLean has a change of heart and calls to tip Tariq off.

The show’s closing moments, however, suggest that Davis might have his own agenda, when he’s approached with an opportunity to seemingly clear his name in the ongoing investigation, leaving viewers questioning where his true loyalty lies.

Cane Tejada, ever the wildcard, makes a bold move to assert his dominance. His actions throughout the episode, especially his desire to kill Tariq despite being told to stand down, indicate a growing impatience with his family’s dynamics and a desire to carve out his own path.

The episode ends with Cane coming close to executing his plans to kill Tariq, however, he’s left keeping a close eye on his opponent after police arrive at Stansfield after someone (Brayden) tips them off about a shooter on campus.

As Tariq grapples with new threats posed by the Tejadas, Effie and Maclean’s shifty ways, he has to rely on his wits and resilience to outmaneuver his enemies.

Questions around who he can fully trust, who’s working against him, and Davis MacLean’s true intentions and their impact on Tariq linger by the end of the premiere episode of Power Book II: Ghost’s fourth and final season.

A plot twist at the end, where newcomer Detective Don Carter (Michael Ealy) discovers that another officer has been slain in the line of duty, leaves him more committed than ever to making the streets safer. As a series regular, he will portray the rising NYPD officer who was on track to become Police Commissioner before his wife was killed in a crossfire between rival gangs.

New episodes of Power Book II: Ghost debut each Friday at midnight on the Starz app before airing on the linear channel later that day at 8 p.m.