NEW YORK, NY — After a decade of captivating audiences, the Power franchise dazzles viewers with its complex characters and gripping storylines. At the heart of this phenomenon is Naturi Naughton, who skillfully portrays Tasha St. Patrick. Recently, Naughton spoke with Nitecast Media about her character’s growth and the significance of being part of such a monumental cultural series.
“Honestly, I would describe her growth as just ever-evolving,” Naughton explained, reflecting on Tasha’s journey from her debut in Power to her prominent role in Power Book II: Ghost. “You might have underestimated her. You might have thought you knew her until you knew her. By season six of Power, many were amazed, ‘whoa, this woman is bad.’“
As Tasha navigated her tumultuous relationship with Ghost, portrayed by Omari Hardwick, she became a fierce protector of her son, Tariq (Michael Rainey Jr.).
“With Ghost, she became such a nurturer and protector over Tariq,” Naughton noted. “So I think her evolution has been really, really beautiful.”
While the dynamic between Tasha, Ghost, and Angela (Lela Loren) has been a significant focal point throughout the series, Naughton candidly addressed Tasha’s complex feelings towards Angela.
“Deep down, I definitely wanted to get rid of her. I mean, I don’t wish no death upon me, but she had to go,” she admitted, reflecting on the intricacies of their relationships and the show’s dramatic arcs.
Celebrating ten years of Power, Naughton expressed her pride in being part of a significant project in television history. “Not too many shows get to do that, you know what I mean? It feels special to have been able to recreate that, so I’m very, very proud and excited.”
Working alongside the show’s Executive Producer, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, who’s also played a vital role in her development as an actress in her role.
“I had a great time working with him. He was very supportive of me. You know, he’s a fun guy. He definitely pushes people’s buttons. But at the end of the day, it was all love,” Naughton shared. “What he has done is really, like, changed the culture in many ways when it comes to urban stories on television.”
In Power Book II: Ghost, the tension between Tasha and Tommy Egan, portrayed by Joseph Sikora, has brought new layers to the narrative. Naughton recognized that while both series have substance, Power Book II offers an intriguing perspective on the younger generation.
“I felt like Power had a lot of meat on the bones. But with Power Book II, you definitely got to see the younger side and Tariq’s generation,” she stated. “It’s just such a great show. Shout out to Courtney Kemp and all our writers. It’s just incredible.“
Looking ahead to the final season of Power Book IV: FORCE, which also stars Tommy (Sikora), Naughton teased potential future interactions. Many fans speculate about Tariq’s phone call six months later in the Power Book II series finale, believed to be to Uncle Tommy.
“I mean, I ain’t dead yet, so there’s always a possibility,” she said about hypothetically reprising her role in Force.
“And Tommy, you know, he always pops up somewhere. I think family is forever. I’ll say that.”
As the Power universe expands, Naturi Naughton’s portrayal of Tasha St. Patrick remains a cornerstone of its legacy and a testament to the complex narratives television can offer.
