EXCLUSIVE: Michael Rainey Jr. Talks Power, Playing Tariq, Raina’s Death & More!

As many know, Rainey plays the son of the lead character, James St. Patrick aka Ghost (Omari Hardwick). Recalling how he got the role on the show, he tells us, “I went for an audition and next thing you know I was picked.” When we asked him how it felt to be on the show, he gushed as he shared, “I’m just grateful to be a part of such a great show. It’s just exciting how much the show has grown since the first season. Sometimes I feel like it’s not real.” He further added, “It’s like an extended family. Omari is like the strict dad. Joseph (Uncle Tommy) and 50 are like the uncles and Rotimi (Dre) is like the big brother. The rest of  cast is just as cool and all treat me great.”

In the latest season, Rainey has gotten a lot more airtime and a much more juicier storyline. With the most recent episodes, fans are probably wondering what’s going on in Tariq’s mind and what’s to come. Rainey highlighted, “I think Tariq is a typical teenager who feels like his father cheated on the whole family. I think he wants attention and makes silly decisions. Who knows what will happen with him, I guess we’ll have to wait for the next episode to see what will happen“

Now, sadly his onscreen sister, Raina (Donshea Hopkins) was killed off in the last episode. It must have been an emotional day on set, having to say farewells and so on as he noted. “We are told about each death at least one week before we begin to shoot so mentally we are prepared.  I think knowing that anyone is going to die sets a different tone for each episode because you know that will be the last time you’re working with them. I think the reality really set in when I saw it air,” Rainey shares as he reflected on that day on set.