When did you realize that Tariq James St. Patrick was going to be a character that people would forever associate with you?
Probably in Season 4, when Tarik saw Reyna die, and certainly when he started spending time with Kanan. fans are like Damn, Tariq is a bad boy.. Everywhere I went, people would say, “Why are you so rebellious?” I realized the character was starting to take on a life of its own, and people were starting to take it seriously. I knew then that this would lead to me doing crazier things on the show, just like they’re angry right now, but soon they’re going to be even more frustrated
What is one of your favorite Tariq scenes?
Kill Lei Lei. That was the beginning of Tariq becoming a completely different person. This is where his true story begins. It was also fun to shoot, the lighting was bright.
Is there any pressure to get your own spin-off?
There was some discussion behind the scenes with senior management wondering if I could handle this. I talked to 50 people and he said, “I’m going to prove them wrong, but don’t worry about proving them wrong, just prove me and yourself right, and I told him you got it.” So I thought, No, I can’t make myself look stupid with 50. I had to lock down.
How would you describe Tarik’s experience over the past few seasons?
In the first few seasons, he struggled with the fact that he had become ghost-like, or just a gangster. Someone he didn’t want to be. Now, this season, he’s coming to terms with it all.
As Tarik became a bigger character, did you take any cues from other actors or other characters to shape your performance?
One guy I watch a lot is Jon Bernthal. I learned a lot of tricks from him—like when he was angry, he would do this clenching of his teeth and move from side to side. I use things like this to refine my craft.
Are there any other shows that can compare? strength?
succession does appear, or sopranobut I feel like we created a whole new lane, like we’re in our own league. Spin-offs often don’t do well, but we’re doing what it’s supposed to do, and we have some big shoes to fill.
What was it like working with legends like Method Man and Mary J Blige?
Mary is the coolest. Growing up, I would hear Mary J’s voice in my crib while my mom cleaned, and now we work together. But the first time we met, she That’s what that person said Oh shit. Like, “I love Tariq.” She was strength before she intervened. Like, a long time ago, I was playing football with his son before all this happened. So as we go back in time, it’s great to share the screen with him now.
