The Final Curtain: How Are Two Very Different Ghosts Killed?
Both Ghost from the TV show Power and Ghost from the Call of Duty franchise meet definitive ends, though under vastly different circumstances and at the hands of entirely different betrayers. In Power, James “Ghost” St. Patrick is tragically shot by his own son, Tariq, in a culmination of years of strained familial relationships, escalating criminal activity, and deeply rooted resentments. In Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Lieutenant Simon “Ghost” Riley suffers a brutal betrayal at the hands of his superior officer, General Shepherd, who shoots him point-blank after Ghost completes a dangerous mission and acquires vital intel. Both deaths are shocking, impactful, and pivotal to their respective narratives. Let’s delve into the specifics of each demise.
Ghost’s Demise in Power
Ghost’s death in Power is a slow burn, ignited by his own actions and fueled by the complex web of relationships he cultivated. As a drug kingpin trying to legitimize himself, Ghost made many enemies and hurt a lot of people, including those closest to him. His ambition, infidelity, and constant push and pull between the criminal world and legitimate society created a volatile environment that ultimately led to his downfall.
The fateful moment arrives in Season 6, episode 10. Ghost is shot in his own nightclub, Truth, an iconic location that symbolized his ambition and the blurred lines of his life. The series then spends the subsequent episodes unveiling the truth behind the shooting, showcasing each suspect’s motive and opportunity. In a shocking reveal, it’s ultimately his son, Tariq, who pulled the trigger.
Tariq’s motive is multifaceted. He resents his father for his absence, his affair with Angela, and his perceived betrayal of the family. He sees Ghost as a hypocrite, constantly preaching about going legitimate while remaining deeply entangled in the drug trade. Most importantly, Tariq is afraid of his father’s influence and wants to carve his own path, even if that path leads down a similar, morally questionable road. The shooting is not just an act of vengeance but also a desperate attempt for independence and control.
Ghost’s Demise in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Ghost’s death in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is sudden, brutal, and emblematic of the game’s dark and cynical tone. As a key member of Task Force 141, Ghost is a skilled and respected soldier, known for his distinctive skull mask and unwavering commitment to the mission. He and Roach are sent on a mission to retrieve the DSM (Data Storage Module), which contains crucial intelligence that could expose Vladimir Makarov.
After successfully securing the DSM, Ghost and Roach are extracted by General Shepherd. However, upon arrival at the landing zone, Shepherd betrays them. He shoots both Ghost and Roach in the chest at point-blank range with a .44 Magnum, retrieves the DSM, and leaves their bodies to be burned.
Shepherd’s motive is rooted in revenge and a desire to restore American glory after a nuclear attack on U.S. soil (an event linked to Makarov, which Shepherd views as a personal failure). He believes that by eliminating those who know too much and controlling the narrative, he can manipulate the world stage and solidify his own power. Ghost’s death is not personal; it is a calculated move to eliminate a potential threat and further Shepherd’s agenda. This treachery makes Shepherd a despised villain in the CoD canon.
Contrasting Deaths: Familial Betrayal vs. Military Treachery
While both deaths are shocking and impactful, the context and motivations behind them differ significantly. Ghost in Power is a morally complex character whose actions ultimately lead to his demise through familial betrayal. His death is a consequence of his own choices and the intricate web of relationships he damaged.
Ghost in Call of Duty is a more heroic figure, a soldier betrayed by his superior officer for political gain. His death is a stark reminder of the brutal realities of war and the corrupting influence of power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Did Ghost from Power deserve to die?
This is a highly debated topic. Some argue that Ghost’s actions as a drug dealer and his infidelity made him deserving of his fate. Others believe that he was trying to change and deserved a chance at redemption. Ultimately, it’s up to the viewer to decide.
2. Why did Tariq kill Ghost?
Tariq killed Ghost out of resentment, a desire for independence, and a belief that his father was a hypocrite. He also wanted to protect his mother, Tasha.
3. Was Tasha involved in Ghost’s death?
Tasha was not directly involved in Ghost’s death, but she helped cover up the crime to protect Tariq. She ultimately framed herself for the murder.
4. What happened to Tariq after killing Ghost?
After killing Ghost, Tariq went on to star in his own spin-off series, Power Book II: Ghost, which follows his journey as a drug dealer and college student.
5. Is Power Book II: Ghost still airing?
Yes, Power Book II: Ghost has been renewed for season 4.
6. Why does Ghost wear a skull mask in Call of Duty?
Ghost wears a skull mask to protect his identity and create a fearsome image.
7. What was Ghost’s relationship with Soap in Call of Duty?
Ghost and Soap were close comrades and friends. They shared a strong bond and mutual respect.
8. Who betrayed Ghost in Call of Duty?
General Shepherd betrayed Ghost in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.
9. What was Shepherd’s motive for betraying Ghost?
Shepherd betrayed Ghost to achieve his own political ambitions and restore American glory.
10. Is Ghost coming back in Call of Duty?
While the original Ghost died, a new iteration of the character appears in the Modern Warfare reboot series.
11. Are any of the Power characters inspired by real-life figures?
While the characters are fictional, Courtney Kemp has said she drew inspiration from real-life drug kingpins and their families. This adds a layer of realism and complexity to the show. For a broader understanding of the narrative impact of video games and interactive stories, the Games Learning Society offers valuable resources. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.
12. How did Ghost and Angela’s relationship affect the Power storyline?
Ghost and Angela’s relationship was a major driving force in the Power storyline. Their love affair complicated Ghost’s life and added another layer of conflict. It also put Angela in danger because of her involvement with Ghost.
13. Was Ghost trying to go legit?
Ghost consistently wanted to legitimize his businesses and leave the drug dealing life, but it always seemed to pull him back in.
14. What kind of legacy did Ghost leave behind in Power?
Ghost left a complicated legacy, filled with both success and destruction. His actions had a profound impact on his family and everyone involved in his life.
15. Which death was more shocking, Ghost in Power or Ghost in Call of Duty?
Both deaths were shocking in their own right. Ghost’s death in Power was shocking because of the familial betrayal, while Ghost’s death in Call of Duty was shocking due to the unexpected treachery of Shepherd. The shock factor is dependent on the viewer’s emotional attachment and investment in each respective narrative. The manner of the death of Ghost in Call of Duty is more sudden and brutal. The Power version of Ghost’s death takes multiple episodes to build up to, and the manner of Ghost’s death in Power is a result of deep character flaws within the characters.