*Season 4 of “Power Book II: Ghost” continues to raise the stakes, and among the show’s new characters is Janet, played by Golden Brooks. Brooks, known for her iconic role in “Girlfriends,” is no stranger to bringing depth and nuance to complex characters, and her portrayal of Janet adds a new layer to the Tejada family dynamics.
As a cousin to Monet (Mary J. Blige), Janet has an insider’s knowledge of the family, providing a voice of reason in a storm of chaos. But who is Janet, and what makes her a pivotal figure this season?
In an exclusive interview with EURweb, Brooks opens up about her character’s deep connection to Monet, how Janet remains aware of the Tejada family’s inner workings, and the possibility of her being pulled back into a life she thought she had left behind.
From the outside, Janet may seem like a peripheral character in the explosive world of the Tejada family.
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But Brooks explains that Janet is much more integral than she may appear.
“Janet is Monet’s cousin, so she knows this family inside and out. She knows all the secrets. I mean, she knows all… well, I was going to say she knows where the bodies are buried, but that would give a different persona.”
According to Brooks, Janet’s history with Monet gives her a unique insight into the family’s dynamics. She once lived in the same dangerous world Monet inhabits now, and though she’s removed herself from that life, she remains an anchor for Monet, offering guidance and wisdom.
“She’s not in that life anymore, but she can come back and offer Monet that safety, that anchor, and voice of reason.”
Janet’s ability to observe and listen sets her apart. “You can’t see the stakes if you’re always talking. You have to listen, and you have to watch,” Brooks explained. “This quiet strength and awareness give Janet the power to influence Monet, even when the family is spiraling out of control.”
When asked how Janet views the current state of the Tejada family, Brooks didn’t hold back.
“I think Janet feels that this family is off the hinges right now,” she said. With Monet reacting emotionally and making rash decisions, Janet’s role becomes even more critical. “She’s doing everything in her power—no pun intended—to get Monet to stop being so incredibly reactionary and be more methodical.”
Brooks points out that Janet sees Monet playing checkers in a game that requires a chess-like strategy: “I think Janet knows that if Monet doesn’t start being more calculated, it will be a lose-lose for her.”
Though Janet has made it clear she’s distanced herself from the dangerous world of the Tejada family, Brooks hinted that the possibility of being drawn back into that life still looms. When asked if Janet might get pulled back into the chaos, Brooks said:
“You never know… sometimes in life, you think you’ve stepped away from something, but you’re pulled back in just by wanting to save someone else.”
Brooks noted that in trying to save Monet, Janet might find herself sacrificing her own stability.
“You might sacrifice your own way of living just so someone else can make it out alive.”
Be sure to tune in to see how her story unfolds. “Power Book II: Ghost” Season 4 is streaming now on STARZ.
Jill Munroe is a Los Angeles-bred entertainment journalist, producer, and host. You can follow her on all social media @StilettoJill or check out JillMunroe.com
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