Aahana Swrup
After the electrifying cliffhanger of the last episode, ‘The Chi’ finds its narrative shrouded under a dark cloud in season 7 episode 9, ominously titled ‘Last Respects.’ In the aftermath of Emmett’s bloodied altercation with Reg, the former fights for his life from within a hospital room. In turn, it seems most of Chicago, from his attacker’s own brothers, to even Nuck await his recovery with heavy hearts and bated breaths. Simultaneously, danger sizzles in the air, as Reg burrows himself in safehouses to escape the newfound flashing red target on his back. Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Pastor Zeke finds himself entering a new and daunting phase of his life. SPOILERS AHEAD!
Emmett Undergoes Surgery
Emmett’s confrontation with Reg ends in a disaster when the latter ends up shooting the other man. His second, Hannibal, remains disturbed by the scene but still follows his instructions to drag the wounded man out of the apartment and to the hospital. Soon enough, Emmett’s closest family rushes to the hospital, their hearts gripped with fear. Yet, despite his and Keisha’s close relationship, the staff prevents her or Tiff from visiting him right away. Still, at least his parents and Damien are allowed to proceed and share updates about the patient’s condition. After the surgery, all that’s left to do is wait for him to respond and join his friends and family on the other side.
Eventually, the silent waiting gets to Keisha, who can’t deal with the grim halls of the hospital. Therefore, she decides to make herself useful by looking after Emmett’s business, The Smokeyes, in his absence. The busy work and new hiring process keep her mind occupied and away from dark places. Meanwhile, various other people show up to express their concern for the guy, who is clearly well-loved within his community. The Taylor Brothers, Victor and Jake, are a part of these concerned neighbors. In light of Reg’s latest misstep, one thing becomes clear to the duo: they can no longer keep their brother in their lives. Thus, they show up at Jake’s old apartment and Reg’s latest hangout to finally cut ties with him.
Pastor Zeke Starts a New Congregation
After Zeke’s short-lived affair with Sarah, their interracial relationship caused incredible damage to his already tarnished position. Therefore, in the end, when the going gets tough, he finds himself alone with his office packed in a box, looking for a new start. Fortunately, even though the megachurch shuts its doors to him, the pastor finds another glittering opportunity. Papa’s church, the one previously helmed by his deceased father, has been struggling for some time now. Consequently, he knows that his situation can be helped with an electric leader who will draw in a large crowd. Despite his ruinous reputation, Zeke still has that fight left in him.
As such, even though Papa’s mother is against the idea, he partners up with Zeke, allowing him to start anew from their church. The latter undergoes a personal complication of his own after his ex-wife finds a gun in their daughter, Kenya’s, drawers. Thus, when he decides to lead the sermon that same evening, he knows exactly what to preach about. During church, he speaks about failure and new beginnings, while also highlighting the need for preventing gun violence in the city’s streets. As a pastor, he seems to believe this problem can be overcome like anything else, with dedicated faith in God’s plan. Consequently, Alicia, one of his patrons, who has been hoping to join forces with him in her crusade against the city’s gang problems, inevitably confronts him. There, Zeke confirms that he may have just turned over a new leaf as he refuses to partner up with the dangerous woman. Instead, he seems well and truly prepared to put his faith in the Lord and his plans.
Detective Toussaint Track Reg Down
After Reg puts Emmett in a hospital, he earns new enemies. When even his own brothers refuse to support him any longer, he realizes there are scant few people he can trust. Shortly after the brotherly confrontation, he ends up lying low in Candice’s house. However, little does he know that Nuck is currently working to plan his downfall. The mob boss’ motivations in bringing Reg down have little to do with Emmett. Instead, he has cut a deal with Detective Toussaint, who is dedicated to putting the outcast Taylor brother behind bars. As such, he reaches out to Hannibal and convinces him to become his eyes and ears. The latter is already looking for ways to get out from under his boss’ thumb.
Consequently, Hannibal easily agrees and even sniffs out Reg’s location in a matter of hours. Meanwhile, the wanted man remains aware of the enemies who are praying for his downfall. For the same reason, he finds himself looking for a shooter-for-hire whom he can keep by his side at all times. Even though Candice’s cousin, Keith, isn’t up for the job, he has the perfect candidate in mind. Nonetheless, it’s hard to tell what good this bodyguard would do, Reg, since by the end of the episode, Nuck has already shared his whereabouts with Toussaint. Simultaneously. Emmett finally wakes up, no longer in the red. Furthermore, the first thing he does after coming back to consciousness is propose to Keisha, eager to share a full commitment with her.
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