Earlier this year, it was announced that the hit Showtime series The Chi was renewed for its eighth and final season. Throughout its run, the show has captured the hearts and minds of viewers through relatable character arcs and entertaining storylines. With an ensemble cast featuring the likes of veteran actors such as Lynn Whitfield and Jason Weaver, along with musical sensation Luke James, The Chi’s seventh season concluded with several plot twists that will undoubtedly play out in its upcoming final season. Whitfield’s portrayal of the cunning and complex matriarch, Alicia Daniels-Lafayette, has, as with many of her roles, touched viewers’ hearts and catapulted her to series fan favorite status. Recently appearing at this year’s ESSENCE Festival of Culture to discuss the show, Whitfield hopes that her character’s actions will influence others to choose healing over revenge.
“I think it’s just the authenticity, right, wrong, indifferent, or ugly of taking charge of where you are, of standing up to what you believe in,” Whitfield shared. “You may believe in the wrong things, but the strength or what she perceives to be strength, will be talked about at a time in the world where there’s so much revenge happening. The idea that a woman who had so much would choose revenge over real healing, I hope, will spark people not to want to do the same. It’s a cautionary tale that is very entertaining.”
Another integral character in the series is Rashaad “Shaad” Marshall, portrayed by Weaver. As much of Marshall’s storyline has focused on his reentry into society after a prison stint, Weaver teased that his evolution is something the seventh season continues to explore.
“I think the obstacles that he faces as a character are more or less all internal. He’s constantly struggling within himself to find his place in the world, especially upon re-entering society,” Weaver said. “I think that’s something that’s explored a lot this season. It’s just him figuring out who he truly is as a man and ultimately who he wants to be moving forward. I think that’s one of the more interesting things, just about his character and his story, overall, is that you see this growth, you see him going through these different changes, but you see him and the people around him that help him evolve as well.”
Another prominently displayed facet of the recent season was the dichotomous journey of James’ character, Victor “Trig” Taylor, whose storyline highlighted his presence across varying environments. James teased that viewers would get a chance to see how his character navigated the worlds of politics and the community.
“There’s a lot going on,” James said to ForbesBLK. “You are watching Trig in a transitional phase from the streets and community to politics, and then to finally figure out himself.”
As fans eagerly await The Chi’s return for its final season, James expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with its loyal viewers at the 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture.
“It’s nothing but love,” James shared. “It’s a weekend of love, and I’m so grateful that this exists. I’ve been coming to the ESSENCE Festival since, I think, maybe its inception. I’m from New Orleans, and some of my first experiences of white linen and Black people dressing up and loving on each other have been here. So for it to still be here and for us, the new generation, the generations after, to aspire to be here and love this place is something I’m grateful for. It’s everything.”