Exclusive: Michael V. Epps talks The Chi Season 5, the growth of Jake and whether the hair locks will come off
Currently airing on Sundays on Showtime is the fifth season of its acclaimed series The Chi, created by Emmy award winner Lena Waithe and starring Jacob Latimore, Alex Hibbert, Yolonda Ross, Shamon Brown Jr., Michael V. Epps, Birgundi Baker, Luke James and Curtiss Cook. Kandi Burruss, La La Anthony, Jason Weaver and Iman Shumpert return as guest stars for season five, along with Nia Jervier, Carolyn Michelle Smith, L’lerrét Jazelle, and Antonyah Allen.
The coming-of-age drama follows a group of residents on the South Side of Chicago who become linked by coincidence, but bonded by the need for connection and redemption
This season on THE CHI delves deeply into the many joys and complications of Black love: relationships, children, career, community and self. Emmett (Jacob Latimore) and Tiff (Hannaha Hall) forge ahead as co-parents, while Tiff grows closer with Rob (Iman Shumpert). Kevin (Alex Hibbert) finds new love in an unexpected place, while Jake (Michael V. Epps) and Papa (Shamon Brown Jr.) try to resolve things with Jemma (Judae’a Brown) and Maisha (Genesis Denise Hale). New mom Kiesha (Birgundi Baker) works to build her life with baby Ronnie, while Nina (Tyla Abercrumbie) and Dre (Miriam A. Hyman) work at rebuilding their union as they support Lynae (Zara Primer).
Jada (Yolonda Ross) assesses her life post-cancer and where Suede (Bernard Gilbert) fits, while Darnell (Rolando Boyce) considers the past for guidance on his future with Dom (La La Anthony). Roselyn’s (Kandi Burruss) new pet project places her at odds with Tracy (Tai Davis). Meanwhile, with a push from Douda (Curtiss Cook) and a helping hand from Shaad (Jason Weaver), Trig (Luke James) considers a political run that might help his city, but at what cost to him and his family?
For Michael V. Epps, who plays “Jake Taylor,” his character has evolved into one of the main leads of the series over the years. We’ve seen Jake go through normal teenage drama with his boys Kevin and Papa, deal with Douda, and the return of his brother Trig. In speaking with Blackfilmandtv.com’s Wilson Morales, Epps talks about what to expect from Jake this season, how his character has grown over the years and whether or not the hair locks will be chopped.