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The Chi is a drama series created by Lena Waithe and starring Jacob Latimore, Jason Mitchell, Yolonda Ross, and others. The series is about life in the neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. The show explores a group of people in a community that struggle with life’s ups and downs. Some of the main characters in the show are Brandon, Emmett, Kevin, and others. Jacob Latimore plays the role of Emmett, who showcases one of the best characters arcs on the show. He grows up from being an immature person who dodges responsibility, into someone who becomes a father and a businessman and showcases emotional empathy. Therefore, here are 9 best Emmett moments from The Chi
Emmett opens his own business, he has a heart-to-heart conversation with his father, and other memorable moments from The Chi
1. Emmett’s hustle at the Chicken Shack
In The Chi, Emmett has proven over the course of various seasons, that he is ready to become wiser and has honed an entrepreneurial spirit. It is therefore outstanding to see his growth from the first season, till now. In season 1, Emmett was young and reckless as he was trying to make ends meet while also dodging responsibilities. One highlight in those early days is when he takes up a job at the Chicken Shack after being kicked out by his mom. When he takes up the job, he begins to become more mature and empathetic. He struggles but wants to do better and juggles his children, school, and work. This is one of those moments from The Chi, which is unforgettable as this is the first time viewers get to see a shift in Emmett’s mindset. There is still a bit of immaturity, but he is also ambitious and wants to set things right. His job at the Chicken Shack is a success as he grows as a person and also becomes attached with the staff, offering great comic moments.
2. Emmett raises baby EJ on his own
One of the most powerful moments in The Chi is when he gets full custody of EJ and has to become a hands-on father to his son. Not only does Emmett rise to the occasion and give up his partying and reckless ways to take care of his son, but his responsible nature is a powerful symbol for young black fathers everywhere, who refuse to abandon their children. Even though Emmett might have had a difficult childhood himself, he doesn’t want to carry that trauma on to his son EJ. When Emmett’s partner leaves EJ with Emmett, there is an instant change in his character and he begins to take care about diapers and daycare. The change is lighthearted yet refreshing to watch. Emmett might be scared and unsure, but he is sure about not letting his baby down. The show is full of such moments and complex characters that evolve over time and that is one of the best parts about the show. Emmett shows a vulnerability when he is taking care of EJ and that is one of the major moments in the show.
3. Emmett opens his own business
As mentioned above, Emmett is a person who has an entrepreneurial spirit in him. An important moment in The Chi happens when Emmett launches his own restaurant—Smokey’s BBQ. The opening of his own restaurant is a bold and powerful move that symbolizes Emmett’s growth and his hunger to prove himself to the world. He no longer wants to jump from one hustle to another and wants to create a steady future for himself. Even though he had to face various challenges like financial pressures, zoning issues, and more, he stays focused, resilient, and viewers get to see a new side of Emmett. The restaurant is more than just a restaurant. It is a symbol of resilience and self-worth and what Emmett can achieve in this world. For the first time, viewers of The Chi get to see Emmett in a leadership role and he handles the ship of his life with full control and without any dependance on anyone. Emmett’s restaurant venture is also a move to gain respect in his community and change his fortunes.
4. Emmett and Keisha’s bond
While Emmett grows as a person and is trying to set his life right in The Chi, he does forget to think about his love life while juggling everything else. Therefore, an important moment occurs when he becomes friends with Keisha, who comes into his life and challenges him like no one else. Their relationship has always been complex as there is an unsaid spark between the two of them. However, they also maintain a strong friendship as they bond over shared trauma and past mistakes. There is a mature and honest dynamic between them that highlights Emmett’s growth. When Keisha gets kidnapped and rescued, viewers get to see a softer side of Emmett, as he finally thinks about someone else before his own needs. The two share a loving relationship as both of them become each other’s emotional anchors. Even when they get intimate, it is real and more than just romance. There is a certain aspect of healing and trust in Emmett’s bond with Keisha, which is important in The Chi. Both of them feel truly seen with each other and Emmett becomes a wiser man with Keisha.
5. Emmett’s honesty with Tiffany
Another important moment happens when Emmett makes a horrible mistake but showcases maturity by owning up to his fault. The scene is emotional as Emmett comes clean in front of Tiffany and accepts that he cheated on her with Keisha. The moment is heartbreaking and raw as Tiffany is full of anger and disbelief. However, the admirable aspect is that Emmett does not behave like his older self and dodge his mistakes. He could’ve lied, kept it hidden, but he chooses honesty, knowing full well it could cost him everything. The betrayal is huge but Emmett shows courage and owns up to it. Even when he delivers the news to Tiffany, he does not make any excuses and is full of remorse. There’s a quiet strength in Emmett’s vulnerability and even though he is not proud of what he’s done, he refuses to hide anymore. This scene marks a critical step in his growth. He chooses truth over comfort, even if it breaks and shatters his entire world.
6. Emmett’s talk with his father
One of the most defining moments in The Chi happens when Emmett has a heart-to-heart talk with his father, Darnell. The scene is important as Emmett has had a complicated relationship with his father for years. Darnell was absent from Emmett’s life and therefore Emmett resented him for it. Further, it is always difficult for a father and son to have an open talk. Therefore, during an emotional exchange, the two finally drop their egos and have an honest conversation. Emmett shows maturity by confronting him with pain and honesty, rather than with rage and Darnell also skips his arrogant nature to open up and accept his regrets and mistakes. The scene is powerful as there is generational trauma encapsulated in the scene and it is highly relatable for the black community where fathers rarely show honesty and accept their broken pasts. Emmett realizes that he needs to heal by being better, even if it means that he cannot forget the pain he felt. Darnell also tries to extend his love, even if it is late. The conversation sets up healthy examples about manhood and it is one of the defining moments in The Chi.
7. Emmett standing up to Douda
When Emmett decides to cut ties with the powerful Douda, it showcases an important moment in the show. Even though Douda is all-powerful and represents the fear and power of street politics, Emmett stands up to them as he realizes that he is now a father and a businessman and his principles don’t align with the Douda anymore. Emmett has worked hard to cultivate an honest set of principles for himself and he cannot be hypocritical with himself and align with the dangerous street-politics anymore. The moment he confronts Douda is filled with quiet bravery. Even though he is scared and shaken, Emmett stays firm on his decision. He doesn’t raise his voice, but he refuses to be used as a pawn. Therefore, Emmett showcases integrity and proves that he has become mature enough to protect his family and his peace. He chooses principle over profit and this moment from The Chi, is one of the stronger moments in Emmett’s life.
8. Emmett supports Keisha through trauma
As mentioned above, Keisha and Emmett share a powerful bond in The Chi and when Keisha survives a kidnapping, Emmett truly rises to the occasion and showcase his integrity and maturity. He is one of the few people who does not try to fix Keisha, but patiently listens to her. The trauma that Keisha has gone through is unimaginable and Emmett lends a sympathetic ear. Emmett showcases emotional patience and presence in this incident, which is unique to other masculine characters’ response in such situations. While other men might try to showcase their masculinity by getting aggressive and trying to take down the kidnappers, Emmett stays by Keisha’s side. Emmett never rushes Keisha into moving on and gives her the space and respect that she deserves. He doesn’t rush her into healing or makes it about him. Even when Keisha lashes out, he stays patient. This scene showcases a vast difference between the Emmett of season 1 and the Emmett of today. Emmett has given up ego and he does not shy away from pain in The Chi.
9. Emmett chooses himself
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Perhaps Emmett’s most important moment comes in The Chi when he chooses himself. It happens slowly over time, but fully lands when he finally walks away from Tiffany for good. After trying desperately to make things work, to be what everyone needs him to be, he reaches a quiet clarity. Emmett realizes that he cannot fix a broken relationship by sacrificing who he is—especially after showing so much growth in himself. Emmett shows a high level of self-awareness in this situation and it is one of the most important moments in the series. He accepts that he and Tiffany have grown in different directions, and instead of chasing a fantasy, he begins investing in who he is now. Emmett spends more time with his kids, finds peace in his work, and nurtures his own growth. It’s a moment that speaks volumes about his growth in the show. And it proves why Emmett has some of the most memorable moments and the best character arc in the show.
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