We chat with the "Mayor of Kingstown's Nishi Munshi and the impact her character left in the series

Representation and the voice of unsung heroes. We chat with the "Mayor of Kingstown's Nishi Munshi (Tracy) and the impact her character left in the series.

Paramunt+

As the current season of "Mayor of Kingstown" continues to raise the bar on Paramount+, continually elevating the drama and intensity each week, creators Sheridan Taylor and Hugh Dillon prove why the series is one of the best to stream - daring to take bold risks that includes the shocking death of one its most beloved characters and allowing them the creative freedom to introduce several intriguing storylines.

"Mayor of Kingstown" follows the McLusky family – power brokers in Kingstown, Michigan, where the business of incarceration is the only thriving industry.  Tackling themes of "systemic racism, corruption, and inequality, the series provides a stark look at their attempt to bring order and justice to a town that has neither."

Last week's shocking and heartbreaking death came at the end of episode 8 titled "Belleville", which saw Munshi's Tracy killed by Merle Callahan (Richard Brake). Callahan escaped prison seeking revenge against her husband, Kyle (Taylor Handley), and Mike (Jeremy Renner), twice stung for Kyle's refusal to join the Aryan Brotherhood. As Tracy pleaded for her baby's life, viewers were stunned into silence as Callahan callously shot Tracy with baby Mitch's cries echoing into the night.

Tracy's death will surely set up lasting ramifications for Mike, who's feeling the pressure from all sides, dealing with drug cartels and gangster Frank Moses ( a fantastic Lennie James), and Kyle struggling to stay alive in prison, leading to a thrilling season finale.

Before the huge reveal of Tracy's death, Reel Perspectives had the pleasure of chatting with Munshi, who spoke very candidly about her character, representation, and what she would have liked to have seen for Tracy had her character survived. Munshi beautifully captured the essence of Tracy's kind-hearted spirit, as the emotional anchor for the McLusky family definitely came with its challenges. However, Munshi embraced Tracy with a quiet strength, and her commitment to staying "ten steps ahead" and fiercely protecting her family was needed to skillfully navigate the violence and chaos around her.

When asked what motivated Tracy beyond her love for Kyle, Munshi revealed her primary concern was protecting women and children, particularly those facing discrimination, especially women of color.

When asked about her character being described as an "unsung hero," Munshi, ever graceful, quickly emphasized that many women were pillars of strength for their families and hoped they would be celebrated for their contributions.

Munshi had a very specific vision for Tracy that included "evolution and growth," and it was inspiring to hear her thoughts and the depth she brought to the role.

Take a look at what she wants viewers to take away from her portrayal.

Episode 9, "Teeth and Tissue," is now streaming on Paramount+. Don't miss the explosive season finale on December 28. You can also catch up on seasons 1-3, also available on Paramount+.