Written by John Edward Betancourt Mekai Curtis as Kanan Stark in Episode 402 of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ – ‘It’s All Love’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 402 of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’. To revisit the Season Four Premiere, click here.
For the most part, crime dramas that focus on drug kingpins and their families, present ‘next chapters’ for those individuals in a dark light. Wherein everyone involved with that kingpin, works to tear down their operation and tear down their competitors so that their ‘next chapter’ involves unprecedented cash flow and success. For far too often, drug dealers are presented in a negative light, to perhaps keep all of us from ever committing to that lifestyle. But thankfully, this is starting to change. Because criminals are people, who make bad choices, yes, but are still people and have unique wants and needs and their next chapters aren’t always bound by blood. In fact, the Power Universe is leading the charge in pointing that out and is also a pioneer in offering up next chapters that are grounded in humanity over stereotypes. Since Force showcases a grieving and calculating Tommy Egan. Who, yes, has been working to build an empire, but there’s humanity present in his journey and more to his work than just guns and revenge, and that’s not the only corner of this franchise offering something more than the norm. For Power Book III: Raising Kanan continues to dive deep into the human side of the Stark family business, and it just so happens that this week’s episode offered up a vastly different type of ‘next chapter’ episode on STARZ. For ‘It’s All Love’ really slowed things down to showcase a family that was taking in the wild ride they just experienced, and that prompted so many of them to think differently about what lie ahead and what their life should look like going forward. Which prompted Jukebox to leave the Army and head home and start looking at what would really make her happy in this life. Not to mention, Lou was in a similar mindset. Because he deeply wanted to know what his future was going to be and what decisions would help him find real happiness, so that he never turned back to the bottle and the world of violence that he was eager to now leave behind.  London Brown as Marvin Thomas in Episode 402 of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ – ‘It’s All Love’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)
As it just so happened, the success of the single that he and Famous put together helped him to find that focus and direction. Because his work was highly praised, to the point where the label asked him to head up their new rap and hip-hop division and bring better talent into the fold. And getting the chance to meet a talented artist and get him out of jail and onto the stage, gave Lou a new thrill. One that informed him that this was where he belonged and that his next chapter could in fact be tender and lovely, and fulfilling. Which was different and refreshing to see here, and truly spoke to how this franchise explores the next steps in life differently, even when crime is involved.
Because Marvin was getting more work from Stefano, and because of that… he was eager to really take control and showcase his talents. Which led to a brutal mistake but made it clear that Marvin wants to be more and wants more recognition in his next chapter and will work hard to get it. And Raq and Kanan came to learn that the current state of the game was not as fruitful as they hoped. Since they were not getting the revenue stream they wanted, nor were they really finding the freedom they expected to. So, their next chapter would be focused upon how to seize product and power, and how to navigate this new normal as business partners over mother and son. For truly, that relationship may be damaged beyond repair. Either way, they will need to find some measure of unity. Since they will need that to navigate the hurdles they wish to clear, and to stand against big problems. Since Unique is still lurking in the shadows and planning carefully how best to strike, and some NYPD officers want to know more about what happened to Detective Howard. But for now, we can celebrate another inventive tale from this franchise. One that really did offer up a unique look at next chapters for folks involved in the game, and how gentle and well… normal they can be. All of which made for an engaging tale for certain, one that certainly set the stage for incredible adventures ahead, as everyone works to settle into their new lives and find the hope and prosperity they so desperately crave. Until next time. Watch ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’
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