‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ Recap – ‘Open for Business’

12/16/2023

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Mekai Curtis and Antonio Ortiz as Kanan Stark and Famous in Episode 303 of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ – ‘Open for Business’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 303 of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

One particular aspect of the hit STARZ series, Power Book III: Raising Kanan, that has come up often in our discussions, and rightfully so, is the sheer uniqueness of this show. Because it really is unlike any other crime series out there. After all, the stakes aren’t high week in and week out, and there is no drug empire for the characters to deal with. Not anymore, at least. Which has allowed for this show to become a true character study through and through. One that is gently showcasing the pivotal moments that will plunge Kanan Stark into true darkness later on in Power, while deeply exploring the long-term psychological impacts of the drug trade on the Thomas family, and their struggles in trying to figure out how to balance a new life while reconciling that.

All of which makes for compelling storytelling, the kind that was once again on display during this week’s episode. For ‘Open for Business’ once again explored life beyond the drug trade for the Thomas family in unique and fascinating ways. Such as by having Lou venture out into the world at last and ponder upon what comes next for him, and it would seem, music has called to him once more. Since he found himself in the very bar where his father once played and where there was a chance to do something akin to his now defunct producer life. Provided of course… he can handle his newfound problem with alcohol. Since it put him in jail for a night, and it also inflicted pain upon his family, as issues with alcohol often do in this life.

Simply because, Laverne was eager to really explore what she could do with her voice, and she worked hard with Lou on an actual audition… that he wasn’t present for. In fact, his actions nearly sabotaged it since he had the music she was going to sing to. But thanks to Marvin, she went out there and gave it her all, and well, these two storylines really did properly showcase… the struggles ahead for this family now that the game is over. Because they are deeply changed by the horrors, they took part in to make money and just slipping back into everyday life won’t be easy. But they’re trying and they are moving forward and trying to do good. As evidenced by how Marvin stepped in to help one of his final customers, and we don’t see all this, that often in crime dramas, and the unique nature of this story didn’t end there.

Malcolm Mays and Glynnis O’Connor as Louis ‘Lou-Lou’ Thomas and Shirley Beaumont in Episode 303 of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ – ‘Open for Business’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)

After all, the threats this time around… felt fleeting in nature. For while the Feds tried desperately to nail Stefano to the wall for Sal’s death, they had nothing. Not to mention, Raq was still as legit as can be. She just went about her business and did her best to support her son from afar and worked to put her life on the straight and narrow. Specifically, by looking into investing in a business to launder her fortune. Which was also an action we don’t see often in this genre. Because most kingpins fall back into the game quickly when they walk away, but not Raq. Not to mention, the other threat in this story, was quelled in a simple manner through guilt. Since Detective Howard used that to get Adina to stand down regarding her inquiry.

But make no mistake about it. While this was a fascinating tale grounded in starting over and finding meaning in life, there was still some darkness to be found. After all, Unique got back into the game, and so did Kanan. For his new courier business simply took off and well, since he was now unleashed and in charge of his own operation, we saw some of that trademark assertiveness and fury to succeed that he will harbor in the future. Courtesy of how he got Famous in line and through how he brought the business to life. Making this another important moment in his development and for him, some different threats are brewing. Oddly in the form of Unique’s brother, Ronnie. Who happened to struggle with normalcy on the outside in this tale and seemed to believe that anything happening in the trade involved Raq, and that she was the enemy, which could mean big trouble on the horizon for Kanan. Since Ronnie seemed to think Kanan was an extension of Raquel’s now defunct business.

But that aside, this really was quite the engaging tale. One that let the characters and the talented actors that play them, shine through and through. Because everything that played out here felt real, harbored emotion and was relatable, and that’s what good acting and writing does for a show, and it was just fascinating to see this family, mostly work hard toward healing and forging new and exciting paths in life. Ones that will be fulfilling and different, while others are heading down their tragic path at last and well… all this does is leave us eager to continue the journey. To see what lies ahead for those ready to make a change, and to see what other key moments will corrupt Kanan Stark’s very soul to make him a mentor and a menace to one James St. Patrick. Until next time.

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