‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ Recap – ‘Reckonings’

1/27/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Patina Miller as Raquel ‘Raq’ Thomas in Episode 308 of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ – ‘Reckonings’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 308 of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

Each and every one of us, go through some powerful formative moments in this life. The kind that teach us everything we need to know about the world, our place in it and those in turn, help us understand who we want to be. Which brings forth great joy for a lot of people in this world, for there comes a day when they look back upon their journey and realize precisely when those moments transformed them into the person they are, one that is happy and joyous and enjoying every minute of every day. But this is also a tragic truth as well. Since some people… can only see the darkness that broke them and moved them deeper into anger, and onto an unfortunate path when they reflect upon their life.

Which is indeed a sorrowful reality that we don’t ponder upon often but should. To better understand how perhaps we can keep people away from it, if that’s possible, and that is in many ways why Power Book III: Raising Kanan on STARZ, is an important show. Since it is in essence, giving us that dark journey. One that is slowly providing us with an understanding as to how everyday people become, the villain of the story if you will. Since Kanan Stark is indeed a dark figure in this universe, one that didn’t just wake up one day and decide to deal drugs and take part in the ugly acts he did in Power, and well… this journey is top of mind today, simply because the next episode in this fascinating series made it clear that we are close to a supremely formative moment for Kanan and others. One that will put so many down a dark path.

For instance, ‘Recknonings’ made it clear that Jukebox’s chip on her shoulder likely stems from this point in her life. Since her cousin opted to choose the allure of a pretty face that would take him to bed over family, and he chose the life over her as well. Not to mention, she had to endure extreme disbelief in her abilities as a singer and a dancer. Since Krystal was trying to sabotage Jukebox’s standing as the new band leader, and her safety in the band, and that… spells darkness on the horizon. For while Jukebox was okay with Krystal’s pushback, fury can only be held back for so long before it erupts and brings about real trouble. And speaking of real trouble brewing… Lou decided the time had come to just disappear and go on a bender. Giving rise to the reality that real sorrow is on the horizon for him, the kind that can wound a family deeply and create divides.

Aliyah Turner, Hailey Kilgore, and Liv Symone as Krystal, Laverne ‘Jukebox’ Thomas, and Lesha in Episode 308 of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ – ‘Reckonings’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)

Truly though, a divided family does seem to be the source of all of Kanan’s problems. And while his mother happened to be making attempts to keep Kanan safe… that may no longer matter. Mainly because Raq spent a great deal of this story, working to set up her new network with frustrating results. Since the transport manager had little interest in playing ball. At least, not until Marvin got involved and forced his hand into giving Raq and the business what she needed. All of which should have been a celebratory and promising moment, save for the fact… that Raq’s new bosses had concerns about a surprise on the market. Specifically, the fact that competition was moving in, and Raq was pressed to find the source and shut it down so business could move along as usual.

Which led to shock really, simply because Raquel quickly came to learn that the source of her problems, happened to be her own son, with an assist from Ronnie and Snaps as well. Which in turn prompted Raq to go all out and be a mother and a monster at once to gain control of the business and get her son under her thumb. A move that proved to cause a great deal of trouble along the way. Because her ultimatum to Snaps angered him deeply and prompted him to think deeply upon retaliation and of course… since Raq was able to learn about Juliana and Ronnie’s little tryst, she saw the opportunity to strike hard and strike fast. Giving rise to the reality that Ronnie will want retaliation, and all of this could not have come at a worse time. Because the Feds were making use of Marvin’s new friend Gerald for information, and well… clearly, big formative moments are on the horizon for Kanan Stark.

Because now, he’s about to be in the midst of a blood feud with his new employers and his mother, which will force him to make hard choices and of course, having dear old mom step in like this and cause so much trouble for him and embarrass him really, can create that divide. Not to mention the bloodshed that seems to be lurking on the horizon, and an ugly fate for a family member, may bring forth a perfect storm for Kanan Stark. The kind that removes any hope for a better life for him and embroils him in the darkness that will consume him and put him on a terrible path. All of which makes this, a brilliant episode through and through. One that really did inform us, that a very low-key season is about to ramp up, and that is going to make the wait for next week’s episode and the season three finale, quite difficult. Since we are now dying to know if this is it… if this is the season… when Kanan Stark gives into the darkness. Until next time.

Watch ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’

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