‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ Recap – ‘The More Things Change’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season two premiere of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’.
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One thing that fans of television can all agree upon, is that the Power Universe on STARZ, is one of the most dynamic franchises out there. Because not only is every chapter (or ‘Book’ if you will), in this saga as compelling and tense as possible… but every single one of them, gives the audience what they want. For those that wanted to more of the St. Patrick saga, can enjoy Tariq’s adventures through Book II: Ghost, and those that wanted to see Tommy Egan enjoy his day in the sun, can do so by way of Book IV: Force. But what’s truly amazing about this franchise… is that it also knows how to properly flesh out the story of every single character in this universe and for proof… then look no further than Power Book III: Raising Kanan.
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For this particular series took us back in time, well before James St. Patrick wreaked havoc on his family and New York in the O.G. Power, to explore what drove one of the key characters of that very same series… to the life of crime that saw him clash with Ghost before his untimely end. Giving rise to a grand tragedy of sorts, one that would undoubtedly show us every formational moment in Kanan’s life since this franchise leaves no stone unturned and boy, did it deliver. Since we were able to see how Kanan’s mother Raquel, pushed him hard to be hard and be aggressive on these streets. Lessons that eventually drove Kanan to a difficult moment in the season one finale, one that left us curious as to whether or not shooting his own father would be another keystone moment that pushed him toward the darkness.

But thankfully, our wait to enjoy more of this series and explore the importance of that moment, is over. For last night saw the series return to the airwaves for its season two premiere and well, what it provided us with was fascinating to say the least. For ‘The More Things Change’ is a story that saw Kanan… in a reflective place. For he wasn’t sure how to reconcile putting a bullet in his father’s chest, nor was he sure about whether or not this was the life he wanted to lead. Because the game required some sacrifices of the soul, and some dark actions and well… he spent a fair chunk of this tale debating as to whether or not he wanted to play it anymore. And even being back home didn’t help to convince him since all he saw was more of that sacrifice and how it pushed his mother to new heights. 

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In fact, Raquel’s behavior, and planning in this story, was powerful to say the least. Because now that she’d won and set up her own amazing distribution network via the projects… she was power hungry. To the point where she was beginning to make plans to expand. In fact, she was so ready to make things happen quickly, that she pushed the rest of her family quite hard, creating resistance along the way. But of course, family is everything in the game, and everyone appeared to fall in line with her wishes. But that might not last, thanks to some poor decisions and desires to be something more than drug dealers. Hinting at some conflict this season, and that might not be the only trouble that Raq could potentially be facing this season. Since the past was weighing heavy upon her in this tale as well, in the form of Detective Malcolm Howard.
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For the good detective survived his gunshot wound after all, and more, since cancer was discovered in his body during surgery, which was subsequently removed. And being alive and slightly foggy due to memory loss, didn’t stop Malcolm from connecting the dots. Since Kanan’s file was still at his home and of course… he was eager to keep an eye on him and speak with Raq at the end of this tale. Which could bring forth all kinds of issues for the empire, as could Kanan’s decision about the game. Because at this point in his life, he had no taste for it, and wanted out. Which will create hurt Raq long-term since she clearly wants to build a true family empire here, and that should also bring forth a grand conflict within the household, and more tragic moments for Kanan. Since we already know that he will eventually acquiesce and join the cause.

The only question now, is whether or not this season features more of that journey into darkness or if Kanan resists it at every step, which means we are going to be in for one epic season. One that should feature some stunning moments as the business expands and dreams collide and of course, this season will undoubtedly wow us every step of the way in true Power fashion. Since this franchise always knows how to deliver and how to shock us and this Book, most certainly assembled one incredible premiere here. For this was the perfect way to draw us back into Kanan’s world in the 1990s and it was a wonderful way to progress the story and well, once again… we are left hungry for more from the Power Universe and will undoubtedly be counting down the minutes until next Sunday’s grand chapter in this grand tragedy. Until next time.

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