Written by John Edward Betancourt Mekai Curtis as Kanan Stark in Episode 404 of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ – ‘The Way We Were’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 403 of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
Over the course of the past couple of weeks, we’ve talked at length about the majesty of entering new chapters in life, courtesy of the amazing journeys present in the hit STARZ series, Power Book III: Raising Kanan. For everyone in this story is embarking on something new, and they have indeed enjoyed the wonder of a fresh journey. But since this story is a crime drama, and leans into realism, it makes total sense as to why the next episode of this amazing series… opted to point out that eventually, our new chapters lose their luster and showcase struggles because life is all about ups and downs. Which ‘The Way We Were’ accomplished by having just about everyone in this story experience just that. After all Lou came to learn that the freedom he was enjoying in the music business wasn’t meant to last. For while he was crafting Rilla’s new record, a new producer arrived on the scene named Imani. Who knew her stuff and was indeed forced upon Lou and the project, which pissed off Lou to no end. Because he thought he was the sole producer in this division and felt as though this was a disrespectful move. But it was happening either way and he had to learn to navigate working with a partner and doing so in a manner that was respectful and that was no easy task. But while he and Imani found some measure of peace, the reality was there that this new chapter for Lou was going to have some bumps and bruises, and he will indeed have to figure out how to navigate those. Speaking of bumps and bruises, well those were everyone to be found for the rest of the family as well. Since Marvin and Raq dealt with more issues involving Unique. Since he tucked in with Early, who Marvin brought to Stefano to expand the bookie business, and that was ominous, especially after Unique made quite the move here. Since he shot up the warehouse that Raq was using to move her supply. Which added more red flags around her business and prompted her to make her biggest move to date. In that, she went straight to the top to become a supplier and wholesaler to make more profit and have more power, and while she may get what she wants, this new chapter for her will be messy to navigate because of Unqiue’s thirst for revenge, and she wasn’t the only dealer struggling to find agency here.  Tony Danza and Frank Carlo as Stefano Marchetti and Giorgio in Episode 404 of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ – ‘The Way We Were’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)
Because Kanan was also working to make big moves on his own behalf in this story. Since he continued to make it known that he wanted to be out of Raq’s shadow and that prompted Snaps and Pop to give him a chance to do so. By landing him a meeting with Quan. So, he could showcase his talents and plead his case. A move that was also designed to get him in front of Stefano, to see what he could do to get more product and work on the streets. But alas, while his meeting with Quan went well, Stefano and his vast years of experience in the business… allowed for a sour meeting to take place. One where he recognized and respected Kanan’s ambition but made sure to point out the rock-solid relationship Raq and Stefano enjoyed, and the boss also spoke to the disrespect that came forth by way of Kanan, by not working closer with his mother to further learn the business.
All of which hammered home that central theme to a tee and in a way, refocused the show on the criminal aspects that are its outright core. But while it was lovely to see that tie into a deeper theme, there was more that this episode offered as well. Since it also spoke to how the 1990s, while more progressive in nature, were still a rotten time for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and where toxic masculinity ran rampant. Which was handled by Jukebox’s journey here. Who was hit hard by a jealous husband who saw her with his wife, and the abuse he imparted on both of them, prompted Marvin to get involved. Which led to an ugly moment that forced Jukebox to engage in self-defense and manslaughter to keep Marvin safe. But the crimes that were committed aside, that did indeed reflect the era. For there were men with fragile egos who could not comprehend that maybe just maybe, they were not what their wives and girlfriends wanted because of what they discovered about their preferences, and this also showcased that violence against members of the LGBTQIA+ community went unnoticed then. Because people just weren’t quite ready to fight for equality in the early 1990s, and that important storyline added… to a quality episode. One that really did offer up an engaging story filled with depth and struggles for these amazing characters and set the stage for more conflict down the line as they all fight for agency and peace in their new journeys. Until next time. Watch ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’
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