‘Power Book IV: Force’ Recap – ‘Storm Clouds’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Power Book IV: Force’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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The best television shows out there, are the ones that understand the art of balance. Because these are the shows that know how to give their audience something new, all while keeping the story within the framework of what the fans love and one show that is quickly establishing itself to be a top-tier series in that vein, is Power Book IV: Force on STARZ. Because this brand-new entry in the Power Universe, has been quite the dynamic ride thus far. Primarily because it has injected some incredible new ideas into the crime drama. All by having Tommy Egan follow the playbook for a fresh start in life to a tee. Since we’ve seen him lay down roots in Chicago and go through what the rest of us do when we start over in a new place.
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But while that has made for some fascinating moments and some stunning character growth for Mister Egan, Courtney A. Kemp and 50 Cent and the writer’s room of this magnificent new series, fully understand the fact that the audience also wants to see the elements that made this universe iconic in the first place. Which is why ‘Storm Clouds’ is an episode that decided to peel away from the exploration of new beginnings to give us the core tenants of the Power Universe. For this is a story that was filled to the brim with action and danger and those patented Tommy Egan one-liners, and it accomplished those particular feats by first, informing us of the fact that Tommy was going to be completely and utterly unfazed by Walter Flynn’s undoing of the unity deal. 

Because Tommy understood that that kind of bombastic bravado came forth from nothing more than an angry and closed off man, lashing out in a desperate attempt to hang on an empire grown stagnant. But if others would see the value in his plan, then the takeover could begin and shockingly enough… both Diamond and Vic Flynn understood the importance of unity and dropping borders to make that paper. Which is why they all agreed to work together to bring other factions around town to their way of thinking and their first meeting in regard to this unity tour, was with an unsavory group of dealers. The kind that could cause trouble for everyone if they weren’t handled just right and sadly, this meeting didn’t quite go as planned. But not for the reasons that one might think.

For Team Tommy didn’t even get a chance to speak with these guys. Because someone, tipped off the cops and if it wasn’t for Vic’s happy go lucky contact with Chicago P.D., this meeting could have ended in an ugly manner. If anything, this setback was definitely one that gave the team pause since they really did need a force of baseline dealers to handle their business. But while Tommy took a moment to ponder upon his next recruitment moves… more roadblocks were being set up around the city for him. For Claudia was taking the next steps in getting her product to market, first. Which involved a meeting with the chemist of that incredible drug, bringing her one inch closer to beating Tommy to the punch and unfortunately, Liliana ran into some issues too.

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Because it turned out, that the cocaine she had in hand, was the property of Serbian dealers. Ones that Tommy and Ghost had dealings with back in the day in New York, and this revelation came to fruition because some fine ‘gentlemen’ from the Serbian mob, took the time to visit Liliana and ask about their product and where it was. Which of course, is a question that came back with sour answers and that in turn forced them to kidnap her, in the hopes of getting the person with the drugs to come forth and save her. A move that made sense but was stupid and dangerous none the less. Because no one gets between Tommy Egan and his friends and gets away with it, a lesson that these men quickly learned before they died. 
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But despite saving her hide from those henchmen, Tommy knew that more mobsters would be on the way to get their product and deal with their fallen friends and that meant that Tommy needed to figure out his next moves. Specifically, who was being sent to deal with him, so he knew how to handle them appropriately, and of course… he needed to recruit allies to his cause and bring an army with him for the big showdown. But alas, Tommy seemingly couldn’t muster any help, since this was his fight and while he respected that, he was clearly disappointed. Since that meant he had to do things the hard way and well, the person sent to handle him… only made this battle all that more difficult. Since she was another blast from New York’s past.

Because Tatiana was the one sent to deal with Tommy Egan and that brought forth one satisfying standoff. One filled with bad blood and disdain and one heck of a surprise. In that, Tommy did get a little bit of help after all, since Vic decided to step in when the situation reached peak tension and that assist, allowed for Tommy to put Tatiana down for good and keep the drugs and for now, that resolution gives him a bit of breathing room to think and plan. Because now, Tommy has to figure out how to handle the forthcoming storm that waits on the horizon, all while getting his business started before others step in and take control and that is going to be no easy task. In fact, it might be Tommy’s greatest challenge to date in this universe and it will be interesting to see how he handles the chaos that is about to surround him.

But while we wait for all of that to play out, we can bask in the wonder of one delightful tale. Because this really was an hour long ‘best of’ reel when it comes to this franchise. Since we were privy to incredible schemes and betrayals and action and danger and we even got to learn that if you have Tommy’s back, you get a cookie. But all amazing one-liners aside, make no mistake about it, this episode is proof positive that Power Book IV: Force is one of the most dynamic crime dramas out there. Because we’re only four episodes in and we’ve already been treated to incredible character development and unique storytelling, and we’re also getting everything we could ask for and more when it comes to a Tommy Egan-centric show and well, all this does is compel us to continue the journey. So, we can see what other twists and turns and epic moments this long and winding and intelligent story is going to provide us with. Until next time.

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