Power Book III: Raising Kanan is back for its explosive fourth season, and if the first two episodes are any indication, the drama, tension, and unexpected turns are only getting started.
Season 3 left us with jaw-dropping revelations—Unique was revealed to be alive after killing Ronnie, Raquel and Kanan took down Howard, and the aftermath of these events left us wondering how the story would unfold. After watching the first two episodes of Season 4, I can confidently say that the stakes have never been higher.
The season premiere takes its time setting the stage, holding off on the immediate aftermath of the Season 3 finale for nearly 50 minutes. For perspective, that’s twice the time The Walking Dead took to reveal Negan’s infamous kill in its Season 7 premiere. Instead of jumping straight into the fallout, the episode provides crucial context, rewinding three months to show us:
The episode delves into Unique’s survival and recovery, revealing how he managed to escape death and what he has been doing since. Meanwhile, Raquel faces an intense personal challenge that adds another layer of complexity to her journey. Kanan continues to expand his network, making strategic moves to strengthen his position, while Marvin and Stefano navigate shifting business alliances that could alter the game. At the same time, Lou-Lou, fresh out of rehab, is at a crossroads, trying to determine his next steps in both his personal and professional life.
While the episode does a solid job filling in gaps, some of the material feels stretched, making me wonder if a more concise approach could have kept the pacing tighter.
This is where the season really takes off. Unique is not the same man we once knew—his near-death experience has changed him in a way that reminds me of soldiers returning from war with lasting injuries. His transformation is one of the most compelling aspects of the episode, and it’s clear that his trajectory is forever altered.
Meanwhile, the FBI is looking to turn one character into an informant to build a case around Howard’s murder. This adds a whole new level of tension as we watch the cat-and-mouse game unfold.
And let’s talk about Marvin—there’s a moment involving him that is absolutely hilarious, yet completely unexpected. Without giving it away, I guarantee it will have you laughing while simultaneously making you say, “WTF just happened?”
But the episode doesn’t end on a light note, there’s a death before the credits roll, setting the tone for what’s sure to be an intense season ahead.
Season 4 is off to a strong start, blending deep character development with high-stakes drama. While the first episode takes its time laying the groundwork, the second episode delivers action and pivotal moments that will leave fans eager for more. If these episodes are any indication, Raising Kanan is gearing up for one of its most intense seasons yet.