Power Book III: Raising Kanan

For fans of the “Power” series, the wait is finally over as the highly-anticipated spin-off show, “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” premiered on July 18, 2021, on the Starz network. This time around, the show takes viewers to the 90s to give them a glimpse of how Kanan Stark, the drug lord, came to be. The series serves as a prequel to the original “Power” series and promises to be a thrilling ride from start to finish.

Set in South Jamaica, New York, the show follows 15-year-old Kanan Stark (played by Mekai Curtis), who wrestles with the pressures of growing up in a drug-infested world. Kanan’s mother, Raq (Patina Miller), is a cold-blooded businesswoman who runs her own drug empire, and she’s not someone who anyone should mess with. Raq’s best friend, Lou-Lou (Malcolm M. Mays), is also Kanan’s mentor and serves as the muscle behind the operation. Together, the trio navigates the drug game while dealing with rival gangs, corrupt cops, and unexpected twists and turns.

“Power Book III: Raising Kanan” promises to deliver an authentic portrayal of the 90s while introducing viewers to a new set of characters. The show’s creator, Sascha Penn, said in an interview with Variety that “the DNA of these characters is in the original show” but the spin-off “won’t be the same kind of show as you’ve seen before.”

One of the standout performances in the series is that of Patina Miller, who plays the ruthless Raq. Miller is a Tony-award winning stage actress who has also appeared in films such as “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay” and “Madam Secretary.” In her role as Raq, Miller gives a grounded, nuanced performance that commands the screen every time she appears.

Mekai Curtis, who plays Kanan, is also a standout, showcasing a range of emotions as he navigates the struggles of adolescence mixed with the dangerous world of drug dealing. Rapper 50 Cent, who executive produces the show and played Kanan in the original series, handpicked Curtis for the role. Curtis has appeared in shows such as “Power Book II: Ghost” and “Kirby Buckets” and is quickly becoming a rising star in the industry.

“Power Book III: Raising Kanan” also boasts a talented supporting cast, including Hailey Kilgore as Jukebox, Kanan’s cousin who is also a talented singer, and Omar Epps as Detective Malcolm Howard, a cop who is determined to take down Raq and her crew.

As with any spin-off, fans of the original “Power” series may be hesitant to give “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” a chance. However, the show has proven to stand on its own, showcasing a unique story that is both compelling and thrilling. With a top-notch cast, stunning cinematography, and solid writing, “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” is a must-watch for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.

In conclusion, “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” is a worthy addition to the “Power” universe. The series delivers a fresh perspective on the world of drug dealing and crime through the eyes of a new set of characters. With standout performances from the cast and solid writing, the show promises to be a thrilling ride from start to finish. Fans of the original “Power” series should not miss out on this prequel story that is sure to provide valuable context to the character of Kanan Stark. The series airs weekly on the Starz network, with new episodes available to stream on the Starz app.