‘Raising Kanan’ Creator and Stars Discuss the Series Finale and Future of ‘Power: Origins’

The journey of Kanan Stark has officially concluded one chapter, but his story is far from finished.

Power Book III: Raising Kanan has wrapped up its five-season arc, culminating in a brutal finale that reveals Kanan Stark’s transformation into the ruthless figure first introduced in the original Power. The finale provided answers to one of the most pressing questions about Kanan’s past: the reason behind his cousin Jukebox’s death, portrayed by Anika Noni Rose in the original series.

Series creator Sascha Penn had long promised that the show would delve into the complex relationship between Kanan and Jukebox. In an interview with Variety, he emphasized the theme that individuals often remember events differently, and their interpretations of truth can be unreliable.

This theme became particularly significant in the final episodes. Kanan killed his uncle Marvin, played by London Brown, after already being responsible for Lou’s death. Jukebox ultimately discovered the truth and chose to retaliate against Kanan in the most devastating way possible.

She killed Raq. Raq, played by Patina Miller, dedicated the entire series to protecting her family while simultaneously drawing them deeper into the drug trade. By the finale, however, nearly everything she had built was in ruins.

Penn revealed to Variety that he had contemplated allowing Raq to escape instead of killing her. However, that idea was ultimately discarded as it didn’t align with the narrative. “I thought for a little while she could get away like Unique,” Penn stated. “But I’m going to be honest with you, I don’t know that I felt like she deserved that ending.”

Raq’s death was a pivotal moment for Miller, who expressed that Raq never anticipated Jukebox would betray her. After nurturing her niece, Raq couldn’t fathom that Jukebox would be the one to take her life.

“I don’t think she ever would’ve thought in a million years,” Miller told Variety. She likened this moment to Marvin’s disbelief that Kanan would eventually turn against his own family.

Even when Raq realizes her fate, she refuses to give in. Miller noted that Raq reaching for her gun in her final moments was entirely consistent with her character. “She never backs down,” Miller remarked. For Curtis, witnessing his mother’s lifeless body was a heartbreaking moment, symbolizing the ultimate consequence of his actions. “It’s devastating, but it is poetic,” Curtis expressed.

He elaborated that Kanan had been grappling with grief, fully aware of where his choices were leading him. By the time he discovers Raq’s death, there’s no way to reverse the damage done.

Penn also perceives Raq differently than many viewers. While audiences have often found her to be one of the most intriguing characters, the creator does not view her as a good mother.

“She’s not a good mother in any way,” Penn stated. He argued that Raq frequently used Kanan as a justification for her poor choices, manipulating the narrative of “I’m doing this for you”.

The final season also marked a significant transformation: Kanan evolving into the character audiences recognize from Power. Curtis noted that killing Marvin was a crucial turning point, as Kanan transitioned from merely reacting to the violence surrounding him.

“Kanan’s becoming a man,” Curtis explained. He emphasized that the character had absorbed lessons from his experiences and was now singularly focused on gaining power.

The finale also provided deeper insights into Kanan’s connection with Breeze, played by Shameik Moore. Curtis mentioned that Kanan was already applying lessons learned from Raq, particularly the importance of keeping secrets and waiting for the right moment to act. However, while Raising Kanan has concluded, the story is far from over.

Kanan will return in Power: Origins, the upcoming series focusing on the younger versions of Ghost and Tommy. Curtis encouraged fans to “buckle up,” expressing pride in what the team has created.

Penn also disclosed to Variety that Origins will offer a distinct tone compared to Raising Kanan. Rather than being dark and heavy, the new series will incorporate more humor and energy, centering on the relationship between Ghost and Tommy.

“‘Origins’ is a lot more fun,” Penn stated. He likened its tone to 48 Hours, while clarifying that violence and darker elements will still be present in the narrative.

The creator aims for Power: Origins to appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers. “You don’t have to have watched ‘Power’ before,” Penn noted. “It’s just another incredible ensemble cast we’ve assembled.”

For now, Kanan’s evolution from Raq’s son to the dangerous figure fans recognize is complete. But with Power: Origins on the horizon, viewers will soon get another glimpse of the character and a further piece of the expansive Power narrative.

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