Power Book III: Raising Kanan

This series is FAR superior to Power Book 2: Ghost. The main reason being the young lead actor is much better than the kid who plays Tariq St. Patrick. I just find him incredibly unlikeable and I always know I'm watching an actor put on his character. Now the gentlemen who plays Kanaan is clearly doing his best 50 Cent impression but the surround cast is really, really good.

This is a solid standalone series on its own made even more intriguing for Power fans who were enthralled in the original series as it pulls some things together. I hope they show us when Kanaan met Ghost and Tommy and how all that got started.

If you were turned off the "Power Universe" like I was after the 2nd series about Ghost's son give this one a shot. If you're a fan of the original you'll like this one fore sure.

-SweeZ-

I'm glad I waited until episode 7 to review because I would have agreed with the current rating of 7. I knew it had potential to be more and it finally delivered with this past episode. We see the consequences of this business and Kanan's ambition, both in the community and personally. I was on the edge of my seat even though I knew what was about to happen. I'm left with a pit in my stomach and 50's speech at the end was perfect for the situation... and in reality. Solid 8 now and hope it goes up.

Patina Miller is the number one reason to watch. She embodied the character of Raq. The supporting characters are great as well like Joey BadA$$. There is a very heartbreaking episode that had me tearing up. Great gritty atmosphere. I can't say good enough things about it. The best Power Book entry so far!

It started off slowly, however as the season goes on the pace picks up. I know Kanan being an intelligent nice kid is throwing folks off, but I like how it is progressing. You slowly but surely see the transformation into who he will eventually become. Hang in there, it only gets better.

This series is phenomenal, not merely because of the cast & writing, but because it's apart of a cohort of tv series birthed from the masterpiece that is "Power." Kanan was undoubtedly one of Power's most dynamic characters. To see his story play out is to watch him become the man who would later successfully infiltrate his mentees' (Ghost & Tommy) drug organization & who would plant the seed of disdain in Ghost's son that would one day lead to Tariq committing patricide.

Makhi (young Kanan) embodies the character, even down to 50's slurred speech. Patina Miller is perfect as Raq. Hailey Kilgore's acting performance is as bold & remarkable as her singing voice. She truly honors her reprisal of Jukebox, the character originally played by Broadway titan, Anika Noni Rose. London Brown's comedic timing is perfect & he proves himself quite the dramatic actor in scenes alongside Kilgore & Miller. Malcolm Mays as "Lou" is incredible. His character has a similar temperament to that of Ghost, a calculated & capably ruthless killer but not without cause.

On balance, this show is a masterpiece & has the potential to surpass the original Power series. 10/10.