Power Book III: Raising Kanan

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.

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.

Power Book III: Rasing Kanan is the third of show in the Power Universe. This one is about a young Kanan Stark (50 Cents character from the original) and how he joins his family's growing and dangerous drig business. It takes place in Queens, New York during the 1990's. It quickly builds its world and expands the Power Universe but definitely stands on its own. The do a great job bringing you into their world, especially with all the attention to detail of how the 90's were. Even if you weren't a fan of the Kanan character in the original, you'll still enjoy this. You don't even have to watch the original to like this but if you are already a fan of the Power Universe I promise you won't be disappointed here.

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-

In my opinion this series is the best in the Power Universe so far. Kanan is the most interesting of all the characters, hope there is a season 2 & more.