Power Book III: Raising Kanan

Raising Kanan has developed across three seasons into a quietly compelling family drama, a show that explores lesbophobia and fraternal strife as deeply as it does the explosive dynamics of illegal trade. The first two episodes of Season 4 continue this trend, showcasing new depths and shifting alliances among its sprawling ensemble.

In Season 4, while Raq’s relationship with Kanan contains both promise and peril, Kanan’s exploration of where he personally fits into his larger family history broadens the scope of what we’re learning about the character.

The standalone nature of “Kanan” was once the show’s biggest weakness. But in its second season, with room to breathe and space to add more layers, the advantage of starting from scratch becomes clearer. “Kanan” almost feels like a “Power” reboot at times. ... The show works as well as an adrenalized family drama as it does an exercise in ‘90s nostalgia.

Power Book III: Raising Kanan is a prequel that not only captures a particular place at a particular time but also builds a world that can quickly help the show stand alone from its parent series.