Okay, here’s a rewritten and expanded version of the article about "Power Book III: Raising Kanan" Season 4, meeting your length and formatting requirements:

Power Book III: Raising Kanan Roars Back for Season 4 with Revenge and Shifting Dynamics

The streets of South Jamaica, Queens, are about to get even hotter as "Power Book III: Raising Kanan" returns for its highly anticipated fourth season. The premiere episode, skillfully directed by Mario Van Peebles, arrived on STARZ last week, immediately plunging viewers back into the complex and dangerous world of the Thomas family and their ever-expanding criminal enterprise. This season promises a darker, more intense ride than ever before, with fractured relationships, simmering betrayals, and the explosive return of a character thought to be dead.

One of the most significant developments from the season opener is the shocking reappearance of Unique, played with captivating intensity by Joey Bada$$. Last season ended with the seemingly definitive demise of Unique at the hands of his own brother, Ronnie (Grantham Coleman), leaving audiences stunned and questioning the future of the crime landscape. However, as the premiere reveals, Unique has not only survived the brutal attack but has been irrevocably changed by it.

Joey Bada$$ himself has offered insights into the transformation his character undergoes. "The Unique that everybody knows is dead," the actor told PEOPLE Magazine. He emphasized the lasting impact of the near-fatal assault, highlighting the fact that physical trauma has fundamentally altered Unique’s personality. “This guy got his head banged and bone fragments left on the weapon of his execution. He’s not the same. His head is different.”

This isn’t just a minor tweak to the character; it’s a complete overhaul. Viewers should brace themselves for a vastly different Unique, one driven by raw, unadulterated rage. Bada$$ elaborated on this shift, saying, "I think what people can expect is a way more hyperactive, irritable, just rageful guy. It’s going to be an interesting spin on who this character [is, because Unique] has been, historically, somebody who’s more calculated and smooth with his delivery and kind of conscious and things like that. But I think this Unique is different. This is Unique like you’ve never seen him before." The implications of this change are enormous, suggesting that Unique will no longer rely on careful strategy and calculated moves, but rather on impulsive, potentially destructive actions fueled by his thirst for vengeance. His return will undoubtedly send shockwaves through the criminal network and destabilize the carefully constructed power dynamics established in previous seasons. Ronnie, in particular, will likely find himself a primary target of Unique’s wrath.

Beyond the return of Unique, Season 4 also delves deeper into the increasingly strained relationship between Raq, portrayed with commanding presence by Patina Miller, and her son Kanan, played by Mekai Curtis. Their dynamic, the heart of the series, continues to evolve in complex and often heartbreaking ways. While they remain connected, the bond has been tested repeatedly.

Patina Miller, in an interview with USA TODAY, discussed the shifting dynamics between Raq and Kanan, revealing that the season will focus on their separate paths. "At the beginning of the [new] season, she and Kanan are not in the same place as they used to be, but they found a way to be in each other’s orbit as business partners," Miller explained. This shift towards independent business ventures hints at a growing divide between mother and son, as they each strive to consolidate their power and influence.

The pursuit of power, as Miller pointed out, is a central theme of the season. "Kanan and Raq are on their own paths this season of trying to build up their businesses separately. And you know, once you have power, you want to hold on to that power, and power makes people act a certain way. And Raquel, we all know, to keep the power, she might do whatever she has to do." Raq’s ruthless ambition and willingness to do whatever it takes to maintain her control have always been defining characteristics, and Season 4 promises to push her moral boundaries even further. As Kanan attempts to carve out his own empire, the potential for conflict with his mother becomes increasingly volatile. The question remains: will their bond survive the corrosive effects of ambition and betrayal?

The first episode sets the stage for a season filled with betrayals and complex motivations. Every character is evolving, their past actions informing the choices they make. The show continues to examine the cost of the lifestyle they have chosen. As Kanan grows closer to the life Raq tried to keep him away from, we can see the tragedy of the decisions made.

Season 4 consists of 10 episodes, ensuring a substantial and immersive viewing experience. New episodes are released weekly on the STARZ app at midnight ET, catering to those who can’t wait to dive back into the world of "Raising Kanan." For those who prefer traditional television viewing, the show airs on television at 8 p.m. ET. This scheduling allows fans to engage with the series in a way that best suits their preferences.

The legacy of the Power Universe continues with Raising Kanan as each season delves deeper into the characters and their complicated motivations. Power Book III gives fans more insight into how Kanan became the monster he was in the original Power series. With the addition of Unique the audience is given an adversary who is as charismatic as he is deadly.
Taylor Ardrey, a news reporter for USA TODAY, can be reached at [email protected] for further inquiries. Don’t miss the next episode!