The penultimate episode of Starz’s hit crime drama, Power Book III: Raising Kanan, titled "Penultimate Means Second to Last," lived up to its name by delivering a double dose of seismic shifts in the character landscape, fundamentally altering the trajectories of key players and setting the stage for a climactic finale. The episode, which aired on Friday, August 7th, saw the violent demise of Marvin Thomas and a significant evolution for Jukebox, pushing both characters closer to their eventual fates as known to fans of the flagship Power series. The narrative thrust of this episode was not merely in the deaths and developments themselves, but in the intricate web of betrayals, loyalties, and the escalating consequences of the characters’ choices, a hallmark of the Power universe.
The Inevitable End of Marvin Thomas
Marvin Thomas, portrayed by London Brown, met a violent end in "Penultimate Means Second to Last," a conclusion that, while shocking in its execution, felt increasingly inevitable given the escalating tensions and his own volatile actions. The episode meticulously built towards this moment, showcasing Marvin’s deep-seated loyalty and his increasingly erratic behavior, which ultimately led to his confrontation with Kanan.
The beating Marvin delivered to Kanan in the previous episode, "School of War," served as a stark precursor to the tragic events that unfolded. Kanan, played by Mekai Curtis, seeking retribution and demonstrating a hardened resolve that aligns with 50 Cent’s portrayal in the original Power series, ultimately became the instrument of Marvin’s demise. This confrontation, occurring within the sanctity of a church, added a layer of dark irony to the proceedings. The scene was masterfully directed by Mario Van Peebles, known for his work on New Jack City, who captured the visceral intensity of the violence and the emotional weight of the moment. The meticulous choreography and the impactful portrayal of the struggle underscored the brutal realities of their world.
London Brown, reflecting on Marvin’s journey, noted the audience’s growing emotional investment in his character. "I think a lot of people initially felt Marvin was just an irresponsible uncle and just snacking. They were unaware that they were slowly becoming emotionally invested with Marvin, and so now, when we see this turn of emotions at season five, people I think have realized, ‘Oh, we actually do care about Marvin, and we do feel what he feels,’" Brown stated in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. This sentiment highlights the nuanced character development that allowed audiences to connect with Marvin, despite his often questionable actions. His journey this season, marked by a deeper introspection and a desire for resolution, made his eventual death all the more poignant.
Jukebox’s Path to Vengeance and Identity
Simultaneously, the episode saw Jukebox, portrayed by Hailey Kilgore, take significant strides toward becoming the character known to Power fans, as depicted by Anika Noni Rose. Jukebox’s arc in this episode was defined by her pursuit of justice for her friend Famous and her own burgeoning understanding of her place within the criminal underworld. Her quest for answers led her to uncover the truth behind the machinations of crime boss duo Ishmael "Snaps" Henry (Wendell Pierce) and Stephanie "Pop" Henry (Erika Woods).
Snaps and Pop had been central antagonists, sowing discord, particularly within the Thomas family, since season three. Their manipulation had directly influenced Kanan’s belief that his mother, Raq (Patina Miller), was responsible for the deaths of his best friend, Famous, and his girlfriend, Krystal. This misdirection had driven a wedge between Kanan and Raq, culminating in Kanan pointing a gun at his mother at the end of the previous season. The revelation that Snaps and Pop were the true puppet masters behind these events added a crucial layer of understanding to Kanan’s descent and Raq’s increasingly desperate attempts to control the narrative.
Jukebox’s confrontation with Snaps and Pop, and her subsequent decision to exact vengeance, marked a pivotal moment in her character development. This act of retribution not only avenged Famous’s death but also solidified Jukebox’s transformation into a formidable force, unafraid to take decisive action. Erika Woods, discussing her character’s perspective during the confrontation, explained, "We didn’t think she was going to kill us. So when you don’t think someone’s going to do something, you move in a different kind of way." This underestimation of Jukebox’s resolve proved to be their fatal error.
The Undoing of Snaps and Pop
The Henry siblings, Snaps and Pop, were instrumental in orchestrating much of the conflict that plagued the Thomas family and their associates. Their involvement in the alliance between Kanan and Shameik Moore’s Breeze was a direct consequence of their machinations. Following Kanan’s killing of Lou-Lou (Malcolm Mays), Snaps and Pop manipulated Marvin into beating Kanan, demanding Kanan prove his loyalty by ordering hits on both Raq and Marvin to avenge Defcon’s (Rondell Stark) murder. Their belief in their own invincibility, a trait honed over years of playing the criminal game, blinded them to the imminent danger posed by the very people they sought to control.
Wendell Pierce, embodying the seasoned criminal mastermind Snaps, reflected on their longevity in the game: "We know how to play the game… they wouldn’t have lasted this long and have had this much of an impact if they didn’t. And that’s what I love about these characters." Pierce also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside his wife, Erika Woods, on the show, highlighting their seamless on-screen chemistry. "Working with Erika, we’re like hand in glove. We kind of finish each other’s thoughts and finish each other’s words. Sascha and the writers have really created this couple that will be long remembered."
Erika Woods, on the other hand, detailed her commitment to authentically portraying Pop, particularly her dialect. "I wanted to conquer her backstory, because she’s based on a real character. Then I wanted to jump into the dialect. I’ve been in New York quite a while, but I wanted to make sure I did her justice. I studied and spent a lot of time in Queens, talked to a lot of people, and really tried to get grounded in her dialect." The payoff for her dedication was when people began to inquire about her specific New York origins, a testament to her immersive performance.
Marvin’s Complex Character Arc and His Relationship with Jukebox
London Brown’s portrayal of Marvin Thomas was central to the emotional core of the episode. Marvin’s journey throughout the season was marked by a growing awareness of his own shortcomings and a profound desire for redemption, particularly in his relationship with his daughter, Jukebox. Initially estranged and deeply disapproving of Jukebox’s sexuality, Marvin underwent a significant transformation. Through therapy and a genuine effort to understand and accept his daughter, he moved from rejection to a position of unwavering support.
"With Marvin, we are talking about in the ’90s, too. So [sexuality] wasn’t as discussed as it is now. It wasn’t as liberated as it is now," Brown explained, contextualizing Marvin’s initial struggles. "But I think what he realized was, at the end of the day, ‘Man, it’s still my daughter. I do love her. I may not even understand it, but, because I love my daughter, I’m willing to try to understand this.’" This shift in perspective allowed for a deep bond to form between father and daughter, a testament to the show’s exploration of complex family dynamics. Brown praised Hailey Kilgore’s presence and emotional depth, stating, "She’s one of my favorites to work with because she always just shows up. It’s important to do scenes with people you trust, and with Hailey, I never had to worry about if she was going to be present or not."
Marvin’s character was further explored through his interactions with his sister, Raq. Despite his loyalty, Marvin was not afraid to challenge Raq’s decisions, particularly when he believed her actions were detrimental to their family and their empire. He recognized the destructive nature of their lifestyle and the consequences it would inevitably bring. His heartfelt plea to Raq, urging her to reconsider her approach to Kanan and the business, highlighted his growing understanding of the game’s limitations and the potential for self-destruction.
The Weight of Loyalty and the Search for Guidance
Marvin’s final moments were deeply reflective of his internal struggles and his search for guidance. His visit to the church, seeking counsel from the pastor, represented a desperate attempt to find an alternative to the violence and chaos that had defined his life. This scene underscored his evolving conscience, a stark contrast to the more impulsive Marvin of previous seasons. "I think there’s part of him that understands, ‘This lifestyle is not looking the best for me. Do I have any more options?’" Brown mused about Marvin’s motivations. "Marvin realized that the options are running low because, at some point, these chickens got to come home to roost."
The confrontation with Kanan in the church was a poignant culmination of their fraught relationship. Marvin, despite facing his imminent death, maintained a stoic demeanor, embodying the "gangster as ever" persona. He offered Kanan a cigarette and engaged in a final, prescient dialogue, warning Kanan about the man he was becoming and the lonely path that lay ahead. This exchange served as a powerful foreshadowing of Kanan’s future on Power, confirming Marvin’s sharp insight into his nephew’s destructive potential. "Even to that point, he’s saying, ‘Listen, man, do what you want to do to me, but you’re not who you think you are. But from an OG, listen, man, you’re going to be worse than me because you got nobody,’" Brown recalled.
The Unraveling of Raq’s Reign
The episode also served as a turning point for Raq, as her carefully constructed empire began to show cracks. Marvin’s confrontations with her, particularly his pointed observations about her attempts to control Kanan and her inability to see how the game had moved beyond them, highlighted Raq’s flaws and her increasing isolation. While often lauded for her strategic brilliance, the episode revealed the human cost of her ambition and the potential for her own downfall. "She’s been manipulating and orchestrating this thing from the jump. She even tried to get her son to take out his own pops," Brown commented, shedding light on Raq’s complex and often ruthless nature. "She’s crazy!"
The narrative arc of Power Book III: Raising Kanan continues to demonstrate a keen understanding of character development and the intricate consequences of actions within a high-stakes criminal environment. The penultimate episode’s dramatic twists and profound character evolutions have effectively set the stage for a finale that promises to deliver catharsis, further revelations, and the definitive cementing of these characters’ legacies within the Power universe. The final episode of Power Book III: Raising Kanan was set to air the following week, on Friday, August 14th, on Starz.
