Power Book III: Raising Kanan Season 4 Ending Explained – Is this the end for Raq?

Power Book III: Raising Kanan season four ended with a bang—literally. The finale, titled “Gimme the Weight,” delivered a gut-wrenching standoff between Kanan and his mother, Raquel Thomas, and left fans reeling with a chilling cliffhanger. Did Kanan really kill Raq? Or did he walk away at the last second? The Power Universe has always thrived on betrayal, family wars, and shocking twists—and this episode delivered all three.

Did Kanan kill Raq?

The season’s final moments were tense and devastating. After spiraling over the deaths of Famous, O-Cee, and most recently Krystal, Kanan grows more paranoid and begins to believe Raq had everyone killed to keep him close. Fueled by manipulation from Snaps, Pop, and Unique, he storms into Raq’s home with a gun.

Raq pleads for her life, insisting she had nothing to do with Krystal’s murder. But the pain and betrayal in Kanan’s eyes say it all. The screen fades to black. A single gunshot echoes. We don’t see what happened. Did Kanan pull the trigger? Did he shoot the wall or let his mother live? Power has always loved its ambiguous endings, and this one leaves us hanging on a razor’s edge.

Why Raq Might Still be Alive

Although it looks like curtains for Raq, there are hints that she could survive. Series creator Sascha Penn recently said that nobody is safe, but teased that even if Raq dies, “her presence will always be felt” (via THR). Patina Miller, who’s played Raq since season one, called the role the opportunity of a lifetime, and hinted she poured everything into this season. 

Unique’s Ruthless Power grab

Unique returned this season with a clear mission: take everything from Raq. He manipulated Kanan, torched her businesses, and killed her crew. But the feud wasn’t just business—it was personal. There are hints of a tragic past between them, possibly involving a lost child, which fuels Unique’s obsessive need for revenge.

And when Raq hits back by abducting Parnessa—Unique’s former love—and her child, things turn nuclear. Lou-Lou tracks them down, and Raq gives the order to snatch them, proving she’s willing to hurt anyone to win. It’s a brutal move, but one that could give her an edge—if she survives.

Is Stefano Really dead?

After cutting ties with Raq and Marvin, mob boss Stefano is ambushed by Russo and left bleeding. But despite the vicious attack, he survives—barely. He’s hospitalized and unresponsive. Russo, now openly allied with Unique, warns that if Stefano wakes up, blood will be spilled. With Stefano’s fate uncertain, a major mob war could erupt in season five.

Juke and Marvin are Caught in the Crossfire

Jukebox continues her transformation this season, stepping into a leadership role while trying to steer Kanan away from danger. But when she accuses Raq of killing Krystal, things go sideways. Detective Garcia drops a bombshell—witnesses saw a Black woman leaving Krystal’s murder scene—and Kanan starts to spiral.

When Juke tries to talk him down, he threatens her with a gun, then storms off. Marvin, meanwhile, kills Early and his crew in retaliation for betraying Raq, but his efforts can’t save their crumbling empire. Even Stefano’s death only further isolates the Thomases.

Breeze is Born

The final twist? Snaps and Pop introduce Kanan to their nephew, Branford—better known as Breeze. Longtime Power fans know what that name means. Breeze becomes a major influence in Kanan’s life, and ultimately the reason Kanan kills him later in the timeline. For now, Breeze’s arrival signals a shift in Kanan’s loyalty—and possibly the beginning of his villain origin story.

Is this the end of Raq?

Whether or not Raq survives, her legacy is sealed. From queenpin to mother, she’s carried the weight of her empire—and her son—for four intense seasons. If this is truly her exit, she joins Power legends like Monet Tejada and Noma in the ranks of unforgettable women who ruled the streets and paid the ultimate price.

But one thing’s clear: with trust broken, alliances shattered, and Kanan standing at a crossroads, Power Book III: Raising Kanan is heading into season five with more fire than ever. And if Raq is gone? The war has only just begun.

All the episodes of Power Book III: Raising Kanan season four are now streaming on Starz app.