Upamanyu Biswas
The seventh episode of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ season 4 leaves fans with a poignant ending as Joyce Thomas finally finds someone willing to end her suffering. The character has been a resolute presence for a long time, which makes her battle with cancer all the more difficult to witness. However, we get some type of consolation at the end of episode 7, relieving much of the tension that has been building up within the Thomas family for a significant period. It started when she broke the news to her children in an earlier episode, making them realize the severity of her situation while also opening old wounds in people like Raq, who never saw eye-to-eye with Joyce. Still, her fate could be vital moving forward as doubts and suspicions creep within the Thomas family ranks. SPOILERS AHEAD.
Joyce Thomas Asks Raq to End Her Suffering
For large chunks of the season, Joyce Thomas has been dealing with a health challenge that has left her bedridden. As a result of her illness, Kanan had to step in to help his grandmother. However, she was unwilling to spill the news beyond her grandson. Although the arrangement was seemingly all right for the time being, Kanan slowly began to convince his grandma to tell the whole family about it and give them a chance to take care of her in her time of need. She was against the idea because she believed that they would make the whole ordeal about themselves, showcasing the drama engulfing her bond with her children. Still, she decided to accept Kanan’s plan and broke the news at a family dinner organized for all her children and grandchildren. As expected, the news was received with mixed signals, with Raq being the most against it.
Following her announcement, Joyce became weaker by the day as the illness began to take a toll on her body. The Thomas family hires a nurse/caretaker to watch over Joyce throughout the day. Subsequently, Joyce’s situation only gets worse, leaving her in endless torment and pain. She asks both Marvin and Lou-Lou on separate occasions to inject her with drugs she procured using a nurse’s help that could help her die painlessly. However, both brothers are hesitant to move ahead with this plan because of the responsibility and trauma it could leave behind. Thus, the onus falls on Raq to do what her brothers can’t. At the end of episode 7, we see her finally reconcile her differences with her mother before she injects her with the solution. She then holds Joyce’s hand as life slowly ebbs away from her body, seemingly marking the character’s last moment.
Joyce’s Death Likely Signifies a Parting Between Sharon Washington and Her Character
Although we have been gearing up for Joyce’s passing, her death could mean an end-of-the-road moment for the partnership between Sharon Washington and ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan.’ Her character has always had a tricky relationship with Raq, owing to some complex mother-daughter dynamics that began during childhood. Still, the actress has always brought life and vibrancy to the part, showcasing her strength as the mother of three tough children who are capable of standing up to the most violent thugs. Perhaps her most heartfelt scenes were the ones involving her character’s influence over Kanan, her grandson. He always had time for her and loved her for her affectionate but no-nonsense attitude towards him. With her character’s passing, it affords Washington the opportunity to move on to other complex character roles.
Washington expressed her admiration for Joyce’s character and her portrayal in season 4, where we see her at her most challenging period. The actress said, “Joyce does not want to be defined by this illness. And I don’t think she’s the person who will allow herself to be defined by the illness. She doesn’t want that to be what she’s remembered for.” The actress was intrigued by the prospect of the familial bonds that grounded Joyce and how she was trying to make amends for that in her own way. It brings up a whole host of complicated themes near the end, such as assisted suicide, responsibility, parent-child relationships, and inter-generational drama. On a positive note, her character gets what she desires before passing on, as her previously hateful daughter lets go of her pain and accepts her mother for who she is, essentially forgiving her.
Read More: Power Book III Raising Kanan Season 4 Episode 7 Recap: Allow Me to Re-Introduce Myself
