In the dangerous chessboard known as Power Book IV: Force, allegiances change faster than bullets fly. But even by the standards of the show, Claudia Flynn’s backdoor deal with Stacy Marks in Season 3, Episode 2 was an unexpected jolt.

Chicago is the deadliest place in the Power Universe due to the alliance formed out of desperation, ego, and mutual vendettas. Claudia isn’t calling Marks because she has suddenly developed a belief in justice, morality, or a bright future free from crime. She calls because she feels trapped. When individuals such as Claudia feel trapped, they don’t quit—they devise a plan.

A Conversation Fueled by Spite and Survival

Claudia doesn’t hide anything when she approaches Stacy Marks. The truth sneaks out due to her usual armor, which includes billionaire-family bravado, snark, and entitlement. She acknowledges the truth she once denied:

“I said, fuck flipping on the Marquez cartel. But I can still help you with something else—bringing down Tommy Egan.”

The irony is delightful. Claudia Flynn, who once fought to build her own empire alongside Tommy, is now offering to help bury him — just because she can’t get back on her feet. Marks pauses due to the bitter taste of revenge mixed with opportunity. Marks is not included in this equation either. Claudia hits the right nerve.

“Think about what it’ll do for your career—bringing down the biggest gangster in the city.”

Claudia is familiar with the game. The foundation of a career in law enforcement is not based on clean wins. Their foundation was built on trophies. Tommy Egan is the biggest trophy in Chicago.

Tommy Egan: The Ghost Neither Woman Can Shake

Tommy is at the top of Stacy Marks’ list of professional embarrassments. He has slipped out of stings, dodged convictions, left crime scenes blazing, and humiliated everyone within reach of a badge. It’s a given that Claudia has her own scars. Tommy burned down her organization, exposed her weaknesses, and reminded her that power isn’t inherited, it’s taken. The alliance is a product of their mutual hatred. Their need for each other is what holds it together.

“Tommy Egan made us both look like idiots and got away.”

The line is not strategic; it’s personal. In Force, body bags are always a result of personal motives.

Claudia’s Leverage: CBI

Access to CBI is Claudia’s secret weapon. Lil K. Diamond and Jenard are facing their own storms, and Claudia sees an opportunity. She communicates to Marks:

“I’ve been in with them at CBI. I can work that angle and gain all the information you need.”

The danger escalates at this point. CBI is a kingdom that struggles to stay upright, not just another gang. The wrong whisper or motive could result in Claudia setting off a match in a room filled with gasoline if she slips inside. Claudia doesn’t see risk as a hindrance. It’s designed to accelerate.

Marks Plays the Long Game

Stacy Marks is not easily convinced. She relies on pressure to build her career instead of trust. She reminds Claudia sharply and without hesitation.

“If any of this goes sideways, I’ll personally make sure you spend the rest of your life in a place far worse than you’ve seen.”

This is not a threat. That is a commitment. Claudia is known to Marks as unpredictable, entitled, and hungry. In addition, she knows something else:

Claudia Flynn has considerable value. In the Power Universe, usefulness is a volatile and perilous commodity.

The Real Stakes Behind the Deal

Claudia’s desire for revenge makes this alliance seem straightforward. Marks wants to win. Tommy’s obliteration is a desire shared by both parties. However, the play is much more complex than meets the eye.

Claudia is gambling her life by inserting herself into CBI’s business.
Marks is staking her career on the word of someone who has double-crossed nearly everyone she’s ever partnered with.
Both women underestimate Tommy, who thrives exactly in the gaps created by divided foes.

In the Power world, targeting Tommy Egan isn’t a strategy—it’s a death wish. Claudia Flynn’s eagerness to take that shot is a testament to her loss of more than just her power. She has lost her perspective.

Season 3 is shifting at this moment. Claudia has stopped hiding in the shadows; she’s now creating sparks. Marks isn’t just looking for Tommy — she’s also forming a coalition around him. CBI is nearing the end of its existence as a battlefield for another war.

And Tommy? He is surrounded by enemies who hate each other almost as much as he does. The dangerous aspect of Power Book IV: Force is that. Not all alliances are genuine. Loyalty is fleeting. The weight of future betrayal is always present in every deal. Claudia and Mark may think they’re orchestrating a master plan. In Chicago, it’s not possible for plans to survive contact with Tommy Egan. This time, he will not be three steps ahead of them. His age will be five.