Power Book III: Raising Kanan’s fourth season will bring back one undeniable thing: Patina Miller’s performance of Raquel “Raq” Thomas is still one of the most compelling in the Power universe.

Black Tree TV shook hands with Miller to talk about her character’s evolution, survival instincts, and the significant effect Raq has had on her personal and professional growth.

Raq’s Unyielding Power: “I Ain’t Never Been More Alive”

Raq has been a powerful and complex female character on TV since she first stepped onto the scene in Raising Kanan. In Season 4, she is confronted with new threats, fresh betrayals, and deeper tensions with her son, Kanan. Miller’s statement that Raq is more alive than ever is evident despite everything.

“I ain’t never been more alive,” she declares in the show’s latest trailer. “I want to make some real loot.” This statement sets the tone for a season filled with high stakes, strategic plays, and Raq’s unwavering determination to secure her empire.

Miller describes Raq as a woman who knows exactly what she wants and doesn’t hesitate to go after it. “She doesn’t question herself. She says what she needs to say and does what she needs to do,” Miller tells Black Tree TV. “That level of confidence, that fearlessness—that’s something I’ve taken with me.”

Patina Miller on What She’s Learned from Raq

For the past four seasons, Miller has been transformed by stepping into Raq’s shoes. The Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress admits that playing Raq has taught her valuable lessons about self-worth and using her voice unapologetically.

“Raq has taught me about owning my voice, standing up for what I believe in, and never dimming myself to make others comfortable,” she explains. “That’s something I’ve embraced more in my own life. Walking into a room knowing my worth, that’s a lesson Raq has given me.”

Miller’s portrayal of Raq’s strength and vulnerability makes the character so riveting. Despite her control of the streets, Raq’s complicated relationships, particularly with Kanan, continue to define her. Raq expresses his emotions to Kanan in an emotional scene from Season 4

“It don’t matter to me what you think of me, Kanan. Don’t matter to me at all. I don’t need you to love me for me to love you back.”

Raising Kanan’s heart is still in the strained mother-son relationship, and the battle between love and power intensifies as the show continues.

Miller’s Best Acting Advice: Lessons from Whoopi Goldberg

Industry legends like Whoopi Goldberg have guided Miller throughout her career. After reminiscing about a conversation with Goldberg in her early days of Sister Act: The Musical, Miller recalls a crucial lesson that has influenced her approach to acting.

“She told me, ‘Don’t be afraid to jump off the cliff. Go big. Fall. Fail. Just don’t hold back,’” Miller shares.

Miller’s performances are driven by this mindset, which encourages her to take creative risks and embrace the unknown.

“Every project I take on, I want to feel alive. If it scares me, then I know it’s the right challenge.”

What advice do you have for actors who are aspiring? Miller keeps things simple: “Never stop learning. Acting is about being a student forever. When you think you’ve got it all figured out, it’s time to challenge yourself again.”

What’s Next for Raq in Season 4?

Raq’s journey continues as Raising Kanan unfolds its latest chapter. Miller predicts that Season 4 will push Raq to her limits like never before as new threats come closer and her empire is on the line.

“Raq is in a different headspace this season. She’s thinking bigger, but she’s also more aware of the dangers around her,” Miller hints. “This season, it’s about survival in every sense of the word.”

Fans can count on Raq to maintain her status as one of the most formidable figures in the Power universe. But as her grip on the streets tightens, the question remains: how far is she willing to go to stay on top? There’s no doubt that Patina Miller’s powerful performance will keep audiences on edge of their seats. Starz is where you can catch new Power Book III: Raising Kanan Season 4 episodes.