Byron Nelson
The latest episode of “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” delivered a gut-wrenching blow to the Southside Jamaica, Queens, community and fans alike as tensions between brothers Ronnie and Unique reached a fever pitch, resulting in the heartbreaking demise of Unique, portrayed by the immensely talented Joey Bada$$.
Ronnie’s return from incarceration at the outset of Season 3 initially sparked hope for Unique. Joey Bada$$ shares that Unique saw his brother’s homecoming as a form of reinforcement, having lost his right-hand man in the prior season. Eager to consolidate their drug empire, Unique aimed to bring Ronnie into the family business. However, Ronnie had different plans; he sought to oust Unique and seize control for himself, leading to a tragic conclusion in Episode 5.
Juliana hinted at Ronnie’s need to eliminate Unique for control, and when Unique confronted Ronnie over exposing his affair with Raq, Ronnie took advantage of the moment, brutally ending his younger brother’s life. The episode concluded with Ronnie driving away, leaving Unique’s lifeless body in a roadside ditch.
Joey Bada$$ opened up to PEOPLE about Unique’s intricate character development across the series. Unique, an ambitious figure, consistently envisioned a grander future despite facing setbacks. Season 1 saw him at the pinnacle of his game before adversity struck, yet each setback only fueled his determination for a more significant comeback.
The unexpected turn in Unique’s journey was his evolving relationship with Raq, portrayed by Patina Miller. Joey Bada$$ reflects on how the Raq love story organically unfolded, surprising audiences and the writers alike. He attributes this unexpected yet realistic narrative arc to the chemistry shared between the actors and the character portrayals that naturally set the stage for their connection.
The sudden and brutal end to Unique’s story left both fans and Joey Bada$$ devastated. He acknowledges the character’s impact on his career and expresses gratitude for the experience and the connections forged on set.
Reflecting on Unique’s unfulfilled potential, Joey Bada$$ notes the untapped aspects of his character, especially in relationships like that with his child’s mother and his brother. The actor also shares his initial expectations for Ronnie’s character and his role in Unique’s fate, highlighting the unexpected turn of events.
Unique’s role in Kanan’s story, beyond being an adversary turned ally, is emphasized by Joey Bada$$. He acknowledges Unique’s pivotal role in saving Raq’s life, which had a profound impact on Kanan’s perspective within the street life depicted in the series.
As Joey Bada$$ bids farewell to this long-term role, he reflects on its significance in his career, acknowledging the doors it has opened while expressing gratitude for the experience and the learning it provided.
For Joey Bada$$, this role defied initial reservations about being typecast, showcasing his range and depth as an actor beyond the stereotypical portrayals often associated with his background as a rapper.
The loss of Unique is not just a blow to the storyline but also to the profound impact the character had on fans and the narrative of “Power Book III: Raising Kanan.” Joey Bada$$’s portrayal will be remembered as a testament to the complexity and depth he brought to a character whose journey left an indelible mark on the series.
