Kanan Stark kills Jukebox in Season 4, Episode 8 of Power, titled “You Lied to My Face.” This pivotal episode marks a significant turning point in the series, showcasing Kanan’s ruthlessness and fracturing the already fragile alliances within the criminal underworld of New York City.
The Unfolding of Treachery: Jukebox’s Death Explained
The death of Jukebox (Anika Noni Rose) is arguably one of the most shocking and impactful moments in Power. Jukebox, a corrupt NYPD officer and Kanan’s cousin, served as a crucial figure in his criminal enterprises. Their relationship, while complex, was rooted in a shared past and a degree of familial loyalty – a loyalty that Kanan ultimately discarded.
The episode “You Lied to My Face” meticulously builds towards this climactic betrayal. Tensions had been simmering between Kanan and Jukebox for some time. Jukebox’s ambition to rise within the police force, coupled with her manipulative tendencies, clashed with Kanan’s increasingly volatile and unpredictable nature. He suspected her of not fully backing him in the confrontation with Tariq, and the suspicion festered.
The final straw came when Kanan discovered Jukebox was complicit in the death of his son, Shawn. While unintentionally, Jukebox’s actions set in motion the events that led to Shawn’s demise. Overwhelmed by grief and fueled by rage, Kanan lured Jukebox to a secluded location under the guise of discussing business. There, he confronted her with the truth and, without hesitation, suffocated her with a plastic bag.
The scene is deliberately unsettling. The lack of dramatic build-up, coupled with the abruptness of the violence, underscores the cold, calculating nature of Kanan’s character. The betrayal of family for perceived betrayal is a recurring theme in Power, and Jukebox’s death serves as a stark reminder of the brutal realities of Kanan’s world. It solidified Kanan as a truly dangerous and unpredictable force, willing to sacrifice anyone, even family, to achieve his goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jukebox’s Death in Power
Here are some commonly asked questions to delve deeper into the circumstances and impact of Jukebox’s death:
H3 Why did Kanan Kill Jukebox?
Kanan killed Jukebox because he discovered her indirect involvement in the death of his son, Shawn. While Jukebox didn’t directly kill Shawn, her actions indirectly caused his demise, leading Kanan to seek revenge. The betrayal, coupled with Kanan’s volatile personality, resulted in Jukebox’s tragic end. He held her responsible for placing Shawn in a position where he could be harmed.
H3 Was Jukebox really Kanan’s cousin?
Yes, Jukebox was Kanan’s cousin. Their familial connection added a layer of complexity to their relationship and amplified the shock of Kanan’s betrayal when he ultimately killed her. The blood tie made the act even more ruthless.
H3 What evidence did Kanan have against Jukebox?
Kanan didn’t have concrete, undeniable evidence linking Jukebox directly to Shawn’s death. However, he pieced together information and concluded that her actions, particularly her involvement with Ray Ray and her withholding of information about him, contributed to the situation that led to Shawn’s murder. It was largely based on his own interpretation of events and a deep-seated feeling of betrayal.
H3 How did Jukebox’s death affect the rest of the season?
Jukebox’s death significantly impacted the remaining episodes of season 4. It solidified Kanan’s position as an antagonist and fueled the conflict between him and Ghost. The aftermath of her death also rippled through other storylines, affecting Tasha’s decisions and deepening the web of deceit and betrayal within the criminal underworld. It forced Ghost to acknowledge the extent of Kanan’s ruthlessness and the danger he posed.
H3 Did Ghost know about Kanan killing Jukebox?
While Ghost didn’t witness the murder, he eventually learned about Kanan killing Jukebox. The knowledge further solidified his distrust and animosity towards Kanan, contributing to their ongoing power struggle. He used this information, along with other indiscretions, to try and leverage power over Kanan.
H3 What was Jukebox’s role in the overall Power storyline?
Jukebox played a crucial role in connecting the criminal element to law enforcement. As a corrupt police officer, she provided Kanan with valuable intel, protected his operations, and acted as a liaison between the streets and the system. Her death disrupted this network and forced Kanan to operate more independently, ultimately making him more vulnerable. She represented the corruption within the system that allowed the criminal enterprise to thrive.
H3 Why was Jukebox not more cautious around Kanan?
Jukebox likely underestimated Kanan’s capacity for violence, especially against family. She may have believed that their shared history and familial bond would protect her. Also, her own arrogance and belief in her ability to manipulate situations likely contributed to her misjudgment of the situation.
H3 Did Jukebox and Kanan have a romantic relationship?
While there were hints of a complex and potentially unhealthy dynamic between Jukebox and Kanan, their relationship was never explicitly portrayed as romantic. Their bond was primarily based on family, loyalty, and a shared understanding of the criminal world. The nature of their relationship was left deliberately ambiguous, allowing for different interpretations.
H3 What was the significance of Kanan using a plastic bag to kill Jukebox?
The use of a plastic bag to suffocate Jukebox was a particularly brutal and personal method of killing. It highlighted the cold, calculated nature of Kanan’s actions. Unlike a gunshot, which would have been quick and relatively impersonal, the plastic bag signified a deliberate and intimate act of violence. It showed a personal level of anger and betrayal.
H3 How did Anika Noni Rose feel about Jukebox’s death?
While Anika Noni Rose expressed disappointment at leaving the show, she understood the narrative necessity of Jukebox’s death. She praised the writing and the opportunity to play such a complex and morally ambiguous character. She also noted that Jukebox’s death served as a catalyst for significant events in the remaining seasons.
H3 Did Jukebox’s death lead to any other spin-offs or characters?
While Jukebox’s death didn’t directly lead to any immediate spin-offs, the character proved so popular that a prequel series, Raising Kanan, delves into Kanan’s upbringing and his relationship with Jukebox during their formative years. This series provides further context to their complex bond and the events that ultimately led to her demise. The success of Jukebox as a character paved the way for the expansion of the Power Universe.
H3 Is Jukebox really dead? There’s no chance she survived?
In the context of the Power storyline, Jukebox is definitively dead. The scene is clear and unambiguous. There’s no indication or implication that she survived the attack. While resurrections are common in some television dramas, Power generally adheres to a more realistic and consequence-driven narrative.