Summary
- Killing off Walter Flynn in Power Book IV: Force was the right decision, as it allowed other antagonists to become more crucial to the plot and amplified their presence.
- Walter's death enabled Vic and Claudia Flynn to have better stories, allowing them to become more independent and follow individual paths.
- Power Book IV: Force has evolved beyond the Flynn family, with other storylines taking precedence in season 2 and little room left for their involvement in future seasons.
The Power universe has had multiple spinoffs and its most successful one, Power Book IV: Force, killed off one of its biggest villains in season 2. Often, shows can collapse after getting rid of key antagonists, but in Force's case, it proved to be the right decision and sets up season 3 to be even more exciting. Power Book IV:
Force focuses on Tommy Egan trying to take over the drug game in Chicago after faking his death in New York. Power season 6's ending capped off the main story in a controversial fashion, leading to unflattering reviews for the final episode. However, they did keep one of their best characters alive.
Tommy is one of the best characters in all the Power shows, and his positive influence on the franchise is shown by Power Book IV: Force's reception. It has received a great critical response over its two seasons, even managing a 100% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes.
A Tommy Egan spinoff always had great potential given the character's popularity, but the positive reactions towards the show came as the result of a good story and even better decisions. While some shows are guilty of characters overstaying their welcome, Force killed off one of its main villains at the perfect time.
Why Walter Flynn Had To Be Killed Off
Walter Flynn, played by Tommy Flanagan, was one of Power Book IV: Force's biggest villains, but the series chose the right time to kill him off. He was arguably the main antagonist of the first season, being Tommy Egan's biggest competition when it came to the drug game in Chicago.
He also played a big part in Liliana's death, with his family being at war with Tommy when his daughter pulled the trigger. Despite being one of Power Book IV: Force's bravest characters, Walter's control of the city had dwindled by the time he met his demise, and killing him off proved to be the right decision.
Season 1 highlighted how menacing and ruthless Walter could be, but after Tommy continuously took his customers and his territory, the Flynns became weak. When he was killed off in season 2, episode 5, both of his children turned against him, and other antagonists became much more crucial to the plot.
Rather than limping on with his story, killing him off was the best way to close his chapter and allow the other villains to shine. Given how big Chicago's drug trade is in the Power universe, there were many other characters to focus on and Walter's death only amplified their presence and importance.
Walter's Death Allowed Vic and Claudia Flynn To Have Better Stories
Claudia and Vic Flynn were able to have better stories because of Walter's death. While the three characters always had their own stories to a degree, Walter was always the most imposing threat and therefore given more focus than either of his children. Vic and Gloria's storyline did get enough time to play out, but it was secondary to Walter's arc.
Likewise, Claudia in season 1 had her Dahlia plot, but it never felt like it rivaled Walter's business. By killing off Walter, Force not only finished a slightly tired story but allowed Vic and Claudia to become more independent and follow individual paths.
Previously, Claudia and Vic were in a constant loop of hating and opposing their father, only to end up working with him again in some capacity. After his death, Claudia was able to start her own operations and found some real success up until the finale. Likewise, Vic was able to start his confidential informant story, which will continue to play out in season 3.
Walter's death was perfect for allowing the rest of the Flynn family to flourish for the remainder of the season and these bold decisions are why Force is one of the best Power Book shows, outperforming the other spinoffs.
Power Book IV: Force Had Already Evolved Past The Flynns
While the Flynn family was a crucial part of Power Book IV: Force season 1, the show evolved beyond them in season 2. Claudia and Vic may have still had engaging stories, but there was a lot more going on come season 2. Between Miguel's cartel, Jenard and Shanti's scheme against Tommy, the federal investigation, and the CBI coalition, there was little room left for the Flynns.
These other storylines took precedence over the family and while Claudia and Vic still found a way to be involved, Walter had become obsolete. The season finale also appeared to kill off Claudia, suggesting the show is ready to move past the Flynn family.
Vic may still be involved as an informant, but even his story has moved beyond being part of the Flynn organization. After the season 2 finale, it is unlikely the Flynn organization, nor their Irish connections, will play any sort of major role going forward. It set up Claudia being mostly on her own, allowing her to get sent to prison where she was stabbed.
Tommy and Miguel's feud will presumably be the main story in season 3, with a rift between Tommy and Diamond also possible. This all means that besides Vic, Power Book IV: Force has no real use for the Flynns in its future.
What Walter Flynn's Death Means For Power Book IV: Force Season 3
Although the ramifications have already started, Walter Flynn's death could still be crucial for season 3's story. While Power Book V: Influence was canceled, it is unlikely that Force will considering it has great reviews.
Influence never got started, presumably because the protagonist's story is being told through another spinoff, but Tommy still has a massive future, as does Force. Walter's death means that one of Chicago's major players is out of the game, leaving his turf up for grabs. While Tommy and the CBI have already made moves on this in season 2, the gap in the drug market leaves more room for Tommy to beef with Miguel.
Miguel will likely take Walter's place in being Tommy's main opposition in the drug game. While this is the biggest fallout of Walter's death, it also leaves Vic vulnerable. Vic and Claudia set up their father's death, with Vic being the one to pull the trigger.
This may have seemed like a blessing to finally get their manipulative father out of their life, but Claudia has already felt the consequences of not having his protection in the Power spinoff's finale. Vic will also be exposed as Tommy is aware he was working with the FBI. Without Walter's protection, he will have a very lonely season 3 with Tommy using and potentially killing him.
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