When Joseph Sikora, who portrays Tommy Egan on Power Book IV: Force, sat down for a post‑strike interview, the buzz was palpable. The conversation took place just a day after the SAG‑AFTRA strike officially wound down on October 12, 2025, and it gave fans a fresh look at why the season finale mattered more than ever.
Season 2 Recap: ‘Power, Powder, Respect’
The climactic episode, titled Power, Powder, RespectChicago, aired on Starz at 8:00 PM Eastern on October 13, 2025. Over ten weeks — the season premiered on August 11, 2025 — the series logged an average of 2.3 million live‑plus‑same‑day viewers, according to Nielsen.
Tommy’s biggest professional win came when he secured control of the city’s high‑grade powder distribution network, a move that forced rival crews to acknowledge his dominance. Yet the episode slammed a personal blow his way: Carmela Zumbado’s character, Mireya Garcia, walked out after a harrowing revelation that left Tommy reeling.
Behind the Scenes: Post‑Strike Interviews
Four outlets got exclusive access to Sikora within a week of the strike’s end. TVLine published its interview on October 20, 2025 at 8:20 PM UTC, asking Sikora to dissect Tommy’s “instinctual reactions” that often sabotage his longer‑term plans. He replied, “Sometimes it’s almost a knee‑jerk reaction for Tommy. He can’t help himself. Those are instincts, and he’s trying to train them.”
On October 18, Blackfilmandtv.com’s Wilson Morales zeroed in on Tommy’s willingness to sacrifice personal happiness for revenge, while Jamaal Finkley of BlackTree TV probed the fraught partnership between Tommy and Diamond Sampson, played by Isaac Keys. Finally, Uproxx’s October 17 chat highlighted the uneasy respect between the two, asking whether their alliance could survive “the long haul.”
Character Deep Dive: Tommy Egan’s Duality
Executive producer Gary Lennon intentionally wove in echoes of Ghost from the original Power series. In a nod to that legacy, Tommy quotes the line, “Two men, one voice,” mirroring Ghost’s earlier mantra from Season 1, Episode 4 of the flagship show.
The duality is stark: on one hand, Tommy’s strategic moves echo a seasoned crime boss; on the other, his impulsive, “shoot‑first” mentality keeps him teetering on the edge of self‑sabotage. This tension fuels the season’s biggest cliffhanger — a standoff with Diamond that could either cement a powerful partnership or ignite a war that devastates Chicago’s underworld.
Industry Impact: The End of the SAG‑AFTRA Strike
The July 14, 2023 strike halted production on dozens of scripted series, including Power Book IV: Force. With the settlement reached on October 12, 2025, actors like Sikora finally got a platform to promote their work. Analysts at Variety predict a “post‑strike bounce‑back” that could lift overall primetime ratings by as much as 4 percent in the next quarter.
For the show’s crew, the strike meant delayed post‑production on the finale’s special effects sequence, which had to be finished in a rushed two‑week window. Yet the urgency added a gritty, raw edge that many critics are already praising.
Looking Ahead: What Season 3 Might Hold
Production for Season 3 is slated to kick off in January 2026, back in the windy streets of Chicago. Sources say the writers’ room is already mapping out Tommy’s next challenge: holding onto his empire while navigating a growing rift with Diamond and a possible legal crackdown from U.S. Attorney Stacy Marks (played by Miriam A. Hyman).
If the series follows the pattern set by its predecessor, expect deeper ties to the original Power lore, perhaps even a surprise cameo from the late Power star that would tie Tommy’s journey back to Ghost’s legacy.
Key Facts
- Season 2 premiered August 11, 2025 and wrapped October 13, 2025.
- Finale episode “Power, Powder, Respect” gathered 2.3 million viewers.
- SAG‑AFTRA strike ended October 12, 2025 after a 2‑year standoff.
- Executive producer Gary Lennon linked Tommy’s arc to Ghost’s original philosophy.
- Season 3 filming begins January 2026 in Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Tommy Egan’s rise affect the power dynamics in Chicago?
Tommy’s takeover forces longtime crews to renegotiate territory, pushing smaller operators either into his orbit or into open conflict. Analysts say his outsider status disrupts traditional family hierarchies, making the city’s drug market more volatile.
What impact did the SAG‑AFTRA strike have on the show’s production?
The strike delayed filming of key scenes in Season 2’s finale, compressed post‑production timelines, and prevented the cast from doing press rounds. Once the strike ended, networks rushed promotional tours, which helped boost the finale’s ratings.
Will Diamond Sampson remain Tommy’s ally in Season 3?
Writers have hinted that their partnership will be tested by a looming betrayal. Isaac Keys’ interview suggests a “mutual respect” but also a “tipping point” that could fracture their alliance.
How is the original ‘Power’ series influencing Season 3?
Executive producer Gary Lennon confirmed that Ghost’s philosophy will reappear through flashbacks and dialogue, tying Tommy’s journey to the larger Power Universe and giving longtime fans a nostalgic thread.
When does Season 3 officially start airing?
Starz has slated the new season for a spring 2026 launch, with the first episode expected in early May. The exact date will be announced once filming wraps in late March.
