The Power Universe is heating up as Starz drops the trailer for the Season 3 finale of “Power Book IV: Force,” titled “Beginning of the End,” set to air on January 16, 2026. The promo, which has quickly racked up millions of views on YouTube and social media, teases a high-stakes climax for Tommy Egan (Joseph Sikora), the fan-favorite antihero who relocated to Chicago after the original “Power” series. Amid a brutal gang war, crumbling alliances, and whispers of familiar faces from the past, the trailer hints at a mystery phone call that many believe connects to Tariq St. Patrick (Michael Rainey Jr.) from “Power Book II: Ghost.” With suggestions of James “Ghost” St. Patrick’s (Omari Hardwick) lingering influence—possibly as a hallucination, vision, or shocking return—the episode promises major deaths, betrayals, and potential crossovers that could reshape the franchise.

“Power Book IV: Force,” which premiered in February 2022, follows Tommy as he builds a drug empire in the Windy City, far from his New York roots. The series has chronicled his ruthless ascent, forging uneasy partnerships with local kingpins like Diamond Sampson (Isaac Keys) and Claudia Flynn (Lili Simmons), while navigating betrayals from figures like Miguel Garcia (Manuel Eduardo Ramirez) and the Serbian mob. Season 3, the show’s final run, has amplified the chaos, with Tommy declaring all-out war after personal losses, including the death of his half-brother JP Gibbs (Anthony Fleming) and escalating feuds with the CBI crew. The trailer opens with Tommy cornered in a shootout, bullets ripping through warehouses as he dials for backup, uttering, “I need that favor.” Fans immediately linked this to a tease from the “Power Book II: Ghost” finale in October 2025, where Tariq, now a rising power player, received a cryptic call—widely assumed to be from Tommy.

Executive producer Gary Lennon, who took over showrunning duties for Season 3, has kept details under wraps but told Entertainment Weekly in a December 2025 interview that the finale would “connect dots across the universe.” “Tommy’s story has always been about survival,” Lennon said. “But in Chicago, he’s built something fragile. This episode tests if old ties can save him—or doom him.” The promo features rapid cuts of explosions, car chases, and hand-to-hand combat, underscoring the “total war” narrative. Key moments include Tommy confronting Diamond over a suspected betrayal, Claudia plotting from the shadows, and Mireya Garcia (Carmela Zumbado) caught in the crossfire, hinting at her potential demise. The trailer’s most intriguing element? Fleeting glimpses of Ghost’s silhouette, raising questions about Hardwick’s involvement. Is it a flashback, Tommy’s guilt manifesting, or a full-blown resurrection? Social media erupted with theories, from “Ghost faked his death” to “Tariq channels his father’s ghost.”

The Power franchise, created by Courtney A. Kemp and produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, has expanded into a sprawling universe since the original series ended in 2020. “Power Book II: Ghost,” which wrapped its four-season run in 2025, followed Tariq’s evolution from reluctant heir to calculated kingpin, often invoking his father’s legacy. The finale saw Tariq solidifying his empire while facing moral dilemmas, ending with that phone ring—now seemingly answered in “Force.” Jackson, in a November 2025 appearance on “The Breakfast Club,” fueled speculation: “The universe is connected. Tommy and Tariq? That’s family business.” Sikora, promoting the finale on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” last week, played coy: “Tommy’s calling in markers. Who picks up? You’ll see blood before answers.”

Fan reactions have been explosive, with #PowerBookIVForce trending on X for hours after the trailer’s release. A YouTube breakdown video titled “Power Book IV: Force 3×10 Promo (HD) Series Finale” has over 500,000 views, dissecting every frame. Comments range from excitement—”Finally, the crossover we’ve waited for!”—to dread: “If Tommy dies, we riot.” TikTok edits syncing the promo to dramatic tracks like “The End” by The Doors have gone viral, amassing millions of likes. One popular theory posits Tariq arrives in Chicago for a joint takedown, earning his “Ghost” moniker by outmaneuvering Tommy’s enemies. Others fear major casualties, with betting pools on platforms like Reddit predicting deaths for characters like Jenard Sampson (Kris D. Lofton) or even Tommy himself.

The trailer’s production values shine, with cinematography capturing Chicago’s gritty underbelly—rain-slicked streets, neon-lit clubs, and industrial hideouts. Composer Jeff Russo’s score builds tension with pulsing beats and eerie motifs reminiscent of the original “Power” theme. Starz, facing competition from streamers like Netflix’s “Narcos” revivals, has positioned “Force” as a capstone, announcing no Season 4 but teasing spin-offs like “Power Book V: Influence.” Marketing ramps up with cast appearances at events like the Essence Festival in New Orleans, where Sikora and Rainey Jr. shared a panel, hinting at “family reunions.”

Critics have mixed views on the season. Variety praised Sikora’s “magnetic performance,” noting Tommy’s arc from sidekick to solo force, but some outlets like The Hollywood Reporter critiqued repetitive plotlines. Ratings remain strong, with Season 3 averaging 1.2 million viewers per episode, per Nielsen. The finale’s runtime, clocking in at 75 minutes, allows for extended action and resolutions, potentially setting up “Power: Origins,” a prequel exploring young Ghost and Tommy.

Broader implications for the franchise are significant. With “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” ongoing and “Book V” in development, crossovers strengthen the interconnected narrative. Tariq’s involvement could bridge “Ghost” and “Force,” appealing to longtime fans who miss the original dynamics. Hardwick, in a 2025 podcast, didn’t rule out a return: “Ghost’s story isn’t over if the fans want it.” However, skeptics point to past teases—like Ghost’s “death”—that didn’t pan out, suggesting the shadow is symbolic.

As the air date approaches, Starz teases more promos, including behind-the-scenes featurettes. For viewers, the finale represents a pivotal moment: Will Tommy’s Chicago run end in glory or graves? Who answers the call—Tariq, or a spectral Ghost? Bodies will drop, favors cashed, and the Power Universe evolves. In a landscape of reboots, “Force” delivers old-school grit with modern twists, ensuring the bloodbath resonates long after credits roll.