The Shocking Truth About Snaps In Raising Kanan: Famous’s Killer, Kanan’s New Mentor, And Season 5’s Biggest Threat

The character of Ishmael “Snaps” Henry, introduced in the third season of Power Book III: Raising Kanan, has quickly evolved from a semi-retired OG to one of the most calculated and dangerous figures in the entire Power universe. As of the latest developments in the series, which premiered its fourth season on March 7, 2025, Snaps—alongside his partner Stephanie “Pop” Henry—has been at the center of the most shocking and consequential plot twist to date, fundamentally altering Kanan Stark’s trajectory and setting the stage for a massive confrontation.

The seemingly benevolent mentorship offered by Snaps to Kanan is now revealed to be a cold, calculated manipulation. The biggest bombshell from the recent episodes is the truth behind the murder of Famous Thomas, a revelation that not only shatters Kanan’s world but also positions Snaps and Pop as the primary antagonists who are actively weaponizing Kanan against his own mother, Raquel “Raq” Thomas. This deep dive explores the man behind the character, the shocking plot reveal, and the entities who are about to collide with this legendary former bank robber.

Wendell Pierce: The Actor Behind Ishmael "Snaps" Henry

The gravitas and menace of Ishmael “Snaps” Henry are brought to life by the acclaimed American actor and producer, Wendell Edward Pierce. Pierce’s extensive and celebrated career in film, television, and theatre lends immediate weight and authority to the character, making Snaps a formidable presence from his very first scene.

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Biography and Profile of Wendell Pierce

• Full Name: Wendell Edward Pierce
• Date of Birth: December 8, 1962
• Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
• Education: Graduated from the Juilliard School’s Drama Division (Group 15: 1982–1986).
• Notable Roles (Television):
  • Bunk Moreland in The Wire (2002–2008)
  • Antoine Batiste in Treme (2010–2013)
  • Robert Zane in Suits (2013–2019)
  • James Greer in Jack Ryan (2018–2023)
  • Ishmael “Snaps” Henry in Power Book III: Raising Kanan (2023–Present)
• Notable Roles (Film): Waiting to Exhale (1995), Ray (2004), Selma (2014), The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006).
• Awards & Recognition: Obie Award winner, Tony Award-winning producer.
• Current Status: Continues to be a main or recurring cast member in multiple high-profile television projects, including his role as Snaps and his work on Elsbeth.

Pierce’s background, particularly his iconic roles in gritty, critically acclaimed dramas like The Wire and Treme, makes his casting as Snaps a strategic move by the Power franchise. He embodies the seasoned, world-weary criminal who has seen it all, perfectly fitting the character of a "living legend on the street" who operates with a quiet, lethal intelligence.

The OG Dealer: Snaps’s Role and Influence on Kanan Stark

Ishmael "Snaps" Henry and his partner Stephanie "Pop" Henry (Erika Woods) were initially introduced as a power couple from the old school. Snaps is a former bank robber and an OG drug dealer who has transitioned into a mentor and financier role, seeking to invest in the next generation of street entrepreneurs. His entry into the narrative was predicated on his history with Raq Thomas, whom he sought to partner with on a new, lucrative drug enterprise.

The Dangerous Mentorship of Kanan

Snaps quickly recognized Kanan Stark’s potential—and more importantly, his vulnerability. As Kanan became increasingly disillusioned with his mother, Raq, following the revelations of her past actions and the constant threat of violence, Snaps and Pop stepped in. They offered a seemingly legitimate, less messy path to wealth, contrasting sharply with Raq’s increasingly complicated and brutal operations.

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• The Lure of Legitimacy: Snaps presents himself as a businessman, a financial backer who moves weight without the constant street beef. This appeals directly to Kanan’s desire to move beyond the cycle of violence.
• Planting the Seeds of Doubt: The couple has been subtly and overtly planting "anti-Raq seeds" in Kanan’s mind, capitalizing on his growing distrust of his mother. They position themselves as the trustworthy alternative, the ones who truly understand the game.
• The 'Street Legend' Persona: Snaps’s reputation as a "living legend" gives him immediate credibility in Kanan's eyes, offering a different kind of role model than his uncles, Marvin Thomas and Lou-Lou Thomas, or his mother.

This mentorship, however, is a classic case of manipulation. Snaps and Pop are not merely guiding Kanan; they are grooming him to be a pawn in a much larger, more sinister game that directly involves their own survival and business interests.

The Famous Thomas Murder: The Shocking Reveal and Kanan’s Blind Spot

The most explosive plot development involving Snaps and Pop occurred in the latter half of Raising Kanan Season 4, which provided the answer to a major mystery: the identity of Famous Thomas's killer. Famous, Kanan's aspiring rapper friend, was a beloved character whose death sent Kanan spiraling and fueled his quest for revenge.

The True Killers Revealed

The shocking reveal is that Ishmael "Snaps" Henry and Stephanie "Pop" Henry are behind the murder of Famous Thomas. While the exact motive is complex, it ties directly into their larger strategy of taking over Raq’s operation and eliminating any loose ends or threats to their burgeoning business.

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• A Calculated Hit: The murder was a calculated move, not a random act of violence. It was likely executed to send a message, eliminate a potential witness, or simply tie up a loose end that could complicate their new drug enterprise with Raq.
• The Ultimate Betrayal: For Kanan, this is the ultimate betrayal. He is actively seeking advice and mentorship from the very people who murdered his closest friend. This dramatic irony is a core element of the show’s narrative, highlighting Kanan's growing blindness and the ease with which he is being manipulated.
• Weaponizing Grief: Snaps and Pop are leveraging Kanan’s grief and anger over Famous’s death to further alienate him from Raq. They are planting the idea that Raq or her associates are the true villains, ensuring Kanan remains focused on the wrong targets while they consolidate power.

The knowledge of Snaps’s true nature is a ticking clock. The question is not *if* Kanan will find out, but *when* and *how* he will react. This reveal fundamentally shifts the power dynamics in the series, positioning Snaps and Pop as more than just business partners; they are the puppet masters pulling Kanan’s strings.

What’s Next? Snaps, Pop, and the Future of Raising Kanan

With the Season 4 revelations, the stage is set for a dramatic and violent confrontation that will likely define the upcoming Season 5 of Power Book III: Raising Kanan. The key entities involved—Kanan Stark, Raq Thomas, Snaps, and Pop—are all on a collision course.

The Impending Showdown

The central conflict revolves around Kanan’s inevitable discovery of the truth. When Kanan learns that his 'mentors' are the ones who killed Famous, his reaction will be explosive and likely mirrors the ruthless nature of his future self in the original Power series. Fan theories and episode breakdowns suggest several potential outcomes:

• Kanan’s Retaliation: Kanan and his cousin Jukebox, who is also seeking justice, may team up to plot revenge against Snaps and Pop. This would be a significant step in Kanan’s transformation from a young dealer to the cold-blooded killer fans know.
• Raq’s Redemption (or Last Stand): Raq Thomas, despite her own questionable actions, is still Kanan’s mother. The threat posed by Snaps and Pop—who are attempting to take her business and her son—could force her into a desperate, final stand to protect her empire and her family.
• The Unique Factor: Unique, who has his own vendetta against Raq, has been forming alliances. He may become an unexpected element in the Snaps-Pop-Raq war, either as an ally to Snaps or as a third-party opportunist.

Ishmael "Snaps" Henry and Stephanie "Pop" Henry represent a new, sophisticated breed of antagonist in the *Power* universe—one that uses financial leverage and psychological manipulation rather than brute force. Their history as a former bank robber and their status as OG dealers give them a unique perspective on the game, allowing them to see Kanan not as a person, but as a valuable asset to be controlled.

The current arc highlights the overarching theme of Raising Kanan: the corruption of an innocent. Snaps and Pop are the final, corrupting influence, pushing Kanan away from his mother and directly into the life of calculated violence that will define his legacy. The end of their arc, whether it results in their death or a clean getaway, will be a pivotal moment in Kanan Stark’s origin story.