The eighth episode of the final season sends shockwaves through Chicago as a humiliating beating triggers a murderous rampage, shattering the last alliances and setting Tommy Egan on a path of pure vengeance. Titled “Build Back Better,” the episode, which aired on December 26, 2025, on Starz, marks the definitive point of no return for every major character.
The fallout is immediate and bloody. Driven by wounded pride after a savage public beating, Jenard Sampson commits an unforgivable act that claims the life of someone Tommy Egan considered real family. This loss transforms Tommy’s mission from business to a personal crusade for blood. Simultaneously, the fragile bond between the Sampson brothers, Diamond and Jenard, collapses under the weight of a long-hidden betrayal, pushing the once-powerful CBI into a death spiral. With only two episodes remaining until the series finale on January 16, 2026, the streets of Chicago are primed for an all-out war where survival is the only prize left.
What Happens in Episode 8: “Build Back Better”?
The episode functions as a devastating domino effect, where one secret revealed leads to catastrophic violence and irreversible consequences.
The chain reaction begins with Tommy Egan. In a calculated move, Tommy informs JP that Jenard was complicit in a plan to have D-Mac killed by rival King Kilo as payback for an old family dispute. For JP, who has recently reconciled with his brother D-Mac, this is an unconscionable betrayal. He doesn’t hesitate to seek immediate, brutal justice.
What follows is the pivotal moment of the episode. JP finds Jenard and, in full view of King Kilo and others on the street, unleashes a relentless and humiliating assault. This public beating strips Jenard of any remaining respect or authority. Bloodied and utterly broken, Jenard snaps. In a blind rage, he pulls a gun and shoots JP point-blank. Not stopping there, he turns his weapon on King Kilo and one of his men, leaving three bodies on the street in a matter of seconds. This act transitions Jenard from a schemer in over his head to a full-blown, unpredictable villain with nothing left to lose.
The emotional core of the episode hits when Tommy arrives at the scene. Finding JP dead triggers a profound reaction. Tommy collapses to his knees in visible agony, a level of grief rarely seen from the typically hardened character. This personal loss fundamentally changes the game for Tommy. As one analysis notes:
“Forget business. Tommy is out for blood, and Jenard is his target. What’s crazy is that every time Tommy lets his anger take the wheel, he gets sloppy”.
Meanwhile, Diamond Sampson’s world also implodes. Having trusted his brother Jenard for too long, Diamond is isolated and desperate. His worst fear materializes when he learns that Shanti “Showstopper” has joined forces with Tommy, creating a strategic nightmare for him. In a desperate attempt to destabilize this new alliance, Diamond kills Kendra. The final blow to the brothers’ relationship comes when Shanti reveals to Diamond that Jenard was fully onboard with her original plan to remove Diamond from power. This revelation destroys any last shred of trust, setting the stage for a potentially brother-against-brother showdown.
Cast and Character Details: Shifting Alliances and New Threats
The episode reshuffles the power dynamics in Chicago, forging new partnerships born of necessity and exposing the fragility of old ones.
- Tommy Egan (Joseph Sikora): Transformed by grief, his primary drive is now revenge for JP’s death. His most significant new alliance is with Shanti, a move of pure strategic genius.
- Shanti “Showstopper” (Lucy Walters): Emerges as the episode’s smartest player. She abandons the sinking ship of her partnership with Jenard to ally with Tommy. As one review observes:
> “She knew that Tommy would come to her because he was desperate, respected what she could do, and would need someone on his side. Her being that person helps her more in the long run than killing him right now ever would”. - Jenard Sampson (Kris D. Lofton): His murderous rampage makes him public enemy number one for Tommy and a massive liability for his own family. His actions are driven by deep-seated entitlement and resentment.
- Diamond Sampson (Isaac Keys): Isolated and betrayed, he is forced to confront the disastrous consequences of listening to Jenard and turning against Tommy. He is now trapped between family loyalty and survival.
- Miguel Garcia (Manuel Eduardo Ramirez): Despite a long-standing feud, he and Tommy find common ground as they face shared enemies, adhering to the “enemy of my enemy” philosophy.
- Mireya Garcia (Gabrielle Ryan): Her desire to keep Tommy and Miguel aligned is tested after she narrowly escapes an attempt on her own life, a stark reminder of the danger surrounding them all.
- Vic (Shane Harper) and Claudia’s Mother (Lili Simmons): Their subplot highlights the destructive personal costs of the drug trade, with Vic’s hesitation at a critical moment having major potential consequences.
- Bobby (Anthony Fleming III): The corrupt detective remains a persistent threat in the background, quietly gathering information that could doom Tommy.
Where to Watch
New episodes of Power Book IV: Force are released weekly.
- United States & Canada: New episodes air on the STARZ linear channel on Fridays at 9/8c. The episode is also available to stream at midnight Eastern on Fridays on the STARZ app and all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms.
- Global Audiences: The series is available internationally on the Lionsgate+ streaming platform in many regions, including the UK, Australia, and parts of Europe. Viewers should check their local Lionsgate+ schedule for release times, which typically align with the U.S. premiere.
The body count by the episode’s end is staggering, including JP, King Kilo, Kendra, and Stacy (from the previous episode). With D-Mac about to learn of his brother’s death and Tommy single-mindedly hunting Jenard, the final two episodes promise a violent conclusion to the series. The war for Chicago’s soul has begun, and no one is safe from the fire.
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