Lovie Simone Raising Kanan: Why Davina Disappeared and What Really Happened

Lovie Simone Raising Kanan: Why Davina Disappeared and What Really Happened

If you were watching the first season of Power Book III: Raising Kanan back in 2021, you probably thought Davina Harrison was going to be the "one." The chemistry between Lovie Simone and Mekai Curtis was electric. It felt like that classic, gritty 90s romance—the kind that usually ends in a tragic montage or a ride-or-die pact. But then, she just... gone.

Honestly, it’s one of those things that still bugs the Power fanbase. One minute Davina is the center of Kanan's universe, and the next, she’s written off to live with her grandmother after her mother passes away. No big shootout. No dramatic betrayal that ends in a body bag. Just a quiet exit.

The Davina Harrison Problem in Raising Kanan

People keep asking: what happened with Lovie Simone Raising Kanan? Did she get fired? Was there drama?

The truth is much more boring but also more interesting for Lovie’s career. Lovie Simone didn't leave because of some backstage feud. She was a rising star who was simply booked and busy. When she was cast as Davina, she was already coming off the massive success of Greenleaf and the cult hit Selah and the Spades. She was a lead-level talent playing a supporting romantic interest.

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In the world of the Power universe, characters are often used as "lessons." Davina served a specific purpose: she was Kanan Stark’s first real introduction to how the "game" ruins everything you love.

Kanan’s crush on Davina wasn't just some middle school fling. He had been eyeing her since the second grade. But because of the life he chose—and specifically because of the hit on Buck Twenty—Davina’s life was dismantled. When she finally left Queens to stay with her grandmother after her mother’s death, it signaled the end of Kanan’s childhood innocence.

Why the Character Never Came Back

You've probably noticed that Raising Kanan likes to move fast. By Season 2 and 3, the show shifted its focus heavily toward the internal Thomas family dynamics and the escalating war between Raq and Unique (and later Ronnie).

Bringing Davina back wouldn't have made much sense for the story they were telling. Kanan was evolving into the monster we saw in the original Power series. Having a "girl next door" figure around would have softened him too much.

  • The Mother's Death: This was the narrative "out." Once Davina's mother died, there was nothing keeping her in South Jamaica.
  • The Social Services Angle: The show briefly mentioned she was going into the system or staying with family.
  • Narrative Cleanliness: Sasha Penn, the showrunner, is known for tight writing. If a character doesn't serve the current arc of Kanan’s "villain origin story," they get cut.

Lovie Simone After Raising Kanan: Where Is She Now?

If you're missing Lovie on your screen, don't worry. She didn't disappear.

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Since leaving the show, she’s been leaning into more complex, mature roles. She starred in the Apple TV+ series Manhunt, playing Mary Simms. It was a massive departure from the 90s Queens aesthetic, showing off her range in a historical drama about the Lincoln assassination.

She also headlined the Netflix series Forever, based on the Judy Blume novel. This was a huge deal because it let her lead a project again, something her fans had been waiting for since her Greenleaf days.

Most recently, she’s been popping up in award season conversations. In early 2026, she nabbed an NAACP Image Award nomination for her work in Forever. It’s clear she’s prioritizing roles where she is the "A-story" rather than the girlfriend of the protagonist.

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What Most People Get Wrong About Davina

There’s a common theory on Reddit and Twitter that Davina was supposed to be the "Ghost" to Kanan’s "Tommy" in some weird way, or that she was going to be Jukebox’s rival.

That’s basically fan fiction.

Davina was always meant to be the casualty of Kanan's environment. Her exit wasn't a mistake; it was a period at the end of Kanan's first chapter. If she stayed, Kanan might have stayed a "good kid." By losing her, he lost his anchor to a normal life.

Actionable Takeaway for Power Fans

If you're still holding out hope for a Davina cameo in the final seasons of Raising Kanan, you might want to temper those expectations. Here is how you can stay updated on Lovie Simone and the show:

  1. Watch "Forever" on Netflix: If you loved her performance as Davina, this series shows her full capability as a lead actress.
  2. Follow the "Power Origins" News: There is a new prequel in development. While it's unlikely Davina returns, it will explore the era right after her departure.
  3. Check out "Manhunt": It's her best technical performance to date and shows why she likely didn't have time to stay in the Power universe.

Lovie Simone is a powerhouse. While her time as Davina Harrison was short, it remains one of the most grounded and emotional parts of the Power prequel. She didn't need a long run to leave a mark—she just needed to be the one Kanan couldn't save.