Ep 4. No Haven In My Shadow

In Queen Sugar season 3 episode 4, titled "No Haven In My Shadow," the struggle within the Bordelon family continues as Charley (Dawn-Lyen Gardner) tries to maintain control of the Landry sugar cane mills. Meanwhile, Nova (Rutina Wesley) finds comfort in her new lover Remy (Dondre Whitfield) while dealing with the repercussions of her book's release.

The episode opens with Charley in the midst of a heated negotiation with the Landry family, who have been trying to get a hold of her father's land for years. Although Charley has managed to keep them at bay so far, tensions rise when they reveal their plans to build a waste management plant on her property. In an effort to gain the upper hand, Charley hires an environmental consultant who confirms that the pollution from the plant would have devastating consequences for the nearby black community.

As Charley fights to protect her land, she also struggles with her personal life. She meets with her estranged husband Davis (Timon Kyle Durrett) to discuss custody arrangements for their son, but emotions run high and they end up arguing. Charley realizes that she still harbors resentment towards Davis for his infidelity, and their conversation leaves her feeling even more alone.

Meanwhile, Nova faces backlash from her community after her book is published. Some accuse her of exploiting their struggles for personal gain, while others praise her for shedding light on important issues. Nova's lover Remy tries to support her, but she remains conflicted about the impact of her work. She turns to her sister Charley for advice, but Charley is preoccupied with her own problems.

As the episode progresses, the Bordelon siblings find solace in unexpected places. Ralph Angel (Kofi Siriboe) strikes up a conversation with a new employee at the farm, and they bond over their shared experiences as single parents. Nova reconnects with her ex-boyfriend Calvin (Greg Vaughan), who offers her a sense of stability and familiarity. And Charley has a heart-to-heart with her mother Violet (Tina Lifford), who encourages her to focus on self-care and finding joy in her life.

Despite the challenges they face, the Bordelon family remains united. In a touching scene near the end of the episode, the siblings gather around their late father's piano and play together. They find comfort in the music and each other's company, reaffirming the strength of their bond.

"No Haven In My Shadow" is a powerful episode that touches on themes of family, race, and identity. The writing is sharp and the performances are excellent, making for a compelling hour of television. Fans of the series will not want to miss this installment.