Snowfall: Season 1 (2017)

In 1983 Los Angeles, we are introduced to Franklin Saint, a young African American man who is trying to make a living selling drugs. He lives with his mother, Cissy, who is a nurse and is unaware of his illegal activities. Franklin is ambitious and dreams of a better life, but he is also struggling with the realities of his environment. He meets with his friend, Kevin, and they discuss their plans to sell crack cocaine, which is becoming increasingly popular.

Franklin's life takes a turn when he encounters a Mexican wrestler named Gustavo "El Oso" Zapata, who is involved in the drug trade. Oso is looking for a way to make money and is introduced to Franklin through a mutual acquaintance. They form a partnership, with Franklin providing the product and Oso handling the distribution. This partnership is crucial for Franklin as it allows him to expand his operations.

Meanwhile, we are introduced to the character of Teddy McDonald, a CIA operative who is involved in a covert operation to fund the Nicaraguan Contras. Teddy is tasked with finding a way to finance the Contras through drug trafficking. He meets with a contact who informs him about the growing crack cocaine market in Los Angeles, which leads him to consider the potential of working with local dealers.

As Franklin's business begins to grow, he faces challenges from rival dealers and the police. He has a tense encounter with a rival dealer named Manboy, who threatens him and his operation. Franklin realizes that he needs to assert his dominance in the drug trade to protect his territory. He decides to take a more aggressive approach, which leads to a violent confrontation with Manboy's crew.

Franklin's relationship with his mother becomes strained as she begins to suspect that he is involved in illegal activities. Cissy is determined to keep Franklin on the right path and confronts him about his choices. Franklin, feeling the pressure from both his mother and the drug trade, becomes increasingly defensive and secretive.

In a pivotal moment, Franklin decides to take a significant risk by expanding his operation further. He approaches Teddy, who is looking for a local dealer to work with. Teddy sees potential in Franklin and offers him a deal that could benefit both of them. Franklin is hesitant but ultimately agrees, seeing it as an opportunity to elevate his status in the drug world.

As Franklin's operation grows, he begins to experience the consequences of his choices. He witnesses the impact of crack cocaine on his community, including the devastation it causes to families and individuals. This internal conflict weighs heavily on him, but he feels trapped by his circumstances and the allure of wealth and power.

The season culminates in a violent showdown between Franklin and his rivals. After a series of escalating tensions, a confrontation occurs at a drug deal gone wrong. Franklin and his crew are ambushed, leading to a chaotic and bloody fight. Franklin manages to escape, but the violence leaves a lasting mark on him and his relationships.

In the final moments of the season, Franklin reflects on the choices he has made and the path he is on. He is now deeply entrenched in the drug trade, with the weight of his decisions looming over him. The season ends with a sense of uncertainty about Franklin's future and the consequences of his actions, setting the stage for the challenges he will face in the seasons to come.

In the final moments of Season 1 of "Snowfall," Franklin Saint's drug operation begins to take shape, but it also leads to significant consequences for him and those around him. The season ends with Franklin facing the reality of his choices as he navigates the dangerous world of drug trafficking, while his relationships with family and friends become increasingly strained.

As the season progresses, Franklin's ambition drives him deeper into the drug trade, leading to a confrontation with rival dealers and law enforcement. The season culminates in a tense standoff that leaves Franklin contemplating the cost of his newfound power and the impact on his community.

The final episode of Season 1 opens with Franklin Saint, a young man from South Central Los Angeles, grappling with the consequences of his burgeoning drug business. The camera pans over the streets of Los Angeles, showcasing the vibrant yet perilous environment in which Franklin operates. He is determined to establish himself in the drug trade, but the stakes are higher than ever.

Scene by scene, we see Franklin's interactions with key characters that shape his journey. He meets with his mentor, Avi, who provides him with the cocaine he needs to expand his operation. Avi, a seasoned dealer, sees potential in Franklin but also warns him about the dangers of the business. Franklin's ambition is palpable; he is eager to prove himself and make a name in the drug world.

Meanwhile, we witness the growing tension between Franklin and his mother, Cissy. Cissy is deeply concerned about Franklin's choices and the path he is taking. She represents the moral compass that Franklin struggles against. Their conversations are filled with emotional weight, as Cissy tries to steer Franklin away from the life of crime, fearing for his safety and future.

As the episode progresses, Franklin's relationship with his childhood friend, Leon, becomes strained. Leon is drawn into Franklin's world, but he is also wary of the violence and chaos that accompany it. Their friendship is tested as they navigate the complexities of loyalty and survival in a world where trust is scarce.

The climax of the season occurs when Franklin's operation attracts the attention of law enforcement and rival gangs. A tense confrontation unfolds, highlighting the dangers of the drug trade. Franklin's determination to succeed leads him to make choices that put him and his loved ones at risk. The atmosphere is charged with anxiety as the characters face the repercussions of their actions.

In the final scenes, Franklin stands at a crossroads. He has gained a foothold in the drug business, but at what cost? The weight of his decisions hangs heavy on him as he reflects on the impact of his choices on his family and community. The season ends with Franklin looking out over the city, a mix of ambition and uncertainty in his eyes. He is now entrenched in a world that promises power and wealth but also threatens to consume him.

The fates of the main characters are left hanging in the balance. Franklin is poised to continue his rise in the drug trade, but the dangers are ever-present. Cissy remains worried about her son, torn between love and fear. Leon's loyalty is tested, and the future of their friendship is uncertain. The season closes with a sense of foreboding, as the characters are caught in a web of ambition, loyalty, and the harsh realities of their choices.

In "Snowfall" Season 1, there is no post-credit scene. The season concludes with the final episode, "The Rubicon," which wraps up the story arcs of the main characters without any additional scenes after the credits. The focus remains on the intense developments in the lives of Franklin Saint, Gustavo "El Oso" Zapata, and other key characters as they navigate the complexities of the drug trade and its impact on their lives and communities. The absence of a post-credit scene allows the audience to reflect on the events of the season and the characters' fates as they face the consequences of their choices.

Franklin Saint, a young man living in South Central Los Angeles, is driven by a desire to improve his life and escape the limitations of his environment. He is intelligent and ambitious, but feels trapped by the socio-economic conditions around him. His motivation intensifies when he sees the potential for wealth and power in the drug trade, particularly after he learns about the lucrative market for cocaine.

Teddy McDonald, a CIA operative, plays a pivotal role in the drug trade by facilitating the flow of cocaine into Los Angeles. His motivations are tied to covert operations in Nicaragua, where he seeks to fund anti-communist rebels. Teddy's actions create a significant impact on the drug market, as he provides Franklin and other dealers with a steady supply of cocaine, which ultimately escalates the drug epidemic in the area.

Franklin's relationship with his mother, Cissy, is complex and deeply influential. Cissy is a strong, protective figure who wants her son to succeed and stay out of trouble. However, as Franklin becomes more involved in the drug trade, he struggles with the fear of disappointing her and the desire to provide for her. This internal conflict drives many of his decisions, as he tries to balance his ambitions with his love for his mother.

Gustavo 'El Oso' Zapata is a former wrestler and a key figure in Franklin's drug operation. Initially, he is introduced as a muscle for the Mexican cartel, but as the story progresses, he becomes an essential ally for Franklin. Oso's connections and experience in the drug trade help Franklin expand his business, but Oso also grapples with his own moral dilemmas and the violent world he is part of, which adds tension to their partnership.

Throughout Season 1, Franklin faces numerous challenges from rival dealers, particularly from the established drug lords who see him as a threat to their territory. He must navigate violent confrontations and strategic alliances to protect his growing business. Additionally, law enforcement is constantly on the lookout for drug activity, putting Franklin at risk of arrest. These external pressures force him to become increasingly cunning and resourceful in order to survive and thrive in the dangerous world of drug dealing.

"Snowfall" is not considered family-friendly due to its mature themes and content. Here are some potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects that may occur:

1. Drug Use and Trafficking: The show revolves around the crack cocaine epidemic in Los Angeles, depicting drug dealing, usage, and the impact on communities.

2. Violence: There are scenes of physical violence, including fights and gun violence, which can be graphic and intense.

3. Sexual Content: The series includes sexual situations and nudity, which may not be suitable for younger viewers.

4. Strong Language: The dialogue contains frequent use of profanity and slurs, reflecting the gritty reality of the characters' lives.

5. Themes of Crime and Morality: The show explores complex moral dilemmas, including betrayal, survival, and the consequences of crime, which may be distressing for sensitive viewers.

6. Emotional Turmoil: Characters experience significant emotional struggles, including loss, betrayal, and the impact of addiction, which can be heavy and unsettling.

These elements contribute to the show's mature rating and may not be appropriate for children or sensitive individuals.