Door of No Return

**Door of No Return** is the third episode of the the sixth season of Snowfall. It is the fifty-third episode overall.

Outline

Leon and Wanda return from Ghana to a very different world than the one they left behind; Teddy and Gustavo learn who is out to expose the operation.

## Summary

### Leon

Leon Simmons is on vacation in Ghana, West Africa, in the Capital city of Accra. He is in the streets, walking through the market area where people selling off stuff at their stalls. A friend of his, Dodzi, calls for him, referring to him as Gyata. They hug it out and Leon asked Dodzi if had seen Wanda anywhere. Dodzi told Leon she wouldn't sleep in like him and Leon stated she was the reason he was tired all night. Dodzi then tells Leon he should speak to Lumisi who is at her sister's fabric stall. Dodzi also mentioned an old man named Likem who claimed it was time to visit Almina. Leon heads off and finds Lumisi at a fabric stall where they greet each other, although she wasn't fond of losing a good sale due to the greet. Leon then stated he was looking for Wanda and Lumisi leads Leon through an apartment to a stall selling handbags where he sees Wanda. They kiss and Wanda shows Leon a necklace she plans to by for her grandmother, she then puts it on herself, and Leon claimed she should keep it. She then showed Leon a wooden case she planned to buy for him and asked for a price from the vendor. While she was making her transaction, Leon then stared at a billboard of Flight Lieutenant and Ghanaian President Jerry John Rawlings which said, "The Errors of the Past Must Be Corrected in Order to Re-Establish the Confidence of our People in a Secure Future." Upon reading the billboard, something came over Leon. Later, Wanda orders some coconuts from a vendors and Leon pays the man. They both drink the milk from it and Leon clarified it was good. Wanda stated she loved it in Africa and asked Leon if it was really necessary to return back to LA. Leon stated that returning back was the last thing on his mind but everything was moving quickly for him. Wanda then stated there was nothing waiting for her back home. She then implored Leon to take a look at the people of the ancestorial homeland to see them free and prospering, and the fact that they could leave their past behind them. She then stated that where they are, cops aren't hunting and people aren't killing one another and implores him once more to stay in Ghana. Leon stated he wanted the same thing and knew how Wanda felt, although Wanda didn't see it that way, and Leon stated he would think on it. Leon begs her to trust him and then ended with an "I Love You". They both kiss immediately.

### Wanda

Both Leon and Wanda are visiting the grounds of Almina, a prison that was used to house slaves for sale. Likem is telling the story to the visitors of how people from Europe and North Africa have been buying their people over the course of centuries. Both Loen and Wanda soon learned that their own kind was putting folks like them in the very prison they're standing in, learning they represented the Songhai, Ashanti, and Benin Empires. Likem then spoke of war and how the winners sold their enemies off and occurred for hundreds of years. They learned it started with the African folk and changed when foreigners from abroad bought their kind, never to be heard from again. As Likem continued, Leon observed the very walls his people were being held captive in, Wanda took notice and began wondering what Leon was thinking. Likem continued to speak about the atrocities committed within Almina as Leon and Wanda toured the horrifying dungeons. Leon furthered in, rubbing his hand on the old stoned wall and shattering a piece of the wall inside. Learning everything Likem said, they journeyed further in and fear struck them both. They felt the presence of those who were locked away inside as they imagined the screams and horrors that took place in Almina, realizing this wasn't the work of white folks, but started with their own. They then discovered a window that was once barred and stared out it. Outside the confines of Almina, Wanda and Leon were sitting on the rocks by the coast, when Leon was realizing it all started with their people, with blacks selling blacks. Wanda's voice began breaking stating that they at least repented and vowed never to do it again. Leon stated to her it still happened and believed he had done the same thing the prior month. Wanda told Leon he never sold his people into slavery and Leon stated he sold them crack, comparing it to chains that were wrapped around their necks. Leon then told Wanda it felt easier to escape the bondage of slavery then it was to escape the bondage of the crackpipe. Wanda then asked Leon how that was possible. Leon then told Wanda that if anyone gave a slavery an opportunity for their freedom, they'd make a run for it and never turn back, but giving such an opportunity to a crackhead for sobriety, they would take it but would possibly relapse. Wanda took those words into consideration, realizing she's been sober since the day she was shot in '85 leaned on Leon.

### Leon

It is the next day, and Leon and Wanda are by the beach where there are people crowding the area and Wanda tells Leon she needs to be free from the states where all that's waiting for her is the crack and some pimp. Leon states he won't allow that to happen to her, but Wanda isn't taking Leon seriously. She then asked Leon why he couldn't help their people back in LA from Ghana. Leon then asked how that would be possible, and Wanda suggested using his contacts and suggests using his money to fund places like the Edgewood Shelter and suggested bringing some of the folks back home to see the African homeland. Leon then stated that if he did that, it would require him heading back to LA do set up some kind of system that would work. Wanda then revealed her fears of returning back stateside. Leon then stated he needed her for this. Wanda this asked where that left her. Leon just smiled and later that evening, a Ghanaian-style wedding took place where Leon stood on the beach with Dodzi as his best man and Lumisi as the maid of honor with Likem ministering the ceremony and Wanda approaching. Leon put a ring on Wanda finger and Likem declared them husband and wife and Leon kissed the bride. Everyone was excited to see the ceremony that day and partied through the night. Leon then spoke to Dodzi about heading back to the States to take care of some business back home. Dodzi then asked if he would be walking to danger and Leon stated he's still standing. Dodzi then noted that the slavers held onto the human cargo for so long due to their value and would kill anyone standing in their way while fighting wars to keep their coffers full. Dodzi then asked how one man could stop something like that. Leon relished on that theory and both of them rejoined the party. The crowd then watched as Leon and Wanda had their dance by the bonfire.

### Einstein

Leon and Wanda are back in the Projects and Einstein is rolling Leon's new wooden case. Einstein is ecstatic to learn they visited their ancestral homeland. Leon told him it was amazing and observed a broken overhead lamp in the playground area. Einstein then asked if there were people with bones embedded in their noses over there, but Wanda stated that wasn't the case. As they observed a score of guys carrying weapons, Wanda stated that Ghana was once part of an Ashanti Empire. Einstein was astonished to learn that Ghana wasn't just some tribal land, but had cities and clothing among other things. Leon then asked Einstein why Deon has security tight in the Projects. Einstein stated it was courtesy of Franklin Saint and Leon stated that Franklin walked away from the game. Einstein then broke the news that Franklin knocked over Jerome and Louie. Leon then asked Einstein why Franklin rolled on his Auntie and Uncle and Einstein stated he had no clue, but stated that Jerome hit him back but conflict was everywhere since. Einstein told them everything starting with the ambush attempt set on Louie and Jerome at the hotel they frequented. Einstein then stated there was a rumor that Louie sent cops on her payroll to ransack Franklin's home. He then spoke of thugs breaking into Franklin's WSD office to kidnap him while shooting up the place. Einstein then stated that Louie's nightclub was hit in which a drive-by occurred where clubgoers were murdered. When Leon asked what any of that had to do with Deon, Einstein stated it had to do with Kane sending a soldier to off Deon's cousin at a barbershop, in which we see a thug approach Deon's cousin from behind who is in a barber chair reading a magazine and takes a bullet to the back of the head. Einstein then stated the Deon retaliated by hitting Kane's boys at the car wash. He then spoke of a rumor of Franklin almost killing Deon while he was in a bathroom stall. There is a scene where Franklin walked out of a stall and pointed his weapon at the stall Deon was in. During that moment, Deon saw the foot prints underneath the door of the stall he was in facing his direction. Upon hearing a police radio, Franklin put his gun away and saw 2 officers walk in. Franklin passed them up, thanking them for their service. Back to Einstein at Leon's place, Leon was astonished to learn that Franklin tried to whack Deon and Einstein had no clue as to what was going on but spoke of a rumor that Franklin couldn't stand Deon and gets a page. Einstein then tells Leon that he was needed and took off.

### Leon

Leon is in his bedroom, taking in what he had just learned happened over the course of the time he was absent. Wanda then walked in and sat in front of him on his new case she bought him. Leon stated that nothing made sense to him, and Wanda stated it never made sense especially since what they witnessed was human nature in the hood. Leon states he'll have a word with Deon and find out what is going on. Wanda then stated as it probably wouldn't help Leon piece things together as she kissed him on the neck and walked away.

### Intermission

Louie is at the equestrian center and while riding her horse, her bodyguard tells her she should leave immediately if she wanted to make the drop on time. Louie then tells him she'll be done in 10 minutes and to let the supplier wait. Franklin is at his new stash house, overlooking his ledger as well as some files. Obviously, some frustration is building up upon him as he slams down the folder. Jerome, however, is back at his home sitting by pool and smoking a cigarette.

### Franklin

Franklin is entering the Mr. Chow restaurant as he passed up some folks getting photos taken by the paparazzi's. He gets a page then approaches the table that Veronique and Cassandra are seated at. Franklin takes a seat and sees that both mother and daughter seem to be living it up. Franklin then assumed it meant they found the thief who wiped his accounts clean. Cassandra then tells Franklin he'll be out of the office at lunch on the next day which would be the best time to get their hands on the files. She also thanked Franklin for bringing her daughter back into her life as she sipped some champagne. Franklin then took Veronique's hand.

### Tony

There is an exchange under the overpass as Louie pulled up to meet with Oso. Nearby, behind a fence covered with some brush, Agent Marino is observing the exchange with Oscar while Amanda is taking photos of the deal.

### Teddy

Teddy is back at the warehouse and finishing up a phone call while writing things in a notepad and someone enters the building. Upon finishing the phone conversation, he sees that Gustavo is back and asked how the deal went. Oso stated it was good as he brought in 2 duffel bags. Teddy then asked about Louie and Oso stated there were no changes while setting down the duffel bags on a bench. Teddy then tells Gustavo that he'll need him to be at the warehouse at 3 in the morning. When asked why, Teddy stated they would be making the trip to Costa Rica. Gustavo was stunned to learn of the news that quickly and asked how long the trip would take. Teddy didn't have a direct answer, stating it would take a day or so.

### Leon

Back over to the Projects, Leon is walking as evening has hit and approaches Deon's apartment. Both guards outside the apartment approach him curious to know when he returned while one of them complimented Leon's jacket. He is then allowed in and inside, Big Deon is on the arcade playing a racing game while there is an orgy and some crack smoking going on in the place. Deon sees that Leon enters just as he loses the game he was playing and took his frustration out on the arcade device. He then greets Leon as he sits at his desk. Leon then asked about the situation with Franklin, naming him, Jerome, and Buckley. Big Deon made a false claim that Franklin came at him first and tried to kill him. Leon then asked why and Deon claimed to have no clue, calling Franklin deranged after seeing him get rich, and wanted a piece. Leon then stated to Deon that Franklin can make his own money and wants nothing of Deon's, and was told immediately that Franklin lost his money which explained why he hit Jerome's warehouse. Leon then asked Deon what that had to do with him and Deon stated it had nothing to do with him. Deon then noted that Einstein stated something about Leon being holed up in his old place and Leon stated it was the only place he had. Deon then asked if Leon was returning back just to work him and Leon declined that offer. Deon then stated that as long as Leon stays in his lane, there wouldn't be a problem.

### Teddy

Teddy is back at the warehouse loading a sniper rifle and Havemeyer is there asking if he is taking Oso to Costa Rica with him. Teddy confirmed it as he finished pushing the magazine in the rifle and began installing the scope. Stephen takes a seat and tells Teddy they would be meeting mercenaries who have a fetish for killing and clarifies to Teddy that should the attack come, he'll need to capture one of them alive. Teddy finishes prepping his rifle and observes it as it's ready for use.

### Gustavo

Gustavo is at a payphone nearby a gas station with a car wash and he is calling Tony stating they need to meet and Tony instructed him to meet at the usual place which Oso agreed to as he hung up. He is now meeting Tony in an empty parking lot stating information he learned of Avi's last shipment of arms possibly being targeted while informing him of his trip to Costa Rica. Tony then asked Oso where he would be leaving from and where he would be landing but Oso was unable to provide said information. Tony then reminds Oso he wouldn't be able to help him if he didn't know what was going on and Oso stated to Tony that he couldn't provide him answers he doesn't know. Tony then stated that now that they have photos of Louie doing the drop, the DEA would be prepared to raid Teddy's warehouse within a few short days, in which Tony requested Oso to make it back from Costa Rica. The meeting end as they both hop in their vehicles, unaware that Rubén is hiding in his vehicle photographing the meet. The next morning, Oso is on a plane flying with Teddy, nervously tapping his foot. Teddy, who is resting and fondling a football print hacky sack, then taps Gustavo's leg telling him to relax for they'll be landing shortly. Oso then starts tapping the other foot.

### Teddy

Teddy and Oso are now officially in Costa Rica where they are allowed in a warehouse to meet the mercs and their leader, Ramos. Teddy approached Ramos's table and presented a map. As Teddy was speaking, Oso was translating. They are informing the mercs that there would be a shipment would arrive in the afternoon to be off-loaded and placed on third party transports. They then continue that the goal is to secure the cargo and should they be attacked, identify the attackers. They then state they'll be split into three teams and their locations would be marked on the map. Teddy then stated he'll be on overwatch in the tower. They then continued, stating should hostiles make an appearance, the mercs are to stay hidden, wait for the signal, then engage and take out the threat. Teddy then concludes that once the threat is eliminated, they are to search the bodies of the hostiles and confiscate any gear they have on them. Teddy then makes it clear he wants them thoroughly checked for any intel they may have and then informs the mercs that securing the cargo and not finding out who targeted it would be considered a mission failure. Oso then finishes the interpretation. Ramos then asked what the signal was. Teddy then pulls out the football printed hacky sack and tosses it to Ramos.

### Wanda

Wanda has arrived at her grandmother's home and knocked on her door. Miranda answers the door and isn't willing to welcome Wanda in, asking why she's there. Wanda stated bought her a gift from Africa and Miranda then asked where her rose-colored pearls went to. Wanda couldn't answer that stating that was back went she was on the rock which she got clean of. Miranda was still upset over the stolen pearls, but Wanda then presented the necklace she bought from Ghana. Miranda then asked what it was she wanted, and Wanda stated she missed her. Miranda then went down a list of how Wanda robbed her, attacked her, and cursed at her. Wanda could see the reunion wasn't how she imagined as Miranda complimented her dress but believes it was bought with blood money. Wanda then asked if she wanted the necklace or not. Miranda then tells Wanda she could leave it on the door knob as she slammed the door. Wanda left the necklace on the knob, and feeling distraught from that reunion, starts crying as she steps off the porch, realizing she destroyed the relationship she had with her grandmother beyond repair.

### Franklin

Franklin and Veronique are riding in their limousine and they close the window to the limo driver to avoid listening to the radio. Veronique then tells Franklin this is a moment he should enjoy. They arrive at the Downtown property where there is a display revealing a building that was soon to be built on the site on the podium. They exit the limo and are shocked to see Cissy who greets them both and states to Franklin that everything he's fought to build is all there.

### Leon

Leon has arrived at Louie's with a package in hand. He approaches the entrance seeing the walls covered in bullets and is approached by the security team. They check the package as Leon stated it was for Jerome and Louie. They then clear him for for entry and as he enter, Leon is patted down for weapons by another security guard. Leon is then led to the VIP lounge where Jerome and Louie are. Leon stated he brought them a wedding gift, stating it was searched by their security team. Jerome opens it up to find a molded tribal mask inside. Leon then stated that these masks were used as tribal passports and the one presented to them belonged to a chieftain, claiming it resembled the face of the chiefs wife. Leon then clarified it made him remind him of the 2 of them. While Louie thanked him for the gift, Jerome wasn't in the mood, wondering why Leon would return from Africa and rub it in on them. Leon stated he was there to talk, believing Jerome and Louie weren't interested in what he had to say. Jerome then tells Leon not to mention it, and Leon stated he couldn't sit back and allow things to unfold as they were. Jerome stated it was the easiest thing for him to do and Leon disagreed. Jerome soon realized Leon isn't up for the game. Louie then pointed out the bullet holes outside the club, stating they were attacked there as well as the hotel they were staying at on their honeymoon. She then brought up how Jerome offered an olive branch only to be turned away by Franklin. Leon stated he could see the frustration but killing Franklin or if Franklin kills them, it would destroy Cissy and the Family. Jerome then asked Leon what that had to do with him, stating he isn't family, claiming that Franklin used Leon same way he and Louie were used. He stated how they killed for him, and claimed that after killing a kid, he turned away from it all. Jerome saw Leon was looking to make peace but wasn't interested, then ordered him out of the club and wanted him to take the mask with him. Leon then told Jerome the mask was there and it was up to them on what they wanted to do with it as he walked off.

### Gustavo

Teddy and Gustavo are in Port of Limón, overlooking the docks from a building. Teddy then sees the crates being unloaded and Gustavo is asking how long there were waiting. Teddy then asked Oso if he was needed elsewhere. He then asked Gustavo if he was alright, and Gustavo stated that he read about the Contra wars in the paper, hearing rumors that the conflict would end soon and the Contras would win. Teddy then asked Oso about the expression 'Don't Count Your Chickens' and Oso states he has. Oso then asked if the conflict would end, and Teddy stated it would someday. Oso then asked what would happened to the both of them and Teddy stated they'll possibly go their separate ways. Teddy then grabs his binoculars to see armed insurgents driving up on the port. Teddy then tosses Oso the hacky sack stating they have the green light to get ready. Teddy heads to his position and Gustavo exits. Gustavo is then approaching the port where the armed insurgents are taking dock workers hostage. Elsewhere, Teddy is on overwatch with a sniper rifle in hand. One of the armed men sees Gustavo ordering him on his knees, instead Oso tosses the hacky sack in the air, giving Teddy and the mercenaries the signal. Teddy fires at one of the insurgents while Oso and the mercs kill the rest. Ramos's men secure the docks and Teddy approaches. Oso then points Teddy to the only living insurgent on the dock. Teddy then kicks the gun away from the enemy combatant and demands to know who sent them and the insurgent made a lewd statement about Teddy's mother. Getting nowhere, Teddy drew his sidearm and executed the insurgent, ordering the men to confiscate whatever they could find on the combatants, giving them a five minute window and Oso interpreted for him.

### Teddy

Teddy and Oso are back on the plane, overlooking the equipment looted from the enemy combatants. Teddy is tossing through everything and finds a hex head metric bolt in a backpack, curious to know why an armed thug would be carrying something like that around. Teddy takes a seat and observes the bolt. Oso then asked Teddy what he was hoping to find. Teddy then discovered that the hex head part was able to be removed from the thread stem part. Teddy then grabbed a bobby pin, bit on it, and used it to fish out a note that was hidden in the threaded stem. Teddy unraveled the note and Oso asked what it said. Teddy states he couldn't read, because it was written in Russian, making Teddy realize the KBG is trying to destroy the operation.

### Leon

Leon knocks on Franklin's door where there's an eviction notice posted. Leon is then met with a pistol to the head by Franklin who then lowered his gun and was allowed inside. Leon then noticed the place was turned upside-down and asked what happened. Franklin then stated that cops on Louie's payroll were sent to search the place, and had a warrant to carry out the search. Leon stated that Franklin didn't keep anything there and Franklin stated they were there to search. Leon then asked if he was leaving and Franklin stated he'll leave when he chooses to. Leon then held up a baggie stating he got them some burgers. They are later taking a seat and eating some of the food Leon brought in. Leon was speaking about what he felt while in Ghana, where memories of Kevin, Tianna, the money, and the crack faded. He then stated there was something off about being away and felt like he was running. Franklin then asked about Ghana, and Leon stated it was beautiful over there but difficult. He stated the Ghanaians have faced colonial rule, wars, and coups. Franklin stated it sounded familiar and Leon stated they elected a new leader who would move the nation forward, whether it meant bloodshed or not, stating that was something Avi spoke of, when it came to the Jews who raised arms against those wanting to extinct them. Leon then stated it as violence as an act of salvation. Leon then saw something amiss from Franklin who broke the news that Avi is gone. Leon then asked if Avi is dead, and Franklin stated his warehouse was torched and no one has seen or heard from Avi since. Leon then asked Franklin if he had an idea who was responsible. Franklin had no answer but made it clear he was affected by it too. Franklin then drinks from his champagne glass and stated to Leon that he hasn't always done things right and opportunity to fix that went out the window but made it known he is backed against a wall. He then told Leon that if he wanted to be in this game, he is to pick a side, otherwise, he should take Wanda and leave LA while he has the chance. This was a lot for Leon to reflect upon.

## Cast

Main* Damson Idris as Franklin Saint
* Carter Hudson as Teddy McDonald
* Sergio Peris-Mencheta as Gustavo "El Oso" Zapata
* Michael Hyatt as Cissy Saint
* Amin Joseph as Jerome Saint
* Angela Lewis as Louanne Saint
* Isaiah John as Leon Simmons
* Devyn A. Tyler as Veronique Turner
* Gail Bean as Wanda Bell
* Alejandro Edda as Rubén

Recurring* Tamara Taylor as Cassandra Turner
* Quincy Chad as Deon Barber
* Kamron Alexander as Einstein
* Matthew Alan as Stephen Havemeyer
* Scott Subiono as Tony Marino
* Ruthie Austin as Miranda Bell
* Evan Allen-Gessesse as Renny
* Danielle Larracuente as Amanda Guerrero
* Arsenio Castellanos as Oscar
* Carlos Javier Rivera as Ramos
* Calvin Tenner as Masked Man
* Quincy Anih as Armed Guard #1
* Christlo C. Gittens as Armed Guard #2
* Kareem Stroud as Bodyguard #4
* David Dontoh as Likem
* McPratt Dadzie as Dodzi
* Love Adjenan as Lumisi
* Adonaa as Elinam

## Music

* *Ohiani Sua Efir* by **Asaa Se Ase**
* *Fanti* by **Adzewa Women's Group Recorded in Cape Coast**
* *Kyenkyen Bi Adi M'awu* by **K. Frimpong** and **His Cubano Fiestas**
* *Hedzolah!* by **Hedzolah Soundz**
* *Brothers on the Side* by **Cymande**
* *Play That Beat Mr. D.J. (12" Full Length)* by **G.L.O.B.E** and **Whiz Kid**