Blackout

**Blackout** is the ninth episode of the the third season of Snowfall. It is the twenty-ninth episode overall.

Outline

Franklin struggles with the fallout from his actions as his family prepares for the worst. Teddy scrambles to keep his operation afloat. Gustavo unveils his plan for the future.

## Summary

### Prologue

It is the next morning in the aftermath of Andre's murder. Franklin is sitting on a lawn chair outside Rob's new house while Melody is at home mourning her dead father while Nix is attempting to comfort her as he, Officer Vicks, and Detectives Stern and Avilés, attempt to investigate the matter of Andre's death. Police have the Wright residence quarantined as Eva and her mother pull up. Eva rushes past a police officer to come to Melody's comfort in her time of need. Stern and Avilés are later seen questioning Alton and Cissy on the matter.

### Franklin

Franklin is at Rob's new place and are going over a cover story to make certain they can shake the LAPD off him. After going over the story, Rob asked what this was all about and Franklin told him the less he knew the better and takes off. He is later at Jerome's place in the bathroom with the sink running. He holds a meeting with Jerome, Louie, and Leon and tell them that Andre killed himself the night before. The 3 of them are in disbelief and Franklin tells them his mother called and the cops are all over his home. He even stuck with his cover story about staying at Rob's place. He then reminds his Family leadership that the cops will be asking questions and it would be best to lay low for a time being. Franklin then suggested holding up at Rob's place seeing how he has plenty of space. Louie isn't too content with running and Franklin lets them know that his lawyer are ready and waiting should they be apprehended by the police. Jerome is then curious if the cops plan to do something other that pick them up. Franklin is later seen driving toward Cissy's place and notice the cops still there as well as a coroner van. He approaches Andre's home to see the coroner load Andre's body that is now bagged up in the van and Nix approaches Franklin, who then asks what happened, as if he had no clue. Nix, knowing full well, Franklin was behind Andre's death, tosses a cigarette at him. Cissy appears and calls for Franklin. Nix just glares at Franklin as he approaches his parents home.

### Teddy

Teddy has now arrived at Avi's hotel and finds the place heavily guarded with the men packing serious firepower and furniture being used as barricades. Teddy compliments him for his little renovation but suggested closing the blinds instead. Avi then tells him how he lost Yuda at the house and pointed how someone in Teddy's inner circle outed him. Teddy made it known he had nothing to do with the assassination attempt. Avi is then demanding to know why Yuda was killed, especially since the bullet was meant for him. Teddy then suggested Avi had some enemies, and wants to know who they are so he can remove them from the equation. Judging by the timing and the matter of the attempt on his life, Avi told him it was the Mossad. Teddy then asked why his own country would want him dead. Avi came clean about an incident several years back when he acquired some timing circuits in the black market from a Viet Cong general. He then told Teddy how he sold the merchandise, not realizing the people he sold them to sold the merchandise to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard and converted them into IEDs to use against Israel. Avi spoke about how he tried making amends, even went as far as to pay off officials and blackmailers. Teddy then noted how someone made a much stronger case to put Avi back in Israel's crosshairs. Avi is now demanding to know who screwed him over. Teddy then assures him that the problem is already being taken care of and promises to fix things but will need a few days to do so as he leaves.

### Franklin

Franklin is with his parent talking about the situation at the Wright residence and learns Melody discovered her father dead and is grieving him. They also point out to Franklin how Stern and Avilés asked about him. He stuck with his cover story about being at Rob's new place. While getting a soda, Franklin then suggested to Alto and Cissy that they both should stay at one of his apartments for just a few days. Cissy then tells Franklin they're not going anywhere and had nothing to do with Andre's death. Franklin then suggested it as a smart move. Alton then assures Franklin that he and Cissy are capable of weathering this kind of storm. Franklin then takes off and leaves his bottle of Coca-Cola on the table untouched.

### Nix

At the bar, Nix is with Officer Vicks and Detectives Stern and Avilés, discussing Andre's death, how he is not the type to off himself, and Avilés brings up the incident with Sheila and how Melody has gone down the crooked path. They then discuss other reasons as to why he would kill himself, whether it was his time in Nam or his kid, but even brought up Franklin and how much money he's ringing in a week. Nix is silent for the conversation, knowing Andre wouldn't kill himself like he did. Stern then tells the guys that should the M.E. show anything suspicious, they will start raising hell. The power then goes off in the bar and the back up generator kicks on. Nix is ignoring the blackout as he sips his whiskey.

### Teddy

Teddy and Rigo are on the top floor of a parking garage awaiting Agent Havemeyer. Teddy then introduces them both and lets Rigo know that Stephen would be able to help facilitate any requests he may have when working with the CIA. Rigo then suggests he gets a diplomatic passport. Teddy then calls it a done deal and wishes for them to his a fruitful partnership. Rigo then shakes both of their hands and departs, but before he jumps in his car, he shouts out to Stephen to come to his club at some point. He then hops into his car and rides off. Stephen then asked Teddy what he was doing, and Teddy stated he was salvaging the op, and explained that Julia didn't take the op away from him like she was suppose to, instead, she sabotaged the op. He then saw Stephen's face and realized he knew nothing about her plans. Teddy then explains to Stephen that he has 2 options, Option A: Call the Director and let him know that he let one of his agents destroy the operation and stop the flow of tens of millions that would have aided the Contras in the fight, or Option B: Trust Teddy to know what he is and use his considerable influence to repair the damage he unknowingly allowed Julia to bamboozle in the first place. He then requested Stephen to set up a meet with the Mossad. Stephen then asked what he needed from the Mossad. Teddy tells him there is no time to explain as people are dying and asked which call will he make. Havemeyer is silent on the subject and Teddy takes the silence as Option B. Later, Teddy is driving down the road listening to the radio, and hears over the radio how Sergeant Wright was found dead in his home the night prior. Teddy realized Franklin made his move.

### Eva

Eva is at home enjoying breakfast and her mother, who is still cooking, asks where Melody is at. Eve tells her she is still sleeping and needs her rest. Karina doesn't agree with her and marched to the bedroom Melody is in with Eva attempting to stop her. Karina then walks in the bedroom to see Melody smoking a crack pipe. Karina is horrified and asks Eva if she is high as well. Eva tells her she is clean and explains she didn't want Mel to leave. Karina then turns to Melody and makes it clear she doesn't want her staying in her house. Eva then begs her mother but Karina stakes her claim that she doesn't want drugs in her household. Eva is oblivious to the idea of tossing Melody out, but Karina made her decision and wants nothing to do with the rock. Karina then orders Melody out of her house, and Melody, who is high, starts collecting her stuff and leaves, attempting to pat Karina on the arm, who does not want her touching her. Eva is still begging for Melody to stay and Karina holds her back as Melody exits, leaving Eva and Karina, who is crying upset.

### Franklin

Franklin and Leon are driving down an alleyway to meet with Manboy, who is curious to know why Franklin brought Leon to the meet. Franklin then told Manboy that if there was anything to discusses, he could do so in front of Leon. Manboy then told Franklin about how Leon tried moving in on his territory. Leon then claimed he wasn't trying, he already did. Franklin then restrains Leon and allows Manboy to speak. Manboy wants to renegotiate the terms, either sell him ten a kilo from that point on or he'll place his crosshairs on Leon. Franklin spits on his terms, that the prices will not change, and suggested finding another plug if he doesn't like the terms. Franklin then reminds Manboy that Leon is family and fucking with him is fucking with Franklin. Manboy states that ain't right, but Franklin tells him that is the way it is. They then take off and during the ride, Leon thanked Franklin for having his back with Manboy. Franklin then tells him to pull over and Leon parks the car. Franklin then asks Leon if he is trying to start a war with his partners. Leon then makes excuses about how Manboy was dissing him and acting like he was running Compton. Franklin clarifies that Manboy is running Compton, and every time he gets in it with Manboy, Loser is the loser and Franklin has to deal with the fallout. Franklin then puts his foot down that Leon is to stay off his corners, leave the Crips be, otherwise it would be him that will have to find himself a new plug. Leon is in disbelief that Franklin doesn't have his back. Franklin then made it clear that he built this drug empire and refuses to allow Leon to screw it up because he has an issue with one of his partners. After Franklin finished, Leon is shocked to hear all that and Franklin yells at him to drive.

### Jerome

Jerome and Louie are at Rob's place, laying low, and Louie suggested finding a bigger place of their own, but Jerome doesn't want to buy one in the neighborhood they are currently in while Rob is in the pool with his friends. With what happened to Andre, Louie pointed out how he knew if they were going to end up in a situation like what they're in and even asked if he blamed her for taking Franklin and that brick to Claudia. Jerome then clarifies to her that if he never wanted to be in the game, neither him or her would be and the only thing that matters is they survive.

### Melody

A drugged up Melody returns to her house which is still under police tape and enters the house. She walks towards the kitchen and upon coming upon the dining table and chair where she found her father dead, she broke into tears. She then entered her bedroom and still reeling from a loss, she sits on her bed, pulls her crack pipe out of her purse, and as Melody is about to light up a rock, she spots something amiss. Melody then discovers her bedroom window unlocked and realizes there is only one person who accessed her home through her window, Franklin Saint. Melody later appears at Nix's home and is greeted by his wife, Lacy, their son, Theo, and their adoptive son, Anthony. Nix appears and sends his family to the living room and asks Mel what he could do for her. She then comes out and states that Franklin killed her father.

### Franklin

Franklin is driving down the road and stops to a crossing guard on the streets, leaving him to dealing with the sounds of construction, lawn mowing, and an ice cream truck playing loudly over his radio. He is still waiting as the kids are jumping off the bus and his anxiety is rushing into him.

### Cissy

Cissy arrives at Andre's home with a dish for the funeral and meets Andre's sister, Bernice. When Cissy asked about Melody's well-being, Bernice told her she had to nail her window shut and had plenty of fights with her, knowing she is still on the rock even after her father's death. She then tells Cissy she plans to renovate and sell the house and take Melody with her to Texas so her body can heal. Cissy then offered some help for Bernice, but she already has enough on her plate with Melody to think about the funeral. Cissy then offers to host the repast. Bernice is gracious to accept that offer. Cissy then brought up the small real estate company she helps run and they could help if she is looking to sell Andre's home. Bernice tells her the repast would be enough, she also told her that Andre told her everything. While hearing good things about Cissy, Bernice learned of her son, Franklin, stating everything he has done for money is in her own words the devils wages, and she wants no part of that.

### Franklin

Franklin arrives at a diner to meet with Teddy, who asks how he is holding up. Franklin then asks if they are doing this again and is wondering if his mess will end up in Teddy's lap. Franklin then made it clear that he didn't have to worry, that he did what needed to be done, just like he always did to keep his connects happy, the product flowing, and the money coming in. Teddy tells Franklin he understood what he was going through and Franklin disagrees. Teddy then clarifies that Franklin has innocent blood on his hands and he is worried and underneath it all, he is alone. Franklin then asks Teddy when would it end. Teddy doesn't have an answer but will stick with Franklin until then.

### Teddy

Teddy returns to the warehouse to find Julia inside. Julia then clarified she wanted to apologize for what she did, but she had to hurt him to make him understand how scared she was for him, but when it came between losing Teddy or seeing Teddy destroyed, she did what she felt she could live with. Julia then wanted to let Teddy know that everything she felt for him was true and implores him that they could still have a life together. Julia then asks Teddy to come with him, instead, Teddy just tells Julia to leave her keys on the table and heads to the office, making it clear he wanted absolutely nothing to do with her ever again. In the office, Teddy gets a page and makes a call. He tells the caller he is 30 minutes out, hangs up, heads to his safe, pulls out a kilo, cuts it open, and snorts the cocaine off of his knife.

### Franklin

Franklin is driving down the road and is being pulled over by an LAPD squad car. A police officer jumps out of the car, it's Nix and he draws his service weapon as he approaches Franklin's car. Franklin sees it and has his gun on standby but puts it away shortly before Nix reaches his window. Nix tells him to keep his hand on the wheel as he enters the backseat behind him. Franklin then asked if he is being arrested. Nix tells Franklin that Andre was his friend and partner. Nix then made it clear that he was with Andre hours before his death and did not see a man who was on the verge of suicide. Nix then stated how he couldn't figure out how someone made the suicide look so convincing or how he let anyone get that close. Nix then guessed that Franklin knew Andre for a long time. Franklin states that he knew him since he was a kid. Nix then cocks his weapon and places the barrel of his gun next to Franklin's neck. Nix then asked if he got that close to Andre. A tear breaks down Franklin eye and tells Nix that Andre thought he could stop the rain from coming and there is nothing anyone could do with a man like that. He then tells Nix that if he plans to kill him, he should get it over with. Nix then tells him that if he wanted a bullet, he would oblige him, but if he wanted to live, lowering his sidearm, he tells Franklin they may be able to work something out. Franklin soon realized he may have a cop on his payroll, knowing a cops salary is peanuts compared to what he makes weekly. Apparently now, Franklin and Nix agree to a deal on the terms that non of his boys go rogue or come after him. Nix tells Franklin he has him covered and makes it clear Franklin works for him, for it's whatever he wants and whenever he wants, and warns him that he will not let him get that close. Nix then exits the vehicle and returns back to the squad car.

### Cissy

Cissy and Alton are home setting up the repast for Andre's wake. They readying some of the catering ware and Cissy laments about seeing Andre coming home from work the week before and he's dead and would never imagine him taking his own life. Alton, however, knows that Andre's death wasn't a suicide and either Franklin offed him or sent someone to carry out the hit. When Alton pointed out Franklin's attitude and the weight he has carried, Cissy doesn't want to hear a word about it. Alton makes it clear he doesn't want to bring it up but they need to know where they are going if they are to continue in this life. As Cissy is still wiping down the plates, Alton reminds her that their son hadn't been in the Valley for a long time. When Cissy attempts to leave, Alton holds her back and just hugs her.

### Melody

Melody is just lying on her bed and Bernice knocks on the door to let her know that Nix was there to see her. Bernice opens the door and requests Nix not to take too long for they have a funeral to attend. Nix enters the room, takes a seat, and tells Melody that the Medical Examiner's report came in. Melody was anxious to learn the truth. Nix then said it was a suicide. Melody refused to believe that and even knew Nix never knew her father to be that stupid. Nix then went down the list on what was discovered from the gun that was used, to the angle of the shot, to the prints that were found. Melody still refused to accept that and proclaim that Franklin Saint murdered her father. Nix then brought up the fact the Andre was suspended from the force and she has gotten herself in trouble. Melody then believes Nix was accusing her of driving him to suicide. She then had enough and told him to leave and even screamed at him to leave. Bernice then rushes in not knowing what was happening and when she approached her niece, Mel tells her not to touch her as she felt nothing but disappointment.

### Gustavo

In Tijuana, Gustavo and Teddy arrive at the house he will be using for smuggling cocaine in. Oso then introduced Teddy to his brother, Hernan. He tells Teddy that Hernan will be helping out since they may not need to use other peoples farms or routes. He then brings Teddy further into the house where Nuvia is digging the tunnel. He sends her off and shows Teddy the progress of his tunnel. Oso then points out how they intend to dig underneath the border and reach a clothing store in San Ysidro and the tunnel should be ready in a months time. Gustavo then heads back into the living room with Hernan and Nuvia and asks what he thinks. Teddy then asked if they had beer. Gustavo then heads to the refrigerator and pulls out 2 longneck bottles of beer, 1 for Teddy and 1 for himself.

### Melody

Andre's repast is being held at the Saint residence and people are gathering to mourn and remember the life of Andre Wright. Melody is sitting on the couch with tears running down her eyes as the people are visiting. Leon then sits next to Mel and offers his condolences and tells her he knows how she feels. Leon then told her how he was 5 years old when his father died. Leon headed off and Melody just stared upon Franklin who is talking to her Auntie Bernice, then she sees him approaching Nix and instead of a conflict, she noticed how they signaled each other. Melody knew at that point that Nix was on the take. A lamp goes out and Melody barges out. Franklin notices her leaving and follows her, seeing that she went into her home. Melody then heads into her bedroom looking around her dressers and even under her bed and Franklin walks in to see Mel searching around. Franklin, assuming she is looking for her crack, tells her she doesn't need it. Melody then heads into her closet. Instead of searching for a crackpipe, Melody reappeared from her closet with a sidearm and fires a round in Franklin's shoulder. Franklin then slides on the ground and begins crawling his way out of her room on the floor with Melody following him. As he reached the kitchen, Melody fired another shot in his back. Franklin can barely crawl as he pleads for Melody. She ignores his pleas and fired one more shot into the back of his torso. Instead of finishing him off, Melody left him to bleed out in there and exited the house, dropping the gun in front of the porch. In the house, the power goes of as Franklin is gasping for life.

## 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
* Alon Aboutboul as Avi Drexler

Recurring* Kevin Carroll as Alton Williams
* Reign Edwards as Melody Wright
* Peta Sergeant as Julia
* Melvin Gregg as Drew “Manboy” Miller
* Taylor Kowalski as Rob Volpe
* Matthew Alan as Stephen Havemeyer
* Christian Tappan as Rigo Vasco
* Saidah Arrika Ekulona as Bernice Wright
* Jesse Luken as Herb "Nix" Nixon
* Ian Casselberry as Vicks
* Asjha Cooper as Eva Walker
* Michael Ray Escamilla as Hernan Zapata
* Hector Hugo as Muñoz Avilés
* Herve Clermont as Stern
* Juliette Jefers as Karina Walker
* Sabina Zúñiga Varela as Nuvia Zapata
* Ariel Eliaz as Lior
* Carrie Schroeder as Lacy Nixon
* Kaden Downes as Theo Nixon

## Music

* *Am I a Good Man* by **Them Two**
* *A Shot in the Night* by **1933**
* *Ice Cream Truck* by **Chris Upton**
* *Positive Life* by **Lovebug Star-ski and the Harlem World Crew**
* *La Gigantona* by **Alfonso Lovo**