The Bottoms

**The Bottoms** is the fifth episode of the the third season of Snowfall. It is the twenty-fifth episode overall.

Outline

Andre lets his guard down as he celebrates the LAPD's victory. Teddy questions Franklin's ability to control his operation, then suffers a setback of his own.

## Summary

### Teddy

Teddy and Julia are in the office at the warehouse enjoying some Chinese takeout. Julia is checking Franklin and Leon's arrest records and asks where he found them. Teddy stated it was through Avi. Teddy then request Julia not to share their names with the D.O. and then sees Captain Wells of the Los Angeles Police Department holding a press conference on television with Lieutenant Todd and Sergeant Wright by his side. He was speaking about the raids that were conducted in South Central LA leading to arrests and recovery of drugs and weapons. Wells then introduced Sergeant Wright to the podium. Julia then realized that Sergeant Wright was the same officer who arrested Franklin on Kevin's murder. They hear Andre speaking about the raid as a victory in the war on drugs. Teddy then realizes this could be a problem for him.

### Andre

Andre and the rest of his buddies from the LAPD task force are celebrating at the bar. Nix then holds his beer bottle in the air and toasts to Andre. At the bar, Nix orders 2 shots of tequila, one for him and Andre. Sergeant Wright, however, turns down the shot, but Nix insists and orders him to drink. Andre reminds Nix that he outranks him. Nix is still adamant about them taking a shot for their successful raids and they both down a shot of tequila each. Shortly after, Nix bumps into a woman enjoying her cocktail and knocks her cocktail on her chest. Nix realizes it, apologize, grabs a napkin, and wipes down the cocktail on her chest. She snaps at him for the fact that he placed his hands on her boobs. Nix then gets offended after apologizing the first time. Andre then asks Nix to step outside and get some fresh air which Nix adheres to. Andre then apologizes to her on Nix's behalf and explains that he is a bit intoxicated while celebrating. The woman then asked what they were celebrating and then asked if they won some kind of ball game. Andre tells her it was something of that sort. The woman introduces herself as Sheila. Andre then introduces himself as well. Sheila then asked Andre if he wants to buy her a drink or not. Later, Andre and Sheila are buzzed and talking about their families. He learns the woman he is drinking with has 11 siblings growing up while talking about raising Melody. Nix then approaches the 2 in his drunken state and tells Sheila to be careful with Andre, referring to him as a delicate little flower. Andre tells Nix to scram and sends him out with the guys. Andre once again apologizes for Nix's behavior. Sheila, of course, notes Andre for constantly apologizing on his friends behalf. Andre then states he's more of a co-worker that he is not fond of. They are later seen making out in the bar as it is closing. They then arrive at a nice hotel and Sheila asked how he was able to afford the room. Andre then shows her the badge and removes his service weapon, stating being a cop could get them a nice discount. He then places both his badge and service weapon in a dresser. Sheila then suggests him getting more comfortable while heading to the mini bar to fix some drinks. The next morning, Andre awakens to the housekeeper knocking at the door. The housekeeper walks in with towels in her hands, apologizes for disturbing him and walks out. He finds himself alone in the room, discovered 2 barely empty glasses on the nightstand, he then approaches the dresser where he stashed his badge and service weapon only to find them both gone. He slammed the dresser closed as soon as he realized Sheila played him.

### Louie

At Jammin' Jerome's, Louie is paying off and saying good-bye to Sheila who is hopping into a taxi cab. Now we know the woman Andre was with was working for the Family and is Louie's sister. She walks over to Franklin and Jerome and they look at Andre's sidearm and badge sitting on a nightstand trying to figure out what to do next.

### Teddy

Teddy is awaiting Franklin underneath a bridge for a meet. Teddy then rips Franklin a new one after learning of his businesses being raided by the LAPD and telling him about it. Franklin stated he didn't want to bother him with it. Teddy then points out how they found an Uzi during the raids. Franklin then tells Teddy that things like this will happen in their businesses. Teddy then brings up the Dade County shooting in Miami which a war between the Cubans and Colombians broke out at a crowded shopping mall. He even pointed out how the federal government had to get involved, noting how that was the start of the end for the drug runners in South Florida. Franklin then told him it was just one Uzi and tells Teddy he is exaggerating. Teddy then tells Franklin who Sergeant Wright is attempt to get Franklin's case file unsealed. Franklin then states that Andre is his neighbor, known him since he was a kid, and things got real personal between them both. Franklin then tells Teddy that he is handling it. Teddy asks how he is handling it but Franklin tells Teddy it would be best if he didn't know. Franklin also tells him that he can get involved if he liked but urges him to trust him. Teddy agrees and lets him know he'll be in touch about next weeks drop. As Franklin returns to his car, Teddy wishes him good luck. Franklin then drives off and Teddy returns to his vehicle.

### Franklin

At Jammin' Jerome's, the Family is going over how many kilos their contacts can move. Upon asking about Inglewood, Franklin realized everyone was mute on the subject. Jerome then stated that nothing goes through Inglewood without Skully's consent. Leon then notes that they have no connections with Skully. Fatback, on the other hand, say they do. Leon snaps at Fatback to shut up but Franklin calls on Fatback to answer. Fatback mentions Manboy, seeing how his sister is the Skully's baby mama staying in the Bottoms. Franklin then gives Leon an order to link up with Manboy to meet Skully, but Leon refuses. Franklin then snaps at Leon and reminds him the nonsense with Wanda was already taken care of and needs him to take care of this business. Leon then caves to Franklin, who then adjourns the meeting. As he is walking away, Jerome stops Franklin to speak to him. Franklin tells Jerome it could wait and he needs to see his mom since he is running late. Franklin then asks about Jerome's injuries. Jerome tells Franklin it looked worse than it already was. Jerome then tells his nephew he'll speak to him later as Franklin exits.

### Andre

Andre is back at the precinct having some blood extracted by a paramedic. Lt. Todd opens his office door and asks Andre to come in his office once he's done. In the office, Andre tells Todd that he was drugged by the woman he met at the bar. Lt. Todd then asked if he knew the woman. Andre states no. Arnold then asked what kind of drugs Andre and the woman were taking. Andre told him he wasn't taking drugs, he was slipped a mickey. The lieutenant then states that his hands are tied and will have to give this report to Internal Affairs. He then lets Andre know that he can't just make exceptions for the cop who led the successful raids.

### Franklin

Franklin and Cissy are at home enjoying dinner. Cissy then puts her plate away. Franklin then asked Cissy if she was worried about the raids and what happened to Jerome. Cissy makes it clear to her son she doesn't want to talk about that. Franklin grabs the folder on the table and asked if Cissy ever learned the identity of the man who outbid them for the property. Cissy tells him she did and he wouldn't believe who it was.

### Andre

Andre returns home in frustration. Melody, who was worried sick, runs to her father, hugging him, and asking where he's been. Andre tells her he was fine and just with the guys. He also claims he had a few too many and didn't want to drive. He then lied to her about falling asleep on Nix's couch. Melody got angry, telling him it was the afternoon and she never got a call from him. Andre then apologize, claiming he wasn't thinking. Melody snaps at her father fretting about something possibly happening to him. She then stated had she gone AWOL like he did, he would have had the entire force looking for her. Andre then tells Melody it would be because she is a child and he is the head of the household and doesn't like being asked tedious question. Melody then made it clear she was worried about him. Andre then grabs a beer from the fridge and Melody asks if he's hungry and wants her to make him something. Andre declines and states he needs some rest. As Melody was prepared to walk out, she looked outside and told her father that he left his bag sitting on top of his car. Andre then walks out to his car to collect his bag and notices Franklin preparing to leave Cissy's place and enter the vehicle. Franklin then pauses and looks directly at Andre, giving him a nod as he hopped into his car. Andre just continued staring at Franklin as he drove down the road.

### Franklin

Franklin and Cissy are at the office of the person who outbid them, Arnold Tulfowitz. The receptionist gets to call to send them in and she tells Franklin and Cissy that he's ready for them. Cissy then leads Franklin to Tulf's office where he is waiting behind his desk for them. Tulf then greets Cissy with a hug, despite the fact that he fired her. He then shakes Franklin's hand. He then offers them a seat and asks what they came to his office for. Cissy then brings up the property on South Avalon which he outbid them for and was hoping he would rescind his offer. Tulf then asks why he would do such a thing. Franklin then brings up money. Tulf then realized they were the bidders he outbid for 40K and not there to beg him for her old job back. Franklin then offers a check for $50,000 just to withdraw from his bid. Tulf is impressed. Cissy then makes it clear to Tulf that they have a vested interest in the property and would like to build up the community, providing housing for low income families. Arnold respects their reasoning, but asked why they didn't make a better offer. Franklin tells him there was a timing issue. Cissy then asks Tulf to name his price and he could walk away with more money just for doing nothing. Tulf is then wondering how they were able to acquire such capital, then cuts to the chase that he needs the property and claims that they aren't the only ones who care about the black community. Cissy then sarcastically calls Arnold the man of the people. Tulf is then offended by that remark. Cissy then goes down a list of what she had seen under his employment, how she paid off workers at Building & Safety, the asbestos issues, the mold damages he covered with paint, and makes it known to him that those buildings he is running are a lawsuit approaching his doorsteps soon enough. Tulf then tells Cissy he is not one to take kindly to threats. He then tells them he doesn't care how much money they have nor does he care how they are making it because he won't be muscled out of a deal. He then demands them to leave. Cissy leaves her seat and Franklin still sits there staring at him. Tulf then notices this. Cissy then calls Franklin and they leave the office. As they are walking away, Franklin asked if that would do it, and Cissy says yes. Franklin then compliments his wig.

### Andre

Andre is in the Internal Affairs offices being questioned by Detectives McKay and Vasquez. He is asked how much he drank, and whose idea it was to head to the hotel room. Andre told them he had a little bit to drink and rarely drink, he also answered it was his idea to go to the hotel. He was then asked if there was any money exchange, and Andre stated she wasn't a prostitute. McKay asks Andre if he is sure, and his Police Union Rep Steve comes to Andre's defense. Andre then makes it clear to the detectives that he was set up, targeted, and micked by that woman, claiming the tox screen will prove he was doped. McKay then asks who is targeting him. Andre stated it was the woman. Vasquez then asks if there is anyone else who would go after Andre. He then states he put away a lot of bad guys over the years. Vasquez then asks Andre if he is aware that he is named in 3 active lawsuits against the police department, noting the property damage, the excessive force, and the fact that he held a woman for 24 hours without cause and McKay notes that she used a waste basket as a toilet while in custody. Andre clarifies it as a mistake. McKay tells him someone can call it a civil rights violation. Andre is behind himself upon hearing what the detectives are informing him and turns to Steve to do something other than just sit there and watch. His Union Rep then requests the I.A. detectives to keep the questions limited to the current case. Andre then attempts to convince the detectives that he is a good cop and the force would back him. Vasquez then states to Sergeant Wright that they are trying to get a feel of who he is and are receiving a questionable behavior pattern from the meeting which they will look into.

### Leon

Leon, Fatback, and Manboy have arrived at the Bottoms, an apartment complex that is considered a fortress for the Bloods. As they enter, Manboy tells both Leon and Fatback they need to check themselves before entering to meet Skully and lets them know he is crazy and will not tolerate the smallest nonsense. Manboy makes it known that he is shermed out insane and the slightest thing could set him off. He then advises Leon and Fatback to play it cool. They reach Skully's apartment and his right hand man, Cornrows, answers. He calls for Skully and lets him know of his guest at the door. Skully then opens the door and welcomes Manboy who then introduces him to Leon and Fatback. They then get down to business about moving some weight despite the loud music playing and Leon notices a grenade on the table. He then noticed Skully putting what appeared to be ear medicine in his ear. Leon then tells Skully then need to move some keys and they some for 15K each. Skully points out the Mexicans sell to him for 9K each, and Leon tells Skully that unlike what he's been buying from the Mexican, their product is pure. Leon then throws Skully a sample baggie and Skully asks Cornrows to taste the products. Cornrows then gives Skully the OK. Skully is convinced and then he asks if anyone heard that. Manboy tells Skully they can't hear anything with the music blaring. Skully the orders Cornrows to shut off the stereo which he does. Skully then asks if they can hear what he is hearing and Manboy is still wandering what he is listening to. Skully then realized what he was hearing, he got up, pulled is gun out, and walked into the bathroom where he had a guy stripped down to his underwear, beaten, cut up, gagged, and tied up. Skully then slams the doors and with the guys in ear sight, they could hear him yelling at the guy and beating him. He exits the bathroom and orders Cornrows to turn the music back on. The music is on and the guys can see Skully recklessly dancing with fresh blood on his face. Skully then asked Leon how much weight they are talking of moving. Leon is speechless of what kind of nutjob they would be connecting to but realized he may have a connect for Inglewood.

### Julia

Julia is meeting Agent Havemeyer at a local diner. Stephen asked her if she had a clue on how her husband got Franklin's case thrown out of court. Julia reminded Stephen that she and Teddy are divorced and that Agent Cardenas recanted her statement. Stephen then looks at the police reports and gives Teddy props for doing a swell job. Julia also reminds Stephen that the agency are exposed in many different ways. Stephen then makes it clear that his assets are disposable and should they ever go public, no one would believe a thing they say. Julia then asks if Teddy is disposable as well. Stephen then notes how he sold them the idea of letting him run this op in the first place. Stephen then asked Julia how long she could run what Teddy is running before knowing all the principals. Julia doesn't have an answer for him and reminds Stephen that Teddy still trusts her.

### Franklin

At Jerome's place, Leon, Manboy, and Fatback speak about the deal with Franklin and talk about Skully possessing a grenade and having a hostage in the bathroom. Every is staring at Manboy, who then reminds everyone that he told them Skully was crazy and it was the cost of doing business in Inglewood. Manboy then tells Franklin that the Bloods can take 20 kilos a week. Though Leon is very uncertain of dealing with Skully, Franklin then asks Manboy if he could handle him. Manboy assured him he can. It is settled and Franklin concludes the meet. Franklin then has Leon come with him to his mother's place.

### Melody

Melody is in her room looking for her coke when Andre knocks on her door, reminding her they don't lock doors in the house. Melody then hides the coke in her purse and answers the door. She sits on the bed and Andre tosses a ticket on her bed stating she needs to pack a bag for in 2 days time, she'll be out of there. Melody flips out and states she thought he would be driving her. Andre tells her there has been a change of plans and she'll being staying with her aunt Bernice until the dorms at Spelman open up. Melody tells her father she doesn't even know her, and Andre tells her it is about time she does. Melody is beside herself stating it doesn't make sense. Andre tells his daughter he does not want to argue with her and his decision is final. He then suggested she get bags packed and say her farewells to her friends.

### Tulf

Outside Cissy's home, there are 2 goons in their car and they exit and approach the house. The next morning, Tulf arrives to his office to find a window on his door broken and the front door unlocked. He then enters the building and pulls out the keys to his office only to find his office door open. He opens the door to his office and finds the men that were at Cissy's home beaten to a pulp, bloodied up, bound, and gagged on the office floor. Tulf is now in complete horror.

### Teddy

Teddy is back at the warehouse going over a map while playing a cassette tape and Julia is in the upstairs office attempting to get his attention, but since he has headphones on, she threw an ink pen in front of him. Teddy's attention finally turned to Julia and as he removed his headphones, Julia informed Teddy that he received a page. Julia then tosses Teddy his pager and he catches it to see who paged him. He called the number from the page and Gustavo answers, letting him know that the cocaine shipment never made the drop and the rancheros in Sinaloa waited all day for the drop. Teddy then states there may have been some miscommunications and will have to check back with the Colombians to find out what is happening. Julia then checks on Teddy to see what is up.

### Rigo

Rigo Vasco is on his penthouse rooftop living it up and partying with his guest as well as drinking and coking out. He sees Teddy appear and greets him. Teddy then asks if they could talk in private. Rigo hates the idea of sending his company away but adhere's to Teddy's wishes. They sat down and Rigo asked about Matt and Lorena. Teddy breaks it to him that they won't be working together no more. Rigo then offers Teddy a line of coke to snort. Teddy refuses, but Rigo adamantly insists he snorts a line. Teddy then agrees as he picks up the rolled up dollar and snorts a line. Rigo then asks Teddy do another one through the other nostril, which he does. Rigo then takes back the platter and snorts some coke as well. Teddy then gets down to business and discusses the drops that were missed. Rigo then asked about the club they agreed to. Teddy tells him he is working on it and asked if that is why the drops were missed. Rigo then makes it clear the drops will resume once he gets his nightclub. Teddy is now at an impasse with Rigo, and states he needs the time to look for the right place. Rigo then clarifies that he already found a place called Helena's on Temple Street. Teddy tells him getting that particular place will be tough but he'll look into it and urges Rigo to resume the drops. Rigo holds his ground, making it very known to Teddy that there will be no cocaine if there is no club. This leaves Teddy no other choice.

### Franklin

At Cissy's place, Franklin pulls Andre's service weapon out of the safe and places it on the kitchen table. He stares at it and spins it around on the table. The barrel the points in his direction and he sees Andre picking up the gun and firing it at him. Franklin then wakes up on the couch realizing it was only a nightmare. Cissy is sitting right there at the table and asks if he's alright. Franklin tells her he is fine but Cissy states he was talking in his sleep. Franklin asked what he said and Cissy tells him he said 'Wait'! As Franklin got up and clipped his pager on his belt buckle, Cissy informs his son that Tulf pulled out of the bid and they now own the place on South Avalon. Franklin is ecstatic but could tell Cissy wasn't too excited about it. Franklin then reminded how Tulf treated her and took advantage of other. Franklin also stated he sent 2 goons to her front door, the same goons he had beaten to a pulp and dumped at his office, and asked if it didn't feel great to put a man like Tulf in his place. He joked with her as he asked if it didn't feel the tiniest bit good as he hugged and kissed her. Franklin then tells her they did it, then reiterates that 'She did it' and heads off.

### Teddy

Teddy returns to the warehouse and Julia is in the office reading Franklin's case file asking how it went. Teddy states with frustration it didn't go well since Rigo is not someone who wants to listen to reason, noting he couldn't be reasoned with. Teddy is also stating how surprised he is that Rigo didn't force him to snort more cocaine. Julia is then shocked that Teddy even did cocaine. Teddy states he didn't want to partake but Vasco was very demanding of him to snort some lines, and believed if snorting a line would resume the drops, he'd snort the entire platter. Julia asked if the drops are back on and Teddy tells her no as he loses it. Julia tells him to calm down and take a breath. Teddy apologizes and then requests her help on the situation with the Colombians. Julia agrees and asks what Teddy needs from her. Teddy asks if she knows anything about nightclubs.

### Melody

Melody arrives in the Projects to see her friend, Eva. She explains how her father is behaving all crazy and sending her to Spelman a bit earlier. Eva asks why but Melody doesn't have an answer for her. Shon-Shon then shows up and chastises her for appearing in the Projects. Melody is confused. Shon-Shon then rips on her over her father arresting her cousin during the raids and trashing his home, then demands to know what she had to say about it. Eva then comes to Melody's defense stating she had no part in it. Shon-Shon disagrees and Melody walks away. Shon-Shon however demands she stops and follows her. She demands Melody to stop walking away as she shoves her. Melody then turns around and receives a right straight from Shon-Shon, landing her on the ground. As Shon-Shon gets on top of Melody, Eva then rushes to help Melody.

### Franklin

Franklin is now at Jerome's place and Jerome grabs a soda. Franklin then shows his gratitude after taking a beating from the Five-0 the way he did and most people would have already quit the game. Jerome then expressed his concerns about his shop, how he invested a lot of money in it, and wants it to work out for him. He notes how Franklin and Cissy got their real estate thing going and Louie has her club, but Jammin' Jerome's needs his full attention and can't just keep slinging rocks. Franklin tells him that is why he is starting this wholesale thing, so they can make some money and never have to be on the streets. He states they must focus on LA first before expanding, and naming some cities they could reach for. Franklin then reminds Jerome how close they are but aren't there yet and implores him to stay with him on this. Jerome then brought up how Franklin was once slinging dime bags of shake. Franklin then reminded Jerome how he learned that from him and assures he has his back.

### Andre

Andre is sitting in a parking lot in his vehicle when Nix pulls up and enters his car. Nix then asked what he's doing out there. Andre tells Nix that he is suspended. Nix then expressed his anger after Lt. Todd made that decision. Andre then requests a favor from Nix, proclaiming he is gonna bury Franklin Saint. Nix so far likes the idea. Andre tells Nix they can't plant evidence and that someone from high up is covering Franklin's ass. Since everyone knows Franklin is in Andre's crosshairs, he states they have to be under the radar. He asks Nix to find out where he is sleeping since he doesn't live with his mother or his uncle anymore. Nix agrees to that and asks what the next step is. Andre then tells Nix the next phase would be for him to get his wife and kids out of LA for a few days then they will go to work.

## 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

Recurring* Marcus Henderson as Andre Wright
* Reign Edwards as Melody Wright
* Peta Sergeant as Julia
* Melvin Gregg as Drew “Manboy” Miller
* DeRay Davis as Peaches
* Mark Harelik as Arnold Tulfowitz
* Jordan R. Coleman as Fatback
* Matthew Alan as Stephen Havemeyer
* Jesse Luken as Herb "Nix" Nixon
* Christian Tappan as Rigo Vasco
* Asjha Cooper as Eva Walker
* Matthews Bellows as Arnold Todd
* Marlene Forte as Vasquez
* Danielle Moné Truitt as Sheila Jones
* Lennie Loftin as Lt. Davis
* De'aundre Bonds as Skully
* Larry Clarke as McKay
* Nate' Jones as Shon-Shon
* Bill Chott as Steve
* Corr Kendricks as Cornrows
* Joey Maida as Frank Merchant

## Music

* *Big Bad John* by **Big John Hamilton**
* *All We Have is a Song* by **Family Underground**
* *Egypt Egypt* by **The Egyptian Lover**
* *No Tears* by **The Psychedelic Furs**
* *Electric* by **Red Alert**
* *Right Thing* by **Kick**