Snowfall

I've watched two episodes so far and I have been blown away at how real and factual it has been based on what I've read in books about the beginnings of crack. The other reviewers that have given this poor ratings I think must be watching something else. With all the TV shows out there, this is by far above the rest in realism and ethnic relatable characters that don't come across as villains or heroes, just everyday people trying to make better lives for themselves that unfortunately choose bad paths.

I think the plot did move pretty quickly through the first episode. There wasn't much time to develop the characters, but the premise had to be set. I understand. There's a lot of background that needs to be filled in, and it has to be done in a way that doesn't slow the story down to a halt. I'm in it for the long-run, though. So far, I like some of the characters, and I enjoyed the visuals. Let's see more!

It's 1983 South Central LA. Small time dealer Franklin Saint (Damson Idris) is looking to purchase $200. He stumbles upon drug lord Avi Drexler and starts selling cocaine in kilos. CIA operative Teddy McDonald (Carter Hudson) works on foreign assets from LA. He is shown 50 kilo of coke at a dead CIA agent's home and starts smuggling drugs into LA to buy guns for revolutionaries in Central America. Crime lord's daughter Lucia Villanueva recruits Mexican wrestler Gustavo Zapata to steal from her father for the funds to strike out on her own.

This is a bit of Breaking Bad in the hood. It's Fargo with an actual real story. It has some great unknown actors starting with Damson Idris. He's mostly a minor British TV actor before this role. His quiet determination is disorienting. It takes a little time to adjust. One of the show's creators is John Singleton. R. I. P. He's the big name in the group and he's back in his comfort zone, 80's South Central LA. This one does not look away from the darker side to play up the cool gangster fun. Damson's coolness plays really well with the brutal darkness of his character.

No real good guys, no real bad guys, outstanding character development, what's not to like?

We have a government agent thinking he's doing the country right by supplying cocaine within the streets of L. A.; we have this young man who is just trying to support himself and family by selling cocaine; and we have a myriad of supporting characters that help make this very watchable every week.

Each successive episode and season, you get excellent character development plus good plots. The characters face many challenges, make decisions good and bad, and how they affect the friends and family around them.

Several get lost on the way, but that is to be expected considering the nature of the story.

It all leads to well thought out finale.

Again, this isn't a traditional good guys versus bad guys fare, but how the players think what they're doing is right for them, their society or country; how their actions and decisions affect everything and everyone; how drugs and money corrupt.

You'll want more after you finish every episode!

Snowfall will hook you from the start and not let go. It really is one of the better series of the last few years, it's extremely gritty and realistic. The cast is made up of mostly previous unknown actors and I think that actually adds to the grittiness of the show. It's now finishing up after this current season 6 and even though it's probably time for it to end I'm actually going to miss it. It's classic John Singleton and is up there with the best things he's ever done. I guarantee that you'll become addicted once you start watching this and you'll want to binge the entire series as fast as you can. It just pulls you into their world and doesn't let go. Do yourself a favor and go watch this incredible series immediately!