A look at the early days of the crack cocaine epidemic in Los Angeles during the beginning of the 1980s.A look at the early days of the crack cocaine epidemic in Los Angeles during the beginning of the 1980s.A look at the early days of the crack cocaine epidemic in Los Angeles during the beginning of the 1980s.
- Awards
- 11 wins & 33 nominations total
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Summary
Reviewers say 'Snowfall' is a compelling crime drama exploring the 1980s crack cocaine epidemic in Los Angeles. It is lauded for its realistic depiction, strong performances, and intricate characters. Damson Idris' portrayal of Franklin Saint is often highlighted. Comparisons to 'Breaking Bad' and 'The Wire' are common. Some critics note pacing issues and inconsistent writing in later seasons, yet 'Snowfall' remains a powerful, thought-provoking series that delves into a significant period in American history.
Featured reviews
Decentman wasn't to decent with his review, I will try to dispel the rumor, that this was poorly written.
Snowfall began by showing the disconnect between the have and have-nots, and the solutions provided to close that gap. Reality can be very ugly, and be the basis for an ugly truth, that crack/cocaine stole the hopes and dreams of a society.
The landscapes where most of the events take place, are not stylized and cocaine use was not sensationalized. The character development, supplied in this pilot, prepares us for the horrific ride we are about to embark.
The writing was a mirror reflection of those turbulent times.
Snowfall began by showing the disconnect between the have and have-nots, and the solutions provided to close that gap. Reality can be very ugly, and be the basis for an ugly truth, that crack/cocaine stole the hopes and dreams of a society.
The landscapes where most of the events take place, are not stylized and cocaine use was not sensationalized. The character development, supplied in this pilot, prepares us for the horrific ride we are about to embark.
The writing was a mirror reflection of those turbulent times.
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!
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!
I never stamp my approval after two episodes and I'm sure I'll update this, but I need you to know what you're missing out on! Forget the mixed reviews they probably had some kind of expectation, going into this with an open mind and you'll find so many sub-plots that are intriguing, characters that are likable and you'll notice that you want the narrative on each part not shifting only to shift and feel the same. It's John singleton everybody you can't go wrong!this show is extremely entertaining and compelling! It's the most fun I have in front of a TV of a TV for an hour. It had all the ingredients. Don't miss out it's a phenomal show during a fantastic era
This story is 99 kinds of awesome. Would our government flood our cities with drugs to raise money to fund an op not approved by Congress.
That's the seeming question at the heart of this story. But that's not really the question that needs to be asked.
The real question is "Whether with or without Congress on board, is there anything our government would not do out of the conviction that we are the good guys, and that the ends justifies any and all kinds of means of getting there?" That is the question at the very heart of many, many, many episodes in our history: Vietnam, Iran-Contra, the Iraq war, Native American genocide, Treaty-breaking, Slavery, on and on and on. . . We always claim the high ground. Yet history hugs the low ground. So here's the kicker, if you want to understand the character of an individual, you look into his/her history.
If you want to understand the character of a nation, a people, you look at their history, too.
This is the way. . . .
That's the seeming question at the heart of this story. But that's not really the question that needs to be asked.
The real question is "Whether with or without Congress on board, is there anything our government would not do out of the conviction that we are the good guys, and that the ends justifies any and all kinds of means of getting there?" That is the question at the very heart of many, many, many episodes in our history: Vietnam, Iran-Contra, the Iraq war, Native American genocide, Treaty-breaking, Slavery, on and on and on. . . We always claim the high ground. Yet history hugs the low ground. So here's the kicker, if you want to understand the character of an individual, you look into his/her history.
If you want to understand the character of a nation, a people, you look at their history, too.
This is the way. . . .
Snowfall really is one of the most underrated shows currently on television. It's hard for me to even describe how much I like this show. I fell in love with from the very first episode. The writing, acting, look and feel...all of it really make it seem quite realistic. It's about a 20 something year old smart student who rises to the top of the crack cocaine business in Los Angeles in the early 1980's. The writing and acting are some of the best on tv and the reason why this show is so good. The lead actor (Damson Idris) has a bright future ahead of him. This is a show that's definitely worth your time.
Did you know
- TriviaAccording to showrunner Dave Andron, they aimed to make the show's wardrobe authentic to the 1980s, but decided to avoid things that are too distracting to modern audiences, like giant shoulder pads.
- ConnectionsReferenced in WatchMojo: Top 10 Most Anticipated Releases of July 2017 (2017)
Details
- Runtime
- 45m
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.78 : 1
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