Departures is the ninth episode of the the fifth season of Snowfall. It is the forty-ninth episode overall.
Outline
Jerome and Louie separate themselves from Franklin.
Summary[]
Beau[]
From where we left off in the previous episode, Detective Beau Buckley and members of his C.R.A.S.H. unit have launched a raid at the Pool Hall where Kane Hamilton and his crew were hanging out at. We now see the aftermath of the false raid as Beau is dealing with the fallout and Detective Stern of the Homicide Division approached him, informing him that Kovatch would want a word about what happened in the raid. Stern then asked for Buckley's story and Beau made a cover story of a tip on cocaine being sold at the bar in which he claimed to investigate and claimed Kane's crew fired first. According to the flashback, Beau fired the first shots. He then spoke about one of the guys, being Kane, ran through the bar to the alleyway, and claimed Kane had a gun on him, despite the flashback showing no weapon. Beau then lied about Kane attempting to turn around and fire except Beau, according to the flashback, fired 2 rounds through his back. He then stated he learned of his partner, Eddie Perez, being shot in the line of duty. Beau then returned to where the chaos erupted and found Perez dead with a gunshot wound to the neck which was the only true part he spoke of. Stern then tells Beau that Kovatch would need to hear that, then he'd have to go to the brass and make an official statement. As Stern was walking away, Beau then asked about Kane on whether or not he made it. Stern states he's alive and was sent to King. Beau's night got a whole lot worse now that his partner is dead and the man Louie hired him to whack still lives.
Franklin[]
The day after the wedding, Franklin is lying in bed while, elsewhere, Leon is watching the sunrise from the Projects. Franklin gets a phone and tells whoever was on the other line to 'send him up'. He then hops out of bed and answers the door to see Leon there and invited him in. Leon checks out Franklin's crib while telling Franklin he's been paging him. Franklin then stated his night was sleepless after the recent night while Leon claimed he slept just fine and spoke of his morning watching the sunrise. Leon then broke it to Franklin that the cops raided the Pool Hall, resulting in 3 Kane's boy in the morgue, as well as Kane in surgery. Both of them knew this was Louie's decision. Leon then expressed his issue with Louie, talking of how she lied about things being cool but chose to stab them in the back and retaliate for the drive-by's. Franklin then asked Leon what it was he wanted him to do about it, naming some ridiculous reactions. Leon then states there's right and there's wrong, claiming Louie's actions were wrong. Franklin defended Louie and Jerome, claiming their actions were justified after the attempt on their lives. Leon then reminded him they had a deal with Kane. Franklin states he didn't like the situation but have more important things at hand, for starters, surviving to see his child born, and avoiding a war with his own flesh and blood. Franklin then makes it clear he would not go out a martyr. Leon isn't pleased with Franklin's decision and Franklin states that if Leon wanted to fight this, it would be on his own accord, whereas Franklin wouldn't be there. Leon, now dissatisfied, then sees the book he got Franklin and could tell it was never even opened up. Leon then leaves the pad with the book in hand.
Jerome[]
The day after the wedding, both Jerome and Louie are in their bed in their hotel room, now newlyweds. Louie was ecstatic that she now has everything she wanted plus the fact that their chocolate fountain was spiked with LSD. Jerome believed that was Skully's doing and Louie agreed, but laughed about it. Jerome pointed out things could have gone sideways but Louie stated it was a good omen for them. Louie then states at that moment there was word getting out over Kane, assuming the hit was a success. Jerome then told Louie that Leon paged him 5 times already. Louie tells her husband she wished she could stay in bed all day but Jerome states they should as they further get intimate. Louie's pager goes off, ruining their moment. She checks the pager and Jerome offers to head to the front desk and extend their stay for a little longer before going on their honeymoon. Louie expresses her excitement and asks Jerome where they will be heading to. Jerome, of course, keeps it a surprise. Apparently the mood is back in swing as Louie squirms in excitement and Jerome shows his love for her. He constantly tells Louie he loves her as per her request and continue to make love.
Beau[]
Beau is at the precinct facing down his supervisor, Captain O'Reilly, who read his report and asked if there was anything else he needed to know. Beau tells his supervisor everything he stated was written down in the report. O'Reilly then asked about the tip on the cocaine. Beau states it was a bad tip. There is a knock at the door and O'Reilly calls in the medical examiner who bought in test tubes. O'Reilly tells Buckley he'll need a blood sample from him and further states he has placed Beau on suspension while the I.A. would be investigating the results of the shooting as well as the test results. Knowing full well the bloodwork would come back resulting in cocaine being in his system, Beau chose rather to chew out his supervisor for having him do all the dirty work and punishing him for the way it went down the night prior. O'Reilly states an officer was killed in the line of duty and he wanted to know why. Beau then played the race card, making it look like his superior is using the incident as an excuse to axe a black man. O'Reilly then clarifies he cleans up his own mess and accuses Beau of leaving his mess amuck. Beau stares at Stern and turns to his Captain, then immediately demands his union representative and lawyer. O'Reilly then warned Beau his failure to cooperate would result in criminal charges on top of his disgrace. O'Reilly then orders Detective Buckley to turn over his badge and gun. Beau further looks onto Detective Stern then takes a seat and complies with the Captain's orders.
Franklin[]
Over at West-Side Development, Veronique is explaining to Franklin that she understood why Louie placed a hit on Kane. Franklin stated it was the right thing but in the wrong way. Veronique then asked who would dosed an entire wedding and then pondered what would had she stayed and eaten a chocolate strawberry. She then told Franklin he could have reached out to her, especially in the shape he was in. Franklin stated they already spoke and had a huge conversation, not stating it would during his acid trip. Veronique was curious to know what the conversation was about and instead, Franklin asked Veronique if she wants leave town with him. He stated he wanted to clear his head. Veronique asked what he had in mind.
Cissy[]
Cissy meets with Rubén at a park overlooking Los Angeles and showed notice that he shaved his beard. Rubén then stated it was to alter his appearance after her LSD fiasco and claimed he may have second thoughts about her. Cissy made it clear she was drugged at the wedding and expressed her fear, then apologized. Rubén then pointed out Cissy that the only thing that should scare her is what the CIA would do to Franklin if he couldn't help them, for once Franklin becomes of no use to them, they would kill him. He then tells Cissy she'll have 2 bad choices to make, and lets her know he could save Franklin. Rubén then told Cissy he got his information from Ana about her when she was recruited, stating how Cissy was alone and desperate to find Alton. Cissy clarifies she didn't need a reminder but Rubén disagreed. He then told Cissy to put away her excuses if she wants Teddy dead and to make it out alive. Cissy goes off on Rubén and states that aside from incriminating her only son, she did everything that was asked of him while claiming she was given no reason to trust Rubén into carrying out his objective as she requested. She then pointed out Teddy's gun supplier, via Avi, and drug runner, via El Oso, were guests at the wedding. She then asked if Rubén was able to obtain any information whatsoever. Rubén stated he would have had more info had Cissy not freaked out the way she did but clarified he got some info he could use. He tells Cissy his people are immediately investigating both Avi and Oso. Rubén then warns Cissy then whatever she had, she should leave them at the park, or their deal would be kaput.
Avi[]
Avi is at his warehouse staring at a photo of some woman and Teddy enters with Parissa. Muir alerts his boss and Avi greets them both. Teddy introduces Avi to Parissa, referring to her as an old acquaintance-turned-new associate. Avi notices Teddy's new flame is Persian. He then spoke of his time in Tehran during the 70's. Parissa then stated how she didn't approve of the strife between their homelands and Avi agreed, stating he would like to hear her thoughts on the matter. Parissa states she would take the time but his business with Teddy should come first. Avi then requests Muir to show Parissa the wine cellar and let her choose whatever she liked. He then turned to Teddy and stated someone drugged everyone with LSD at Jerome and Louie's wedding. Teddy was shocked to hear that and asked if it was Avi, who made it clear he was innocent. Teddy laughed to the recent event and broke it to Avi that he is tripling the gun supply he is sending to the Contras in Nicaragua and wanted to know if Avi could get it done. Avi then asked when was the last time he let Teddy down, and Teddy states it's been a lot. Avi states he always has good reasons for setbacks. Teddy then clarifies the Sandinistas are now on the ropes and the time to end this war would be now. Teddy then wanted to know if Avi could triple the arms within 2 months. Avi states he'll have it done as long as Teddy provides the funding, but wanted to know whether the end of the Contra war would mean the end of their business. Teddy states Avi knows who he is and mentioned there will always be another war around the corner. Avi then laughs and invites Teddy for a drink.
Leon[]
Leon arrives at the hospital and spots Kane's crew. Ricky hops out of his chair and approaches Leon, who asked how Kane was doing. Ricky broke the news that Kane is paralyzed below the waist and will never walk again. Leon felt aguish upon the recent and asked if Kane would pull through. Ricky then asked if Leon may have known about this, whether or not it was just cops just being cops. He then asked Leon if there was anything that needed to be brought to light.
Beau[]
Beau is at the home of his ex-wife, Sharon, and he is apparently on the deep end as he lost his partner but more importantly, on the verge of losing his job and just wanted to see his kids. Sharon makes it clear she feels for him after Eddie was killed, but could not let him see his kids in the state he was in. Beau denied being in a bad state claiming to be fine but Sharon wasn't fool, stating outright he was high. Beau then demanded once more he wanted to see his kids. Sharon then asked what he would do had she continued denying him access to their kids, whether he would hit her or not. Sharon then made clear to Beau that once his bosses discover his blood was tainted with cocaine or whatever substance he had, he wouldn't be able to see his children anymore. Sharon stated it would happen since she had always protected her kids from guys like Beau. Sharon then demands Beau to leave her house immediately and he storms out.
Louie[]
Louie is over at her nightclub and enters the money room where she loads money into her duffel bag. She then gets a page as she is filling up the bag. As she reenters the main area of her club, she sees Leon who is escorted by her security. Louie then sends her guard away. Leon then scorns Louie for her hypocrisy, how she said one thing and tried to kill Kane anyway. Louie stated she felt it needed to be done. Leon then tells Louie to make him understand her justification for her actions. Louie then asks Leon if he thought it was tough being a black man in the world. She then suggests he should try walking in the shoes of a black woman, being everything she had to do needed to be spot otherwise she would nowhere in life, which she would not accept. She then admitted to lying to Leon and hired Beau to whack Kane. She then made her case that in her position, she couldn't afford the luxury of someone trying to kill her and for her to let it slide. Leon then asked about the same thing with Black Diamond and Dallas. Louie stated they worked for the highest bidder and reminded him that he and Franklin killed Kevin. She stated a little cash could keep him happy for a time but would one day finish the job he started. Leon claimed she wouldn't know that, but Louie told Leon she spent half her life being screwed over by guys like Kane which she made clear she wouldn't allow to happen again. She then told Leon if he wouldn't understand her position, then there wasn't much for them to discuss. Leon then told Louie that he came from the hospital and warned her that Kane's people will want blood and kept her secret for he didn't want anymore blood on his conscious. He then gives Louie a dire warning that Kane's crew would eventually find and tells her she must be ready for the fallout. Leon then departs.
Franklin[]
Franklin and Veronique are flying in this private jet over the sealine and Franklin checks on her. Veronique, feeling air sick, asks if there was a bag around for her. Franklin suggest she uses her purse in a joking matter but Veronique refuses. Franklin, as he is flying, suggested Veronique should take a few breaths, relax, and enjoy the view for the flight was almost over. Veronique then glances over toward a seaport town outside her passenger window. Franklin reaches the TARMAC while getting the OK from flight control and lands the plane. They then exit the plane. Later that evening, Franklin and Veronique are on the beach getting a view of the ocean. Franklin pointed out to her while he was dosed with LSD of how she said he could not be a gangster and a family man all at once, for that he would lose her and she'd turn on her to cover her ass. Veronique asked if that was what he believed and Franklin made it clear that he wasn't always truthful with her. He confessed about the terrible things he's done, from the killings to the lives he destroyed, all just to do more than survive and win in the end. He then told her of the revelation he had the prior night and realized he was a monster. Veronique then told Franklin about the time she was 13 and in El Paso with her mother running one of their own scams. She told him about how someone sniffed them out as they were hitting one of their marks and flew into a rage. She points out it's one thing to rob someone straight up but playing the angel while being the devil in disguise is another. She spoke about how the guy knocked her mother out and tried to strangle Veronique but was shot. Veronique told Franklin how her mother comforted her after saving her from the guy who almost killed her and stated how they fled the country. She flat out told Franklin she lied, cheated, stole, and left someone dead in a hotel room. She also pointed out how she went to college and law school, then arrived in LA and fell in love with a man she met, referring to Franklin. Listening to her speak, Franklin told her it wasn't the same thing. Veronique pointed out how she knew Franklin was a killer but believed how he wanted out of the game and how he wanted to change. Franklin pointed he wants that but asked what if he was wrong or it was too late. Veronique then tells him he should win the game. They then sit back and enjoy the view of the waves crashing.
Teddy[]
Both Teddy and Gustavo are riding through a cemetery where they meet Louie for the exchange. They hop out and Teddy stated he heard about how crazy the wedding was. Louie pointed out it was insane yet was the best night she had. Teddy congratulates her as Oso exchanges the bags with her bodyguard. Teddy then asked about why Jerome is absent and Louie points out he had other business. She also states Jerome won't be there for most of the drops. Teddy then makes it clear that he doesn't see him at the drops, he won't want to see anyone else. Louie states she would not go anywhere without her security detail and Teddy states that's the rules; no security detail or anyone he doesn't know, which she could thank Franklin for that. He then asked if Franklin knew about their dealings. Louie told him not yet. Teddy then told her to contact him once she informs him. As they prepare to depart, Teddy turns around and asks Louie when they are leaving for the honeymoon. Louie states it would be in a few days and will be be back in time for the next drop. Teddy tells her to have a good time as she leaves. Teddy then asks Oso to drive and tosses him the keys. Oso then asked Teddy if it was a smart thing to sell product to both sides of the Saint Family. He then pointed out that a blood feud is not good for anyone. Teddy then tells Oso that Franklin is not the kind of person to start a blood feud. Teddy then asks Oso if he knew anything he didn't know as Oso opens the door. Gustavo states that Franklin is young, prideful, and this issue would be a knife in his back. Teddy suggests he'll get over it or not as they hop in the car and drive off.
Beau[]
Beau is in his vehicle near a corner where a dealer is peddling and finishing off his last yeyo. He jumps out of his vehicle and approaches the corner boy requesting 20 grams of cocaine. The dealer denies having product, but Beau isn't stupid and demands 20 grams. The dealer sniffs Beau out as a cop and tells him to leave. Beau turns to his vehicle, only to draw his weapon and turns back around, taking the dealer as a human shield while the dealer and his homies are flipping over the situation. Beau yelled out he was willing to pay for the product, but now he decided to take it. The corner boy then hollered for someone to shoot Beau, who then warns the dealer to shut up. Beau then yells to the dealers to give him some rock or watch their friend die. One of the dealers complies and tosses Beau a bag of rocks. Beau then sweeps up the bags and walks backwards to the vehicle with his pistol in the air asking how hard it was to peddle to him.
Wanda[]
Over at Franklin's childhood home, Leon expressed a thought that maybe Cissy would have already moved back in to her old house. Wanda suggested she is probably still staying at some hotel. Leon then stated he wanted to talk about the night before. Wanda then pointed out how Leon was doped that night. Leon then stated that regardless of the LSD phase, he meant every word he said to her. Wanda then asked which part he meant and Leon talked about leaving on a trip, naming Europe and Africa, then suggesting Wanda come with him. Wanda is explaining she just finally got a good job and getting her life back on track. Leon then suggests to her if she asked Franklin, the job would still be hers once she returns. Wanda also pointed out that even should Franklin grant her that requests, she still has no money saved up nor does she have a passport to leave the country. Leon states he has plenty of cash for the both of them and she could get a passport in a day's time. Wanda then asked why her as the tea kettle on the stove is whistling. She checks on the tea kettle while Leon explains he needed to do some thinking for himself and how to help out their people. He then pointed out that Wanda was down that road and understood how folks were hurting. Wanda then asked if Leon wanted her to leave with him so she could help him. Leon then told her he just wanted to spend some time with her. Wanda then assumed he was embarrassed to be with her around folks in LA knowing what she was like while on the rock. Leon states it wasn't the case. There is a momentary pause and Wanda breaks a truth about how she still loves him. Leon then told her he had seen everything clear the night prior and that the only woman he ever loved was standing in front of him. He then implores Wanda to leave with him then they'll see if they will be able to get back what they had. They then hug it out.
Louie[]
Over at Louie's, Jerome flips on the radio to the sound of gangster rap and he and Louie speak about the issue with Beau knowing he failed to complete the hit. Louie states if she needs to kill a cop and buy another one, then it would have to be done, hoping it wouldn't end that way. There is a knock on the door and Louie tells the person at the door to enter. It's Chelle and she informs Louie that Franklin is in the VIP area, asking if she wanted her to invite him up. Jerome then suggested they'll see him downstairs. They enter the VIP area and greet Franklin, who asked how it feels a day after the wedding. Louie states that not much has changed. Franklin pointed out that they were legally on their honeymoon and just wanted to finish the conversation they had during the wedding night and admits he understood about the situation involving Kane. He admitted to being wrong knowing it was a choice Louie made. Franklin shows he was man enough to admit he was wrong and apologizes. Franklin further states that he wants everyone to come out of this in one piece, and it would be wise to do that as a family. Jerome states they wanted the same thing. Franklin assumed all was good until Louie broke it to him that she approached Teddy and made a deal to buy her cocaine directly from the plug. Franklin's mood immediately turned sour upon the news and Louie reminded Franklin how they told him they wanted to run their business their way. Franklin then stated were demolishing his business in the process and points out a massive majority of what he moved was through them. Louie then stated it was a big enough for them and most of their businesses were outside LA, naming St. Louis and Little Rock. Franklin stated the expansion idea was his, and Jerome pointed out they made the expansion work. Louie told Franklin she understood his position and was willing to give him a territory of his own choice. Jerome tells Franklin they just want to be reasonable, yet Franklin is beside himself refusing to hear more as he made his way to the exit. Franklin then paused and stated to Louie how she wanted to be out in front, then stated that is where she stands. He wishes them a vague luck as he leaves. Later, Louie is closing up the club for the night and Chelle suggested she could have went home with Jerome. Louie states she'll finish up the schedule and leave it in the office along with the place they'll be staying at in case Chelle needed anything. Chelle tells Louie she could handle the job and tells her to enjoy the honeymoon. Louie then relinquishes the ledger to her and heads to her office, where Beau is awaiting her and drinking a glass of scotch. Louie is startled to see him in her office and rips on him for entering unannounced. Beau then spots a tube of cocaine, opens it up and pours it on her tray. As he was scraping the coke, he told Louie he's been paging her all day and accuses her of avoiding him. Louie tells Beau she had a full day on her hand. Beau asked what was so important and Louie stated she was enjoy her first day as a newlywed. Beau stops cutting the coke and demands Louie to pay him the rest of his money. Louie states he'll get paid when the job is done, reminding him that Kane was supposed to be in the morgue, not in the emergency room. Beau states his partner was killed and Louie tells him it's not her problem. Beau then states the top brass will use this situation as an excuse to kick him off of the police force. Louie then asked why the LAPD would care if a black man is killed in the streets. Beau then clarified they would care if it was a black man that committed the crime. He then stated he was now in a spot and Louie put him there. Louie states he did that to himself. Beau then menacingly approaches Louie and scorns her for refusing to pay the rest of what he is owed. He then accused Louie of possibly setting him up and wondering if she was hoping it would be him that died instead. Louie asked why she would do that and Beau suggested maybe it was payback for the raid at the Projects. He then went down the list of how he lost his partner, his job, and he's about to lose his kids. He then takes a seat and grovels over the idea of not seeing his kids again. Louie then approaches Beau and tells him he won't lose a thing since he gained the life he was meant to have. She asked if he had friends on the force as well as connections which he nodded to. Louie tells him those traits make him of great value to her. Louie then gives him a full-time job and his pay would be double what he made as an LAPD detective. She tells Beau his place in the world would be with them. Louie then slides the cocaine tray away and states this wasn't the end for him but the beginning.
Rubén[]
Rubén is outside Avi's Chinatown warehouse with his partner, Alexander, who is reading through a Playboy magazine. He then offers the magazine to Rubén who turns it down. Alexander then asked what a 'playboy' is Rubén suggest it to be a wealthy man living the life of travel, leisure, and women. Alexander then states they have no Russian term for such a person. Rubén tells his partner the coast is clear and they exit the car. As they approach the warehouse, Alexander picks the lock of the steel door and they enter the dark building. They pull out their flashlights and begin searching around and Rubén comes across some documents. Both men are looking through the paperwork they found and Avi appears with a gun in hand demanding they raise their hands up. Avi then stares at Rubén and immediately recognizes him. Alexander then moves a move toward Avi only to be shot dead, giving Rubén the opportunity to take Avi to the ground. Eventually Avi rolls on top of Rubén and punches are thrown from both sides. Rubén manages to kick Avi away, causing him to stumble over a steel case. Rubén gets up and jumps on Avi's back. Once again, Avi manages to get the upper hand once more and knocks Rubén into a pillar. Rubén immediately charges at Avi, only to get tossed to the ground, but manages to punch Avi off of him and struck him to the floor. Rubén then reaches for a wine bottle and immediately knocks Avi unconscious.
Franklin[]
Franklin is at a diner awaiting Teddy who enters and sits across him. Teddy points out how on Sunday nights, everything is closed down for the night and people are sleeping tight. Franklin states there are plenty of hustlers on the street. Teddy then states how New York is the city that never sleeps and asks what does that make LA. Franklin calls it the city that sleeps in. The waitress approach and Teddy requests some coffee. The waitress takes the request and walks away until Teddy calls her back and asks if they serve pie. The waitress names the types the diner has and Teddy orders an apple pie with whipped cream. As the waitress heads away, Franklin senses Teddy to be in a good mood. Teddy admits he is. Franklin then states how he owed Teddy an apology or an explanation for a certain phone call he made during Jerome and Louie's wedding. Teddy asked if it was the one where Franklin threatened to kill him. Franklin stated he was dosed with LSD and out of his mind. Teddy stated he heard of the situation. Teddy then asked Franklin if he had at least a little bit of fun before he went into a paranoia state. Franklin stated his whole Family was present and everyone had fun, but never knew about bomb being dropped until it was too late. Teddy then asked if he meant the acid or the deal he made with Louie. The waitress brings the coffee and informs Teddy the pie would be ready shortly then takes off. Franklin sips his drink and admits to not seeing it coming. Teddy tells Franklin it was nothing personal. Franklin helps finish that sentence then adds 'just business', and asked Teddy if he knew the amount of times Franklin mentioned that. Franklin clarified he knew this whole deal wasn't about them but about America and winning a war. Teddy agreed and Franklin told him how he thought on it. Franklin then pointed out that over the course of 3 years, he made Teddy almost $56 million dollars to fund the Contra war, all the while he was beaten, shot, locked up, and killed others. He also brought up selling out his own father, all just to keep the pipeline flowing. Teddy then reminded Franklin how he wanted it. Franklin admits it and Teddy told him they weren't doing charity and everything Franklin earned was some nice hazard pay. Franklin then pointed out their unlikely partnership has been flourishing in ways they couldn't imagine and hoped Teddy got what he wanted out of it to the last drop. Franklin then made the decision to end the partnership effective immediately. The waitress brings the pie and asked if there was anything else she could provide but Teddy bluntly states they're fine. The waitress then leaves. Teddy, now with disapproval in his eyes, stated that just because he is dealing with Louie shouldn't mean Franklin should walk away. Franklin accused Teddy of stabbing him in the back as well as undercutting him to his biggest supplier and decided their dealings were finished. Franklin pointed out he has everything from money, to his lady, and a child on the way. Franklin states he did his patriotic duty and more which was his justification for walking away. Franklin then pointed out how a white man from Kansas and a black kid from South Central changed the course of history forever. Franklin hopped out of his seat, wished him luck, and extended him hand. Teddy then hopped up and shook his hand. Franklin then turned around and left the diner.
Cast[]
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Episode Deaths[]
- Eddie Perez - Killed in a gunfight with Kane's crew
- Alexander - Shot by Avi
Music[]
- Grama Graphtos by Koko
- Love is an Illusion by Ronnie Walker
- Hip Hop 2 by Joe Mansfield
- Superfine Feeling by Rare Pleasure
- The Bump by Floyd Smith
- Invincible by The Thompsons
- It's Like That by Run DMC