Los Angeles. 1983. A storm is coming and its name is crack. Set against the infancy of the crack cocaine epidemic and its ultimate radical impact on the culture as we know it, the story follows numerous characters on a violent collision course.
With violence in South Central ramping up, Franklin attempts to stop a gang war from exploding. Gustavo and Teddy deal with pipeline issues. Local reporter Irene Abe attempts to understand what's happening to her neighborhood. Leon charts a new path.
Chaos reigns as Franklin's plans go awry and he turns to an old flame for help. Leon struggles without Franklin. Cissy takes a more active role in Franklin's business. Gustavo's world is shaken. Irene finds her way to Alton's shelter.
Franklin's missteps put Leon in the crosshairs, resulting in an unexpected reconnection. Teddy faces fallout from Tijuana. Irene's investigation has a promising new lead. Franklin tries to appease Cissy.
Franklin is torn between business and loyalty, as tragedy causes alliances to shift. Teddy bails out Gustavo. Irene's investigation moves closer to the Saint family.
Franklin suffers the cost of his business. As Teddy’s situation deteriorates, so does his mental state. Gustavo and Lucia struggle with how to proceed.