As dark as the subject matter is, the series never neglects to be entertaining and stays focused on the characters, who are both predators and victims. Idris, Rios and Hudson all offer nuanced portrayals.
The series' biggest problem is that Franklin's journey, and that of his not-yet-ravaged suburban neighborhood, is subsumed by too many subplots of unequal interest
Snowfall's performances are superb, the setting is intoxicating and the knowledge of an oncoming drug storm is enough to keep most coming back for more fresh, white powder.
Singleton can't quite get to the core of why these sympathetic and intelligent people would be so willing to risk everything for a business whose ugliest elements seem to horrify them.