'Snowfall' Season 5 Episode 3 Review: Psycho Skully, ruthless Franklin steal the show

'Snowfall' Season 5 had one humdinger of a premiere and it follows up with another riveting chapter that speaks volumes of Franklin's growth in the series
Damson Idris in a still from 'Snowfall' Season 5 Episode 3 (FX)
Damson Idris in a still from 'Snowfall' Season 5 Episode 3 (FX)

Contains spoilers for 'Snowfall' Season 5 Episode 3 'Lions'

It's the final few minutes that cement Franklin Saint (Damson Idris) as one of the driving forces of the FX crime drama. 'Snowfall' Season 5 had one humdinger of a premiere and it follows up with another riveting chapter that speaks volumes of Franklin's growth in the series. 'Lions' also brings in the nutty and psychotic Skully (De'aundre Bonds) who Aunt Louie and Jerome Saint broker a deal, something that irks Franklin.

The episode starts with Franklin breaking the news of Teddy's (Carter Hudson) return to the crew and that they had to comply with whoever the CIA sent to sort out the deals. The price drop becomes a major headache for the Saints. Jerome and Louie meet with the people they do business with to talk about the issue only to have guns pulled on them. Skully's second-in-command Melo sits out saying the duo would have to discuss that with Skully only for them to see him chop a messenger's ear.

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Eventually, they do learn that Melo had plans to take Skully's place and the latter gets his revenge by killing Melo and that would mean a potential partnership with the hoodlum. There's also that encounter between Franklin and Teddy. When confronted about Alton, the agent lies about his involvement. Teddy spying during a meeting between Dallas and Franklin makes it more interesting. 'Snowfall' continues to churn out compelling chapters and the season just promises that much more punch.

Damson Idris as Franklin has seen some substantial changes. He's a man who is fully aware of his surroundings and for now, it appears that he is one step ahead of the enemy. It's not long before the tests get dangerous and 'Lions' just hints at that in the final few minutes. For now, 'Snowfall' deserves that attention and it certainly commands it. The cast is impressive and the writing is pacy and crisp.

'Snowfall' airs Wednesdays at 10 pm ET on FX.

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