Was Teddy Going to Give Franklin the Money? Unraveling the Snowfall Mystery
The central question haunting fans of the acclaimed FX series, Snowfall, revolves around the intentions of Teddy McDonald, the enigmatic CIA operative. The climax of the show left many wondering: was Teddy ever truly planning to give Franklin Saint his money back? The short answer is a resounding no. All evidence points to Teddy’s actions being a calculated move to secure the money for himself, leaving Franklin penniless and devastated.
Teddy’s Calculated Betrayal
Throughout Snowfall, Teddy’s character is consistently portrayed as manipulative and self-serving. His entire operation is built on a foundation of exploitation and a ruthless pursuit of his goals, often at the expense of others. When Franklin attempts to exit the drug trade and claims his amassed $73 million, Teddy seemingly agrees to the split. However, several factors indicate that this was a charade.
The Implausibility of a Clean Split
Teddy’s agreement to split the money goes against his established character. He views Franklin as a subordinate, someone he allowed to succeed. The line, “Everything you have is because I allowed you to have it,” encapsulates his belief in his own superiority and control. He is not someone who would willingly relinquish what he considers his due, especially not to an equal, let alone someone he sees as below him.
The Ill-Fated Transfer
The scene at the bank is critical. Just as Teddy prepares to execute the transfer, Cissy (Franklin’s mother) shoots him dead. This action prevents the transfer from happening, but it also reveals that Teddy was never truly committed to doing it. If Teddy was genuinely planning to transfer the money, he would have done it earlier or at least ensured it happened before meeting Franklin again. The fact that he chose to wait until the last possible moment to try the transfer suggests he was stalling and attempting to buy more time.
The Power Dynamic
Teddy’s actions are rooted in his need to maintain a sense of power and control. He could not stand the idea of Franklin walking away a free and financially independent man. He needed to retain his position as the dominant force. Allowing Franklin to keep the money would undermine his authority and the “natural order” he believes in. The notion of Franklin living peacefully off the drug money was anathema to Teddy.
Cissy’s Intervention: A Necessary Act
Cissy’s actions, while tragic, expose Teddy’s true intentions. By shooting Teddy, she inadvertently confirmed that he was not going to give the money back. Her desperate attempt to protect her son ultimately sealed Teddy’s fate and underscored the futility of trusting him. This confirms what the audience has likely suspected: Teddy was never a man of his word.
The Fallout
Ultimately, Teddy steals the $73 million from Franklin, not to mention his life savings. He leaves Franklin with nothing. The destruction of Franklin’s empire and the loss of his fortune, his father (killed by Teddy), and his family are the direct results of Teddy’s greed and betrayal. This was not a case of unfortunate circumstance; it was a deliberate act of theft and malice. Teddy never had any intention of relinquishing control, highlighting his status as a true villain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Teddy steal the money from Franklin?
Teddy stole Franklin’s money primarily because of his insatiable need for power and control. He saw Franklin’s success as a direct result of his own involvement and therefore felt entitled to the fortune. He also couldn’t tolerate Franklin becoming independent and walking away from the game.
2. Was Teddy always a bad guy?
Yes, Teddy’s actions throughout Snowfall demonstrate that he was always a morally corrupt character. His role as a CIA operative doesn’t excuse his blatant disregard for human life and his willingness to exploit others for his own gain. He was always willing to compromise morals for the CIA’s goals.
3. Why did Cissy shoot Teddy?
Cissy shot Teddy in an act of desperate protectiveness towards her son, Franklin. She was aware that Teddy was manipulating Franklin and that he was never going to give the money back. By killing Teddy, she removed what she saw as the biggest threat to her son.
4. Could Franklin have done anything differently?
Franklin’s biggest mistake was trusting Teddy. Throughout the series, Franklin makes decisions that are short-sighted and driven by greed. He should have recognized that Teddy was never an ally.
5. Did Teddy ever show remorse for his actions?
No, Teddy never showed any genuine remorse. Even when confronted with the consequences of his actions, he maintained a cold and calculating demeanor, further solidifying his status as a ruthless antagonist.
6. How did Franklin lose all his money?
Franklin’s $73 million was lost due to Teddy stealing it and the mismanagement of the rest. The money was spent on various things, including paying off the KGB and taking care of multiple people. The money wasn’t accessible and at the end, Teddy was the only one with the access.
7. Did Teddy plan on leaving the CIA?
Teddy’s future with the CIA is a complicated one. He may have had plans to go solo and retire in comfort with the stolen money, but ultimately his dedication to the CIA’s goals was a part of what made him a villain in Snowfall.
8. What was Teddy’s motivation for getting into the drug trade?
Teddy’s involvement in the drug trade was primarily to fund the CIA’s covert operations. He used the chaos caused by the crack epidemic to further the agency’s agenda and his personal goals.
9. Why did Leon not give Franklin money?
Leon refused to give Franklin money because he considered it “blood money” and felt it would disrespect the sacrifices of Cissy and others who suffered as a result of the drug trade. He also saw that Franklin was not taking responsibility for his actions.
10. How did Franklin’s family become so fractured?
Franklin’s family became fractured due to the inherent nature of the drug trade. His pursuit of power and wealth led to his betrayal of loved ones, and his loved ones ended up being hurt or killed.
11. Was Franklin supposed to be a sympathetic character?
Franklin is designed to be a complex character, and as he gains more power, his actions show his descent into a villain. While his early life invokes sympathy, his later actions make it hard to see him as a hero.
12. How did the end of Snowfall reflect the effects of the drug trade?
The show’s conclusion shows how the destructive effects of the drug trade ripple through generations. Franklin, once a powerful figure, ended up broken and lost. This ending emphasizes the devastating impact of the drug trade on individuals and the community.
13. Who was the main villain of Snowfall?
While there are multiple antagonists, Teddy is perhaps the most prominent and consistent villain. His actions have the most direct impact on Franklin’s life and the storyline overall.
14. Was Snowfall based on a true story?
While the characters and specific events are fictional, the series is inspired by the real-life crack cocaine epidemic of the 1980s and its devastating effects on communities. The characterizations and situations are rooted in the actual events of that era.
15. Will there be a spin-off of Snowfall?
There have been reports of a potential spin-off in development, but no further details have been released. This indicates a possibility of the Snowfall universe expanding in the future.
In conclusion, Teddy was never going to give Franklin his money back. His character, motivation, and actions point to a calculated betrayal that ultimately left Franklin in ruins. The series finale served to underscore the destructive power of greed and manipulation, leaving viewers with a lasting impression of the harsh realities depicted in Snowfall.