Who Stole Franklin’s Money in Snowfall? A Deep Dive
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The question of who stole Franklin Saint’s fortune in the hit FX series Snowfall is a complex one, with multiple layers of betrayal and deceit involved. While the show presents several instances of characters taking money from Franklin, the primary theft, and the one that ultimately sets him on his tragic path, is orchestrated by Teddy McDonald. However, it’s crucial to understand that other characters also played a role in his financial downfall.
So, to be clear, the primary culprit is Teddy McDonald, who stole a massive $73 million from Franklin. While Lenny did rob Franklin earlier, taking a sum of money he gained access to, this theft pales in comparison to the betrayal from Teddy. In addition, there was also Veronique, Franklin’s girlfriend and mother of his child who also left with a share of his wealth, however, this was not the primary reason for his financial ruin. This article will explore the various instances and answer frequently asked questions regarding the theft of Franklin’s money.
The Breakdown: How Franklin Lost His Fortune
Franklin’s loss of money wasn’t a single event, but rather a series of betrayals and unfortunate circumstances:
Teddy McDonald: The $73 Million Heist
The most devastating blow to Franklin’s financial empire was delivered by Teddy McDonald. He was a rogue CIA operative who had been a partner of Franklin’s in the cocaine trade. While Franklin believed their partnership was based on mutual benefit, Teddy had always seen Franklin as a means to an end. Teddy, using his government connections and inherent distrust of Franklin’s desire to leave the drug trade, decided to seize all the money for himself. This theft of $73 million left Franklin completely bankrupt and desperate.
Lenny’s Betrayal: A Smaller, But Significant Loss
Before Teddy’s grand theft, Lenny, a man whom Franklin had given a sum of money to hold on to, also stole from Franklin. Lenny was forced to give up the money’s location due to torture from Karvel but also, later on, robbed Franklin as well. While this theft was not as substantial as Teddy’s, it contributed to the overall erosion of Franklin’s financial stability.
Veronique’s Departure: A Personal Loss
Adding to Franklin’s woes, Veronique, his girlfriend and the mother of his child, took what was left of his money and left. Though not a primary driver of his downfall, this departure emphasized the degree to which he had lost everything, further adding to his desperation.
The Cumulative Effect: More Than Just Money
It’s important to understand that the loss of money was only one aspect of Franklin’s downfall. The betrayals, the deaths of loved ones (like his father and uncle), and the fracturing of his relationships all contributed to his despair. The stolen money was a symbol of everything he had built and then lost, a tragic representation of the perils of the drug game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Teddy steal Franklin’s money?
Teddy stole Franklin’s money because he saw Franklin’s desire to leave the drug trade as a threat to his own operations and the “natural order” he believed in. He also never saw Franklin as an equal, but as a means to an end. His act of betrayal was rooted in his inherent need to maintain control and his perception of superiority.
2. Did Franklin ever get his money back?
No, Franklin never got his $73 million back. His mother, Cissy, killed Teddy before he could return half of the money he stole during their negotiation. This act sealed Franklin’s fate of destitution.
3. How much money did Teddy steal from Franklin?
Teddy stole $73 million from Franklin, an amount that represented the culmination of Franklin’s drug earnings and his dream of retiring from the game.
4. What role did Lenny play in Franklin losing money?
Lenny was responsible for holding a sum of Franklin’s money and eventually was forced to disclose its whereabouts after enduring torture. He later robbed Franklin as well. While not as large a sum as Teddy’s, it was still a significant loss to Franklin.
5. Why didn’t Leon give Franklin his money?
Leon refused to give Franklin his money because he saw it as “blood money” and felt it would disrespect Cissy’s sacrifice (killing Teddy) to stop the cycle of violence. Leon wanted Franklin to reflect on his actions instead of enabling his return to the destructive path.
6. Was Teddy going to split the money with Franklin?
Initially, Teddy agreed to split the money with Franklin in exchange for his safe return. However, this agreement was short-lived as Cissy killed Teddy before the deal could be finalized. It’s likely that Teddy never had any intention of sticking to that agreement.
7. How did Cissy’s actions affect Franklin’s money situation?
Cissy’s killing of Teddy not only resulted in her imprisonment but also ended any chance Franklin had of recovering any of his stolen money. Her actions, although motivated by a desire to protect her son and the community, had a devastating effect on Franklin’s financial state.
8. Why did Veronique take Franklin’s money and leave?
Veronique left with what was left of Franklin’s money because she wanted to raise her child away from the drugs, guns, and violence that had come to define his world. She was looking for a better life for her child that he could not offer.
9. How did Franklin lose everything else besides his money?
Beyond the money, Franklin lost his family, his friends, his influence, and his sense of self. His mother went to prison, his uncle Jerome was killed, his relationships were fractured beyond repair. His world crumbled around him due to the consequences of his actions.
10. Was Franklin betrayed by his family?
Yes, Franklin was betrayed by his Aunt Louie and Uncle Jerome when they broke away to run their own operation. This was the beginning of a lot of his problems and marked the turning point that led to his downfall.
11. How did the loss of money affect Franklin?
The loss of his money stripped Franklin of everything. It was not just the financial loss, but also a loss of the power and respect that came with it, pushing him into a cycle of despair and destruction.
12. Did Franklin become like his father?
In the end, Franklin’s character became reminiscent of his own father, who was destitute and struggling. The show’s finale shows Franklin’s descent into alcoholism and a life of poverty, a stark contrast to his former lavish lifestyle, showing the cyclical nature of trauma.
13. Why did Louie kiss Franklin?
Louie kissed Franklin on the lips as a nod to The Godfather Part II, where Fredo kissed Michael. It was a way of her admitting to her betrayal.
14. How did Franklin’s business decisions contribute to his downfall?
Franklin’s biggest mistake was believing he could leave the drug trade unscathed. His decision to cut corners and make decisions based on ego rather than strategy led to distrust among his partners and ultimately paved the way for his downfall. His desire for legitimacy was ultimately his undoing.
15. What is the significance of Franklin losing everything?
Franklin’s complete financial ruin serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of the drug trade and its impact on individuals and communities. It highlights the tragedy of a man who had everything and lost it all due to his choices and the unforgiving world he lived in. His story was a cautionary tale of greed, violence, and loss.
In conclusion, while multiple factors contributed to Franklin’s downfall, Teddy McDonald’s theft of $73 million is the central act of betrayal that resulted in Franklin’s ultimate demise. The cumulative effect of all of these betrayals and losses resulted in a tragic ending for Franklin Saint.