Det. Ray Velcoro works for the city of Vinci, California and has been on a downward spiral for years. He's divorced, drinks too much and has a violent temper. He's also in the pocket of local gangster Frank Semyon who years before provided the identity of the man who raped Velcoro's wife. He does odd jobs for Semyon, such as beating up a reporter who recently wrote a series on organized crime. Velcoro latest case is to locate City Manager Ben Caspere who hasn't been seen for several days. Sheriff's Det. Ani Bezzerides is good at her job but is estranged from her sister Athena - who does live cam porn - and her father who is now a new age guru of sorts. California Highway Patrolman Paul Woodrugh learns that he's been put on administrative leave after a young woman falsely claims he solicited sex to let her go free. These three police officers come together late one night when a man is found sitting on a park bench, dead. Written by garykmcd

As Ray and Ani delve further into Casper's gruesome murder, truths unfold and more mysteries arise. Frank becomes more concerned about his business and missing money so persuades Ray to follow up on something, however this leads him into a situation with an unexpected outcome. Written by Moeen Ismail

Ray survives the shotgun attack in Ben Caspere's apartment but has to take a few days off to recover. A review of the evidence reveals that Caspere was traveling up and down the State making land deals. Ani and Paul visit Vinci Mayor Austin Chessani's and get a bit of an eyeful. They also get a lead on a car that was in the area on the night of Caspere's murder. Paul continues to search for the prostitutes Caspere may have frequented. A flashback recalls an encounter with old friend and provides clues to his own confused sexuality. After the death of one of his men, Frank reasserts his position among other mobsters and begins to rebuild the fortune that seems to have disappeared with Caspere's death. Written by garykmcd

The detail works a pawn shop lead to close in on a suspect in the Caspere case. Frank revisits his past to pay for the present.

Ray and Frank consider new life choices; Ani and Paul go up to the coast to follow a lead.

Desperate to locate a missing woman with intel about Caspere, Frank meets with Mexican drug dealers; Ani infiltrates an exclusive inner circle, with Ray and Paul keeping close tabs.

As Ani, Paul, and Ray get closer to finding out the truth about Caspere, circumstances become more dangerous for them all and everyone around them. Frank deals with an inside betrayal, learns important information, and plans his next move.

Ray and Ani attempt to escape their desperate situation while Frank ties up some loose ends.