Los Angeles, 1938. LAPD detective Tiago Vega and his partner, Lewis Michener, investigate a murder. While at City Hall, Tiago’s activist brother Raul Vega battles with the fiery Councilman Charlton Townsend over the construction of California’s first freeway. Meanwhile, Peter Craft, the head of the German-American Bun, meets Elsa, the mysterious mother of one of his patients. Sensing danger, Tiago’s mother Maria pleads with Santa Muerte to protect her family as the rising tensions in the city threaten to explode.

Raul Vega lies on the brink of death. Tiago and Lewis meet radio evangelist Sister Molly Finnister. Councilman Townsend furthers his political goals. Peter Craft runs into Elsa at the beach.

Tiago and Molly try escaping their complicated lives. Lewis interrogates a Cal-Tech student. Townsend and Alex's agenda is jeopardized by a Councilwoman. Peter Craft discovers a dark truth at Elsa's home. Mateo visits a Chicano dance hall.

Tiago scours Sister Molly's beach house for clues. Peter Craft invites Elsa to a party at his home. Lewis asks a gangster to help battle the growing Nazi menace in LA. Josefina Vega has a harrowing encounter with the police.

In danger, Tiago and Lewis must make bold decisions. With Townsend at the end of his rope, he’s forced to turn to a last resort. Spurred by Elsa, Peter decides to take Tom, Trevor and Frank to the movies. Lewis oversees the prison transfer of Diego Lopez as Tiago and Molly go dancing at the Crimson Cat, where they confront the rest of the Vega family.

Peter Craft, Elsa and the boys are trapped amidst a riot. Townsend celebrates the rise of his political fortune. Tiago and Molly face reality about their relationship. Lewis and Tiago protect Brian. The Vegas celebrate the Day of the Dead.