LAPD Detective Sam Hodiak and undercover officer Brian Shafe begin the search for a missing teenage girl, Emma Karn, who has fallen under the spell of infamous cult leader Charles Manson.

Hodiak and Shafe investigate a complicated murder case amidst rising racial tensions. Meanwhile, Manson forces Emma's father, Ken Karn, to introduce him to an executive in the music business.

A drug dealer is murdered, and the prime suspect is Shafe's snitch. Meanwhile, Shafe and rookie Charmain Tully go undercover into the Manson family in a mission that comes with serious consequences.

Hodiak investigates Art Gladner's murder through his late wife Lucille, who runs a burlesque club. Manson hides Emma but Hodiak, under pressure from Grace, ultimately finds her and brings her home.

A South Central murder investigation ratchets up tension with the Black Panthers. Emma runs away from home in the midst of the chaos and Hodiak pays Manson a visit and gives him a near-fatal beating.

Charlie recovers. Charmain finds a case. Hodiak seeks the man who's been harassing Shafe's family. Shafe helps Hodiak get a message to his son.

Cutler gets a surprise visitor. Hodiak and Shafe work the murder of a Hollywood star. Charlie goes gun shopping.

Karn buries secrets. Failing to impress a record producer, Manson takes his disappointment out on his family. Shafe catches a tough break. Hodiak loses an old friend.

Charmain's first ride-along ends when her fellow officers are gunned down, the first in a series of cop killings.

Charlie tests Emma's loyalty. Shafe passes Guapo's test. After his first acid trip, courtesy of Manson, Hodiak helps a fellow detective with a secret.

Trust is an issue when Bunchy asks Hodiak to find his brother's killer; the Hodiak family comes together to help Walt; Charlie's mom visits.

Emma's absence is felt when the Manson family makes a documentary; Hodiak makes a deal with Ken Karn to save his son.