1984, Recently released from prison, aspiring gangster Freddie Jackson vows to make a name for himself in Eighties London, backed by East End kingpin Ozzy, who he met in jail. Joined by his cousin Jimmy, the hoodlum begins his steady rise through the underworld ranks, feeding an insatiable appetite for violence along the way.

The drama moves on three years to 1988, and the new rave culture promises opportunities for the Jacksons as a market for ecstasy emerges. Ozzy sends the cousins to meet a rave organiser in Hackney, and Jimmy sees the opportunity to make a deal with drug lord Des. However, the partnership is threatened when an increasingly erratic Freddie flies into a rage, and his fall from grace begins.

It is now 1994 and it seems Little Freddie is following in his father's footsteps, revealing his sadistic side by orchestrating a showdown between Jackie and Maggie. Meanwhile, Jimmy makes a bid for the empire by plotting an attack on Ozzy in prison.

Jimmy forces Freddie to take responsibility for his son's actions when Little Jimmy is found dead at the hands of Little Freddie. Maggie finally reveals the truth about Little Jimmy's parentage, ending in a showdown between herself and her rapist