Adapted by Walter Mosley from his short story collection. Ex-con murderer Socrates Fortlow, played by Fishburne, returns to the mean streets of Watts and tries to find a job, lead a quiet life and keep his nose clean. He befriends a number of neighbors in the 'hood, sharing with them the optimism and spiritual recovery he has gained in prison. When a killer comes on the scene, Fortlow's predilection to violence is tested.