Amidst the backdrop of the 1979 Iranian revolution, Jimmy Carter's failure to free American hostages sets the stage for Reagan's own hostage crisis.

After Nicaragua, the Reagan Administration is convinced the Soviet Union is on the march; Lt Colonel Oliver North is tapped to support the Contras.

A civil war in Lebanon results in a new hostage crisis; National Security Advisor Robert "Bud" McFarlane's proposal.

Reagan's cabinet strikes an illegal weapons-for-hostages deal with an Iranian arms merchant; proceeds pay for the Nicaraguan civil war.

Bizarre events in Iran and in Nicaragua, spark a frenzy among the press and public; Reagan's team debates how best to respond.