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6 Episodes 2021 - 2021
Episode 1
Sun, Sep 19, 202154 mins
The first episode looks at the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the ensuing hostage crisis. Leon Neyfakh narrates that while the Iran-Contra affair was known as "Ronald Reagan's scandal" the stage was set by President Jimmy Carter. The 1979 oil crisis causes frustration among American citizens because of empty gas pumps. In July 1979, Carter delivered his "Crisis of Confidence" speech. When Mohammad Reza Shah arrives in the United States for cancer treatment, some Iranian pro-Khomeini protesters claims that the Iranian king is malingering to plot a return to Iran to stage a counter-revolution. Abbas Milani says that while the Iranian king suppressed and arrested the communists, he allowed the Islamic clergy to organize and mobilize to "fight communism." ABC News's Nightline was started to give broadcast time on national television to the families of the 1979 American hostages held in Tehran. In April 1980, eight American service members die when their helicopter crashes in Iranian desert (Operation Eagle Claw). Ralph Reed says,"Even though he [Ronald Reagan] was divorced [twice] and came out of Hollywood," the Evangelical Christians welcomed him. Modern interviews and archival footages are shown.
Episode 2
Sun, Sep 26, 202154 mins
After Nicaragua, the Reagan Administration is convinced the Soviet Union is on the march; Lt Colonel Oliver North is tapped to support the Contras.
Episode 3
Sun, Oct 3, 202150 mins
A civil war in Lebanon results in a new hostage crisis; National Security Advisor Robert "Bud" McFarlane's proposal.
Episode 4
Sun, Oct 10, 202150 mins
Reagan's cabinet strikes an illegal weapons-for-hostages deal with an Iranian arms merchant; proceeds pay for the Nicaraguan civil war.
Episode 5
Sun, Oct 17, 202146 mins
Bizarre events in Iran and in Nicaragua, spark a frenzy among the press and public; Reagan's team debates how best to respond.
Episode 6
Sun, Oct 24, 202155 mins
The Justice Department launches an investigation into the Reagan administration's deals with Iran; one man is chosen to take the fall for the president.