Details how America and Iran went from deeply enmeshed Allies to global adversaries; as the American-backed Shah flees his country's revolution against the repression of his regime, the religious cleric Ayatollah Khomeini rises to power and an Islamic theocracy is put in place; the U.S. embassy, a symbol of American imperialism and political interference to many, falls under grave threat.

An exploration of the chaos that unfolded on the first days of the hostage crisis; illuminates the motivations and ideals of the young revolutionaries who breached the embassy walls; events take a turn when Khomeini sanctions the takeover and the hostage-taking becomes a watershed moment of Khomeini's repressive regime.

The Carter administration's attempts at diplomacy means it failed at securing the hostages; President Carter then initiates Operation Eagle Claw, but it becomes a disaster; eight service members die, and the hostages are no closer to coming home.

As the presidential election of 1980 is approaching, Iran and America are still locked in a stalemate after a year of fighting and negotiating; ultimately, the hostages are released on President Reagan's inauguration day.