Ep 1. The Real Argo

CIA: Declassified season 1 episode 1, titled "The Real Argo," delves into the story behind the popular film "Argo" and uncovers the real-life heroics that took place during the Iran Hostage Crisis in 1979.

The episode begins with a recap of the historical events leading up to the crisis, when Iranian militants stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran and took 52 Americans hostage. This event would lead to a standoff that lasted for over a year, and the fate of these hostages hung in the balance.

Enter Tony Mendez, a seasoned CIA agent who is tasked with concocting a plan to save six American embassy workers who managed to escape the initial attack and find refuge in the Canadian Ambassador's residence. With tensions running high and every move being watched by Iranian authorities, Mendez's plan seems impossible at best.

But Mendez proves himself to be a master of disguise and invention, as he comes up with the audacious plan to create a fake sci-fi movie called "Argo" and use it as a cover to smuggle the six embassy workers out of Iran. With the help of Hollywood contacts and the Canadian government, Mendez sets about creating a convincing movie production that will be the key to his rescue plan.

"The Real Argo" uses extensive interviews with Mendez himself, as well as other key players involved in the rescue, to piece together the intricate details of the operation. Viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the fake movie, from scouting locations in Iran to casting actors for the roles of the fake production crew.

Along the way, the episode also explores the political ramifications of the Iran Hostage Crisis and the ways in which it shaped U.S. foreign policy in the decades that followed. From President Jimmy Carter's efforts to negotiate with the Iranian captors to the Reagan administration's secret dealings with Iran during the Iran-Contra scandal, viewers get a sense of the larger context in which this daring rescue mission took place.

Despite some harrowing moments and close calls, Mendez's plan ultimately succeeds, allowing the six embassy workers to escape Iran and return safely to their homes. "The Real Argo" celebrates the courage and ingenuity of the CIA agents and other players involved in the operation, while also shedding light on the complex historical events surrounding it.

Overall, season 1 episode 1 of CIA: Declassified is a gripping and informative look at one of the most daring rescue missions in modern history, and a fascinating glimpse into the world of CIA operations during the Cold War era.