Frontline Season 21 Episode 3 The Man Who Knew

The episode "The Man Who Knew" is the third episode of the 21st season of the award-winning investigative documentary series Frontline. This episode delves into the story of John O'Neill, an FBI agent who dedicated his career to pursuing terrorists and warning government officials about the increasing threat of an attack on American soil.

The episode starts with O'Neill's early career, where he was known for his relentless pursuit of terrorists. He investigated the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and was instrumental in bringing the perpetrators to justice. O'Neill's exceptional skills and expertise soon caught the attention of higher-ups in the FBI, and he was tasked with leading the investigation into the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole.

Despite O'Neill's success in these cases, he was not without controversy. He clashed with FBI leadership over his tactics, and his personal life was also marked by scandal. However, the episode shows that O'Neill's determination never faltered, and he continued to warn anyone who would listen about the looming threat of a terrorist attack on the United States.

In the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, O'Neill was tragically killed in the collapse of the World Trade Center towers. However, the episode reveals that his warnings about the threat of a terrorist attack went largely unheeded by government officials.

"The Man Who Knew" not only tells the story of John O'Neill but also sheds light on the failures of the US government to prevent the September 11th attacks. Through interviews with O'Neill's colleagues, family, and friends, as well as government officials and experts on national security, the episode seeks to uncover why O'Neill's warnings were ignored and explore the larger cultural and political factors that contributed to the failure to prevent the attacks.

The episode is a powerful and moving tribute to John O'Neill's life and work, as well as a thought-provoking examination of the US government's response to the terrorist threat in the years leading up to September 11th. With its meticulous investigative reporting and in-depth interviews, "The Man Who Knew" illuminates important questions about the role of law enforcement and national security in keeping America safe.