Ep 1. My Name Is Aldrich Ames

The Assets is an American television series based on real-life events that occurred during the Cold War. The series portrays the events surrounding the capture of Aldrich Ames, the CIA officer who was convicted of spying for the Soviet Union in the 1980s and early 1990s.

The first episode, titled "My Name Is Aldrich Ames," begins with a flashback to 1985 in Colombia. We see Ames, played by Paul Rhys, in a bar, where he meets a young Jorge Salcedo, who he later recruits as a spy. The scene then shifts to Ames in 1994, as he is being interrogated after being arrested. It is clear that Ames has been caught, and we see in flashbacks how he got to that point.

Ames is introduced as a charming, charismatic CIA agent who is well-liked and respected by his colleagues. However, as the episode unfolds, we see that he has been living a double life and is actually a Soviet spy. The episode follows Ames as he starts to work for the Soviets, providing them with classified information about the CIA's operations.

The episode also touches on the personal life of Ames, including his relationship with his wife Rosario, played by Jodie Whittaker. It becomes evident that Ames' actions are not solely motivated by ideological beliefs but also by financial gain. We see him living a lavish lifestyle, paying off debt, and buying expensive jewelry for his wife.

The episode builds up to Ames' eventual capture, and we see how his colleagues at the CIA had suspicions about his behavior but ultimately failed to catch him. We also see how the FBI and CIA worked together to build a case against Ames, using wiretaps and surveillance to gather evidence against him.

Throughout the episode, there are references to real-life events and characters, including CIA officer Sandy Grimes, played by Jodie Whittaker. Grimes worked on the case against Ames in real life, and her character in the show is a reflection of her significant role in the investigation.

Overall, the first episode of The Assets sets the stage for a riveting spy thriller that explores the complex motivations and actions of Aldrich Ames. The show's attention to detail and dedication to portraying real-life events accurately make it a must-watch for anyone interested in espionage and Cold War history.