Ep 1. Part 1 of 2

The Presidents' Gatekeepers is a captivating documentary series that explores the unique relationship between the United States presidents and their closest advisors - the gatekeepers. The first episode of the series titled "Part 1 of 2" provides an in-depth look into the lives of gatekeepers serving under some of the recent presidents of the United States.

The episode begins with an introduction of the gatekeepers - the individuals who were given unlimited access to the Oval Office and were trusted with handling some of the most confidential information related to the nation's security. The narrative then takes us through various presidencies, highlighting the role played by gatekeepers in shaping important governmental decisions and consequential events.

The show features insights from eight gatekeepers, each with extensive experience serving under different presidents. From Jack Watson (the Chief of Staff to President Jimmy Carter) to Leon Panetta (who served as Chief of Staff under President Bill Clinton), the show provides an insider's view of the administrations they served under and the tough decisions that they had to make.

The first episode dives into one of the most tumultuous periods of the modern American presidency - the Watergate scandal during Richard Nixon's administration. The documentary delves into how gatekeepers at the time struggled to balance their loyalty to the president with their duty to the country. Dean, Magruder, and Krogh - all gatekeepers who were closely associated with the scandal - share their perspectives about the Watergate investigation and reveal insights into how the administration worked to keep the scandal under wraps.

The documentary also features interviews with gatekeepers from the Reagan and George W. Bush administrations, detailing their experiences of leading the country through high-stress situations like the 9/11 terrorist attacks. They recount how they rallied around the commander-in-chief to manage the fallout from the tragic event that shaped the course of history.

The episode also provides a glimpse into the administrative duties of gatekeepers, including their role in coordinating the activities of the extensive White House staff, managing classified information, and dealing with challenging situations like crises and scandals. The humor and camaraderie between the gatekeepers are evident through their anecdotes and experiences shared during their time in the White House.

The show also touches upon the interpersonal relationships that developed between gatekeepers and their respective presidents. Some were closer to their presidents than others, and their closeness impacted the nature of their interactions. The documentary hints at the fact that these relationships were not just professional, but personal as well, as presidents shared intimate details of their lives with their gatekeepers.

Overall, the first episode of The Presidents' Gatekeepers provides a riveting look into the lives of some of the most important yet overlooked figures of the U.S presidency. It is an eye-opening documentary that offers an exclusive insight into the inner workings of the White House and how it has been run over the last several decades. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in U.S politics, presidential history, and the mechanics of power.