In 1956, two BBC reporters, Bel Rowley and Freddie Lyon, apply to join an ambitious new current affairs programme. A chance meeting involves Freddie in a dark conspiracy.

The Hour is struggling. The ratings are down, the reviews are terrible and Hector and Freddie are bickering like children. As events escalate in Suez, Bel knows their only hope is to pull off a brave interview with an Egyptian diplomat - but is Hector up to the challenge? Meanwhile, Freddie discovers a mysterious code which may well provide a clue to Ruth's death.

A weekend invite to a shooting party at Hector's in-laws gives Freddie an opportunity to quiz Adam Le Ray on his relationship with Ruth, whilst Hector struggles with his ailing marriage and his growing feelings for Bel. At the office, suspicion about Tom Kish is mounting and Isaac is on the case.