The series premiere sets the stage for the political crucible of 1979, detailing how America and Iran went from deeply enmeshed allies to global adversaries. As the U.S.-backed Shah flees his country's revolution against the excess and repression of his regime, the religious cleric Ayatollah Khomeini rises to power and an Islamic theocracy is put in place. The U.S. embassy, a symbol of American imperialism and political interference to many in the region, falls under grave threat.

Exploring the unfolding chaos of the first days of the hostage crisis, this episode illuminates the motivations and ideals of the young revolutionaries who breached the embassy walls. Events take a turn when Khomeini sanctions the takeover and the hostage-taking becomes a watershed moment of Khomeini's repressive regime.

The episode focuses on President Jimmy Carter's administration as the situation reaches a boiling point and diplomatic efforts to secure the hostages' release fail. Carter decides to initiate military action, but Operation Eagle Claw is a disaster. Eight U.S. service members die, and the fate of the hostages hangs in the balance.