1939; Edward Wilson starts a career in intelligence and covert operations as a consequence of his silver spoon background and American military involvement in WW2. 1961; now Wilson ruthlessly organises programmes that involve the deaths of many, seems incapable of having a relationship with a woman that doesn't involve destroying her, his marriage is a career enhancing loveless and hollow affair, he betrays most who know him, including his family, and this sale of his soul - all in the name of patriotism and corporate profits. His only real friends are a non-thinking workmate (a superb Turturro) and a KGB rival and every promotion is another nail in the coffin of his moral integrity and personal happiness.