Fact-based story about a 90's espionage case that was chronicled as the worst case of espionage in US history. Aldrich Ames was a middle class CIA agent, whose problems with alcohol and general ineptness had kept him from rising further in the ranks of the agency. Nonetheless he ran an indispensable effort recruiting Soviet double-agents and tracking their whereabouts. Faced with rising bills and an extravagant wife, who finds ways to run up major bills, Aldrich finds himself far in debt and trying to find a way out. He makes a decision to sell a couple of minor names to the Soviets to gain cash. Soon they want more and are willing to spend large amounts to get the names. Aldrich is lured by finally getting the opportunity to have major funds available. His wife is at first appalled by his traitorous actions, but then decides she also likes the cash and the things it brings.