bettycjung 4/4/18. While the 9-episode mini-series was meticulously done as the original investigation was, it was a slog. I read the actual mini-series had some problems to reach the 8-episode series, and I can see why. The series was extremely detailed in portraying the investigation and eventual capture of Aldrich Ames, based on the book that was written by the two original female investigators. Ames was an awful double agent who brought about the deaths of many spies because he was in love with a sprendthrift and justified his defection to the other side so he can get the money from the Russians to please his wife. Whatever. With good editing, this could have been a 4-episode mini-series. The Netflix bonus 9th episode is all you really need to watch if you want to get to the gist of the series.

jdyx5 My husband and I found this incredible mini-series on Netflix last night and watched 7 of the nine episodes, saving the last two for "desert" today. I kept wondering why we had never heard of it until I looked it up and found it had been canceled after 2 episodes. Shame on ABC!! We knew the story but the suspense is just as intense as if we had never heard of Aldritch Ames. The acting is top-notch and Paul Rhys would have received a nomination at the very least if the show had been given a chance. I intend to tell everyone I know to check it out on Netflix, etc. I assure them they will not be disappointed. It's billed as "based on a true story" but when I researched Ames I was impressed that the series did indeed stick to the facts and didn't try to embellish history.

Al Rodbell Not a single article or description of the ninth episode of this series, perhaps because it was never aired on T.V, and is only on Netflix. It is mostly interviews with the actual persons depicted in the series: Sandy Grimes, her husband, Jean,among others, responding to off camera questioner. Then there are extensive segments of Ames being interviewed by Ted Koppel.This final segment is the key to the entire series, as it shows just how accurate the dramatization was. Once they had the smoking gun from the final Russian source and home recordings Ame's conversations with his wife, without knowing that the final episode would be a documentary of the series, I thought it would be created fluff, perhaps an extended trial and marriage issues. I had thought that many scenes were the writers taking liberties, as they seemed so implausible to me, but that last episode confirmed that the dramatization right up to the personalities of the main characters were spot on.There was the touching scene of the the Soviet General that we knew had been betrayed by Ames with his granddaughter, that I thought was such a flourish. In this final episode the actual now-grown woman showed up at the signing of the book this series was based on, "Circle of Treason." We learn that the General, unlike Ames, made his decision not for money, but out of belief that those who controlled the government were destroying his country.This, along with the in depth interview of Ames raises profound issues of the fine line between bravery and treachery that is being asked this day about Ed Snowden - who some claim betrayed his country while others consider a rare patriot. The first eight episodes was a diverting drama, with the ninth it became a rare provocative event.

enaashby46 I was greatly disappointed when The Assets was canceled just after two episodes. Considering that about 30% of the US knows what the three branches of government are but probably know Miley's latest twerking episode or which size bra one of those inane Kardashian sisters is wearing, I am not surprised that a series which stretched one's mental capacities would be canceled.I watched it on Netflix and found it to be a fascinating story of how a very weak and malleable Aldrich Ames was willing to sell his country's secrets just to keep his second wife in the lap of luxury. It captured the grizzly reality of the KGB and the evils of communism. I know in some circles, it is not kosher to criticize communism. Perhaps that was another indictment of this series.I would highly recommend it- great acting, realistic recreations of the 1980s and wonderful storyline.