The Good Shepherd

In 1961, the Bay of Pigs invasion occurs, leaving a catastrophic aftermath that haunts CIA officer Edward Wilson. The political fallout raises suspicions of a mole within the agency, setting off a chain of events that leads Wilson to question his colleagues' loyalties.

Following the chaotic invasion, Wilson discovers suspicious audio tapes and an intimate photo of a man and woman together at home. These clues hint at deeper betrayals within the CIA, pushing Wilson to scrutinize his own inner circle for signs of disloyalty.

In 1939, Wilson enters Yale University and is invited to join the elite Skull and Bones fraternity. During his initiation, he reveals a heartbreaking suicide note from his father, which has haunted him due to his father's questionable loyalty and its consequences on their family.

FBI agent Sam Murach approaches Wilson to investigate his poetry professor, Frederick, suspected of having Nazi sympathies. After Wilson’s scrutiny leads to Frederick's resignation, it underscores the tension brewing in Europe ahead of World War II.

Wilson falls in love with Laura, a deaf fellow student at Yale, but their relationship faces trials as World War II looms. Laura desires intimacy with Wilson but pulls back, and when she learns about Wilson's impending marriage to Clover, she walks away devastated.

In 1940, during a party, Wilson meets Margaret 'Clover' Russell, who is charming yet aggressive. Her allure captivates Wilson despite potential familial conflicts, setting the stage for their complicated relationship amidst the backdrop of an impending war.

On the day of Wilson's wedding to Clover, he receives orders to report to London for intelligence duties, reflecting the tension between personal commitments and national service. This pivotal moment marks a significant shift in Wilson’s life as he navigates love and duty.

Upon arriving in London, Wilson meets Dr. Fredericks, who warns him about a threat within their ranks. Fredericks' eventual assassination for refusing to cooperate serves as a stark reminder of the dangers in the world of espionage.

In post-war Berlin, Wilson collaborates with a Soviet agent called 'Ulysses' during a volatile scientist exchange. The discovery of Clover’s infidelity during this period adds personal strife to the already complex environment of espionage.

By 1946, Wilson plays a crucial role in forming the CIA alongside General Sullivan and Richard Hayes. As the founding members shape the agency, Wilson faces personal turmoil back home with Clover, reflecting the dual battles of personal and professional life.

Years later, Edward Jr. follows his father's footsteps to Yale, expressing an interest in joining the CIA. This revelation leads to an emotional confrontation, where Wilson reluctantly admits his marriage to Clover was driven by obligation, not love.

As relations with Cuba deteriorate under Fidel Castro's regime, Wilson becomes increasingly anxious about his son’s silence over the Bay of Pigs invasion. This growing tension is emblematic of Wilson's struggles to balance family duties and national interests.

An investigation reveals unsettling truths about Edward Jr. that emerge from recordings made by Ulysses, leading to a shocking assassination of his girlfriend, Miriam. This layer of tragedy layers complex emotional deals into Wilson's narrative.

Amidst internal corruption, Wilson visits the new CIA headquarters, pondering the inscription that encapsulates the agency’s mission. He faces the consequences of betrayal and deception within the organization as he climbs the ranks to lead counter-intelligence.

In a moment of introspection, Wilson confronts his father’s suicide note, filled with themes of betrayal and the plea for integrity. By burning the note, he signifies an end to an era and embraces his role in the counter-intelligence division, embarking on a path towards resolution.