S1·E4 The Ace of Spades

Episode recap

In the fourth episode of the limited series High Value Target: The Hunt for Saddam, titled The Ace of Spades, the narrative reaches a pivotal moment as the protagonist, CIA analyst John Nixon, finally comes face-to-face with Saddam Hussein. This encounter serves as the culmination of the search efforts depicted throughout the series, which is inspired by the memoir Debriefing the President by John Nixon.

As the series chronicles the events of 2003, this episode highlights the direct interaction between the American analyst and the deposed leader. Nixon, who is portrayed by Joel Kinnaman, holds the distinction of being the first American to positively identify and interrogate Saddam Hussein. Their meeting occurs against a backdrop of escalating instability in the region. While the interrogation takes place, the broader situation in Iraq remains volatile. The episode depicts a city in crisis as Baghdad burns, reflecting the widespread humanitarian horrors and geopolitical turbulence that followed the deposing of the former leader. Simultaneously, insurgents continue to remount their attacks, underscoring the dangerous environment in which the CIA mission is being conducted.

The series, created by Daniel Stiepleman and Jonathan Wakeham and developed by Leslie Greif for TNT, uses this encounter to explore the potential consequences of the invasion. Throughout the episode, the tension between the high-stakes interrogation and the deteriorating security situation on the ground illustrates the complex challenges faced by those involved in the hunt. By focusing on the direct exchange between Nixon and Hussein, the episode emphasizes the gravity of the mission and the shifting landscape of the conflict. The events depicted in The Ace of Spades contribute to the series' overarching examination of the 2003 invasion and its immediate aftermath, providing a grounded look at the historical circumstances surrounding the capture of the high-value target. The episode maintains the series' focus on the personal and political implications of the search, as the analyst attempts to navigate the realities of the occupation while confronting the man at the center of the conflict.