The Assets (2014–…): Season 1, Episode 6 - A Small Useless Truth - full transcript
Having put aside their differences, Sandy and Jeanne move full steam ahead with their mole hunt. The investigation experiences a serious setback, though, when Sandy learns that General ...
Who may know the name of every
single one of these people.
Previously on "the assets"...
Top hat was trying to reestablish contact.
What if it's a trap and they're just waiting for proof of his treason?
Sandy: The kgb know we're looking for our breach,
And they don't want us to find it.
I agree with that.
So we're on the same side?
My transfer finally came through -- Italy.
The seventh floor decided to shut down the task force.
What?! Louisa: But you can't.
I'm not giving up, jeanne. I won't -- not ever.
Neither will I.
[ mutters ]
Alyosha: Papa.
[ clicks heels ]
[ bird squawks ]
[ sighs ]
Jeanne: Lunch? I made us egg-salad sandwiches.
Thank you.
What is it?
Does it ever bug you?
Every minute of every day.
He's out there.
Could be a woman.
Why? Why did they kill our investigation?
A mole in the s.E. Division does not make the cia look good.
And as long as no more assets are dying,
Why kick the hornet's nest?
Politics.
How can you be so calm?
The serenity to accept the things I cannot change.
[ sighs ]
That's where we differ. I know.
That's what makes us a good team.
[ chuckles ]
[ knock on door ]
Yeah?
[ sighs ]
Five years, rick.
Five years?
Since your last poly.
Oh.
Has it been?
Yep. You're due.
Mm-hmm.
And my new assignment?
Rome? Mm-hmm.
Well, that's not gonna happen till they strap you in.
Anyway, don't worry. Standard procedure.
Pass and you'll be at the coliseum before you know it.
Mm-hmm.
[ camera shutters clicking ]
[ knock on door ] you wanted to see me?
You're pacing before I even opened my mouth.
Not a good sign.
It's an icon of patron saint thomas more
From my harvard days.
Okay.
Care to explain?
More fell from royal favor
Because he spoke up for what he believed.
They found him guilty of high treason.
He was beheaded.
"indignatio principis mors est."
"the anger of the sovereign means death."
Where are you going with this, art?
Because it reminds me things are not in vain,
And I share it now...
To remind you.
What's not in vain?
The asset losses.
There's been another.
[ breathes deeply ]
Gt-top hat --
Dmitri polyakov -- has been compromised.
[ inhales deeply ]
The magnitude of this loss is...
I wanted you to hear it from me first.
You're sure?
Yes.
[ rachmaninov's "all-night vigil, op. 37" plays ]
[ music stops ]
Waiter: Good evening, sir.
Uh, martini, vodka -- straight up.
[ russian accent ] it was colder 15 minutes ago.
Well, nice to see you, too, ames.
What is that -- sarcasm?
Am I missing something
Or are we supposed to be bosom buddies now?
They're polygraphing me --
Tomorrow.
So?
You've done it before.
Yes, I've done it before.
But things are -- well, they're different now.
When I did my last polygraph,
I was a hardworking cia case officer,
And now I'm -- now I don't know --
Waiter: Here you are, sir.
I-I don't know...
What I am now.
That polygraph needle's gonna be moving up and down
Like a seesaw.
They're gonna nail me to the wall.
And rosario.
[ speaks indistinctly ]
I honestly...Do not know what I'm gonna do.
What you are going to do is pass the test.
And I'm going to tell you how.
Sandy: This is what I want. I quit.
You're not serious.
I've thought it through.
For how long?
Long enough.
It's done. Well, it's not done till I say it's done.
Is this about top hat -- polyakov?
Yes.
And other things.
The fact that there is probably a traitor
Working in this building,
And no one will take the time or effort
To go after that person.
That's a fair criticism.
Large bureaucracies rarely function perfectly.
But you're a soldier, sandy,
Fighting the cold war, protecting the nation.
And even soldiers get tired of battle.
I'm worn out.
And heartbroken.
And heartbroken.
[ sighs ]
I, uh, respect your decision.
The loss will be enormous for myself
And, uh... For the agency.
Hey.
If I was to reopen the 1985 investigation
Into the asset losses...
Would you stay for that?
We have tapes of his interrogation
From a new in-place source at lubyanka.
I could make them available to you.
Cherkashin: Remember, ames.
[ exhales shakily ]
You...Are...A liar.
But the polygraph does not detect lies.
It detects breathing, heartbeat, blood pressure, and sweat.
The test is a wolf in sheep's clothing --
Physiological test designed to detect the psychological.
It's nonsense.
If you control your body, you control the test.
Develop a rapport with the polygrapher.
Try and find commonality.
Be cooperative.
And just like in every good joke there's a sliver of truth,
Every good lie has one, too.
Give them a truth.
Give them a small, useless truth,
Hidden within the greater lie.
A small, useless truth...
Mr. Ames? Yes?
I'm ready to polygraph you.
This way, please.
Thank you.
[ footsteps approaching ]
[ breathes deeply ]
[ clock ticking ]
[ speaking russian ]
"bring in the prisoner."
Volkov: Secure the prisoner's shackles.
[ shackles click ]
Interrogator volkov gennady,
General of the first chief directorate,
With prisoner polyakov dmitri?
The tape recorder does not pick up gestures.
Polyakov dmitri fedorovich.
Polyakov dmitri fedorovich.
You are charged with espionage --
In particular,
The clandestine intelligence gathering and delivery
Of secret and confidential information
In regard to the political and military dealings
Of the u.S.S.R. To our primary enemy,
The central intelligence agency of the United States of america.
Do you understand these charges?
My family...
...They are innocent in all these matters.
I ask that you spare them any further pain.
That is not an answer.
Until you promise no harm will befall my family...
...I have no answer.
I am not here to make promises to you.
This is not a negotiation.
Do you understand the charges? Yes or no?
We had a jumper just this morning.
Fourth of the year.
Unfortunate for us, but this place...
It breaks the strongest of men.
Whether they jump...
Or they are pushed...
...Eventually, they all fall.
You will fall.
[ footsteps departing ]
[ door slams ]
You been doing this a while? Yep.
I've been with the agency since...
1962. I'm aware.
Right. Records.
What doesn't the agency keep track of?
I bet they know what I ate for breakfast.
I can assure you that they don't.
But if I were to venture a guess,
I'd say you didn't eat a thing.
Most people are too nervous.
Hm.
Bagel and coffee.
Oh, well, why don't we begin?
[ door opens, closes ]
I sympathize with you.
I do.
You have never been on that side of the table before.
Neither have I.
[ chair squeaks ]
You were highly decorated.
They do not give these medals without good reason.
My service was to the motherland.
Yes.
Impeccable.
Training at frunze.
Me too.
Artillery officer in the war.
Me too.
And then the move to military intelligence.
We probably crossed paths numerous times.
After the war...
After what was suffered...
After what we saw...
I...
Wanted to be part of change.
Yes.
[ chuckles ]
Comrade.
So did I.
This will measure your cardiovascular activity,
Respiratory, and electrodermal.
You a maroon?
Hmm?
Your class ring --
University of chicago, right?
[ chuckles ]
♪ beneath the hope-filled western skies ♪
♪ 'tis our dear alma mater
[ chuckles ]
Well, how 'bout that?
Fellow alum in my room.
That's right. [ chuckles ]
The old maroon and white.
Yeah.
They were good days.
Other than the fact that I spent too much time in the library.
I practically lived at the theater.
They could have charged me rent.
I played cassius in "julius caesar,"
And then I just, uh...
I caught the bug.
Mm.
Thought maybe I'd be an actor.
Guess I'm a ways off
From what I planned on doing with my life.
I'd say you did all right.
When'd you turn the tassel?
I didn't. Finished up at george washington.
Oh.
Okay, please sit perfectly still
And continue to look straight ahead for the duration of the test.
Is your name aldrich ames?
Volkov: Being so similar, you and I,
I can't help but ask --
How did we come to be on opposite sides of the table?
We both love this country, its people.
Where did it go wrong?
[ chuckles lightly ]
This is good, comrade volkov.
Relate with the intent of engaging in a dialogue.
"I simply want to understand.
I help you. You help me."
Step 3 in the reid method --
Breaking a prisoner.
You do it well.
You've learned from the americans.
But perhaps what you should really be asking yourself is,
"how do I interrogate someone
Who knows every card in my hand?"
[ chuckles ]
It makes me sick...
To think what someone of my rank could have handed over.
[ chuckles ]
You had access to military plans,
Strategic information,
Confidential material
From the ministry of foreign affairs.
[ scoffs ]
You are a disgrace.
You were a general of the soviet union!
A title that commands honor...
Respect, trust!
If you cannot trust a general of the soviet union,
Who can you trust?
Indeed.
It's a good question --
The best you have asked so far.
[ spits ]
Would you ever consider spying for a foreign- intelligence service?
[ breathing shallowly ]
No.
Have you ever been offered money or gifts
By a foreign-intelligence service
In exchange for classified information?
No.
Have you ever been pitched
To work for a foreign-intelligence service?
No.
Have you disclosed any unauthorized classified information
To a foreign-intelligence service?
No.
Volkov: What did you give the americans?
[ gasping, panting ]
[ gurgling ]
[ water sloshing]
[ panting ]
What did you give the americans?!
[ whimpers ] I want you to promise --
No promises.
Again.
But he will -- again!
[ inhales deeply ]
[ water sloshes]
[ thudding ]
[ gurgling ]
[ gasping ]
My family --
Enough.
[ whimpers ]
[ coughing ]
Your family will be spared.
[ kicks ]
Now talk.
[ chair squeaks]
[ panting ]
I...
I began my relationship with the americans in 1961.
I...Identified g.R.U. And kgb officials.
While in burma...
I provided the cia intelligence
Of our military assistance to the north vietnamese...
...As well as... Handling and design manuals
For long-range communication devices, rollover cameras,
Miniature recorders...
...Nuclear strategy...
...The g.R.U. Bible, party publications,
Information on our chemical-warfare program,
And foreign-policy plans and objectives
For every major country.
[ chair squeaks ]
You gave up...
...Everything.
You asked.
I told you.
You hate your own country.
No.
I hate the people running my country.
They are criminals in uniform.
The communist party protects the people.
And destroys them at the same time.
Have you had any unauthorized contact
With foreign-intelligence services while in the u.S.?
A small, useless truth.
Excuse me?
Only soviet diplomats.
But that's authorized.
Mr. Ames, "yes" or "no," please.
I'm sorry.
No.
According to records, you've had reported contact
With soviet attaché viktor cherkashin.
Is this true?
Yes.
You met him on more than one occasion?
Yes.
At any point, did mr. Cherkashin attempt to get you
To spy for the soviets?
No.
Polyakov: The russian people make sacrifice again and again.
And for what?
More corruption? More pain?
You just want to line your pockets --
Load up with american wealth.
I took no money.
It was never for me.
It was for the future of russia.
A convenient rationalization.
You...And the party --
You are killing everything.
Your treachery had a cost.
Lives will be lost because of it.
You prolonged the war against the imperialists.
There is no war against imperialism.
There are only old men holding on to power.
You think... I am an anomaly...
But I am one of many.
A revolution is coming --
In thought, in action --
And [laughs] there is nothing you can do to stop it.
The party will be overthrown.
Your generation must make a stand.
[ panting ] you must -- you must speak out.
Take action!
Do not address him.
You must speak out against injustice.
Ungh!
Speak again.
See what happens.
[ panting ]
For the future of russia!
Wait outside.
[ footsteps departing ]
[ door closes ]
[ ring clatters ]
[ footsteps approaching ]
[ thud ]
[ fists thudding]
[ thudding continues ]
[ volkov grunting ]
It seems you had some trouble
With the foreign-intelligence portion of the test --
Specifically with contacts and being pitched.
Oh.
Well, I-I suppose that's because, uh...
Well, we know the soviets are out there, you know? Somewhere.
And we're worried about that.
And we should be.
And I probably reacted strangely to questions about contacts
Only because, as I said,
I've met with soviet diplomats in the past,
But, uh... I always report my contact.
Hmm.
Can you explain your reaction
To the questions about being pitched?
No.
Maybe that's because of my job in counterintelligence.
I mean, I've pitched to potential assets,
But I've never been pitched to.
I...I think I've got those a little mixed up...
You know, emotionally?
Also, you know, I'm headed to rome soon,
I'm nervous about being recruited by the kgb.
Not that I ever would go over to the other side, but...
Well...
You -- you, uh... You fantasize...
So you can get into the mind of the enemy, you know?
The nature of the job --
Put yourself in their shoes, right?
I think about how they would get me to be a spy.
You know what I mean?
[ door opens ]
Walt: Mr. Ames?
Mr. Ames.
Yes?
You passed.
I'll have your paperwork sent upstairs.
Great.
Great.
That's great.
Enjoy Italy.
[ chuckles ]
Ciao.
[ car door slams ]
[ panting ]
[ sobbing ]
Oh, god.
Oh, god.
Ohh.
Ohh.
[ laughing ]
Sign it.
Put your name to the declaration that you are a traitor.
A coward -- in life and in death.
Sign the confession,
Or I'll jam the pen through your hand and do it for you.
I regret nothing.
And given the chance, I would do it again.
Really? Even if every time, the outcome was the same?
I knew full well death was a possibility.
For you?
Or for your son?
I did not want to have to tell you this.
Apparently, the shame was too much...
...To be the son of a traitor...
To bear the burden of your name.
My...
Alyosha?
We received word, uh, several hours ago
That he took his own life shortly after your arrest.
He shot himself.
Apparently, some people did believe
That you were a traitor... [ gasps ]
And acted accordingly.
[ breathing shakily ]
[ headphones clatter ]
[ weakly ] you are bluffing.
Alyosha would never do anything so selfish.
You are pathetic.
I suppose you'll never know.
Every ounce of you... Is pure cruelty.
[ chair squeaks ]
And every ounce of you is betrayal.
I was born russian. I have lived russian.
And I will die russian.
Yes.
That, you certainly will.
[ door opens ]
[ door closes ]
[ tape flapping ]
[ click ]
[ flapping slows, stops ]
Quit. Stay.
Either way, I'll support you.
But whatever you decide...
Don't leave the job half done.
No lingering regrets.
Do the thing right.
[ birds chirping ]
Alla prossima volta.
[ breathing shakily ]
[ gun cocks ]
[ knock on door ]
I take it back.
Consider my resignation withdrawn.
I'm in for the 1985 solve.
I know they're still here, and I'm gonna get the bastard.
What are you doing in my office? Get back to work.
Good to have you back.
Good to be back.
[ wings flutter ]
[ gunshot, thud ]
Previously on "the assets"...
Top hat was trying to reestablish contact.
What if it's a trap and they're just waiting for proof of his treason?
Sandy: The kgb know we're looking for our breach,
And they don't want us to find it.
I agree with that.
So we're on the same side?
My transfer finally came through -- Italy.
The seventh floor decided to shut down the task force.
What?! Louisa: But you can't.
I'm not giving up, jeanne. I won't -- not ever.
Neither will I.
[ mutters ]
Alyosha: Papa.
[ clicks heels ]
[ bird squawks ]
[ sighs ]
Jeanne: Lunch? I made us egg-salad sandwiches.
Thank you.
What is it?
Does it ever bug you?
Every minute of every day.
He's out there.
Could be a woman.
Why? Why did they kill our investigation?
A mole in the s.E. Division does not make the cia look good.
And as long as no more assets are dying,
Why kick the hornet's nest?
Politics.
How can you be so calm?
The serenity to accept the things I cannot change.
[ sighs ]
That's where we differ. I know.
That's what makes us a good team.
[ chuckles ]
[ knock on door ]
Yeah?
[ sighs ]
Five years, rick.
Five years?
Since your last poly.
Oh.
Has it been?
Yep. You're due.
Mm-hmm.
And my new assignment?
Rome? Mm-hmm.
Well, that's not gonna happen till they strap you in.
Anyway, don't worry. Standard procedure.
Pass and you'll be at the coliseum before you know it.
Mm-hmm.
[ camera shutters clicking ]
[ knock on door ] you wanted to see me?
You're pacing before I even opened my mouth.
Not a good sign.
It's an icon of patron saint thomas more
From my harvard days.
Okay.
Care to explain?
More fell from royal favor
Because he spoke up for what he believed.
They found him guilty of high treason.
He was beheaded.
"indignatio principis mors est."
"the anger of the sovereign means death."
Where are you going with this, art?
Because it reminds me things are not in vain,
And I share it now...
To remind you.
What's not in vain?
The asset losses.
There's been another.
[ breathes deeply ]
Gt-top hat --
Dmitri polyakov -- has been compromised.
[ inhales deeply ]
The magnitude of this loss is...
I wanted you to hear it from me first.
You're sure?
Yes.
[ rachmaninov's "all-night vigil, op. 37" plays ]
[ music stops ]
Waiter: Good evening, sir.
Uh, martini, vodka -- straight up.
[ russian accent ] it was colder 15 minutes ago.
Well, nice to see you, too, ames.
What is that -- sarcasm?
Am I missing something
Or are we supposed to be bosom buddies now?
They're polygraphing me --
Tomorrow.
So?
You've done it before.
Yes, I've done it before.
But things are -- well, they're different now.
When I did my last polygraph,
I was a hardworking cia case officer,
And now I'm -- now I don't know --
Waiter: Here you are, sir.
I-I don't know...
What I am now.
That polygraph needle's gonna be moving up and down
Like a seesaw.
They're gonna nail me to the wall.
And rosario.
[ speaks indistinctly ]
I honestly...Do not know what I'm gonna do.
What you are going to do is pass the test.
And I'm going to tell you how.
Sandy: This is what I want. I quit.
You're not serious.
I've thought it through.
For how long?
Long enough.
It's done. Well, it's not done till I say it's done.
Is this about top hat -- polyakov?
Yes.
And other things.
The fact that there is probably a traitor
Working in this building,
And no one will take the time or effort
To go after that person.
That's a fair criticism.
Large bureaucracies rarely function perfectly.
But you're a soldier, sandy,
Fighting the cold war, protecting the nation.
And even soldiers get tired of battle.
I'm worn out.
And heartbroken.
And heartbroken.
[ sighs ]
I, uh, respect your decision.
The loss will be enormous for myself
And, uh... For the agency.
Hey.
If I was to reopen the 1985 investigation
Into the asset losses...
Would you stay for that?
We have tapes of his interrogation
From a new in-place source at lubyanka.
I could make them available to you.
Cherkashin: Remember, ames.
[ exhales shakily ]
You...Are...A liar.
But the polygraph does not detect lies.
It detects breathing, heartbeat, blood pressure, and sweat.
The test is a wolf in sheep's clothing --
Physiological test designed to detect the psychological.
It's nonsense.
If you control your body, you control the test.
Develop a rapport with the polygrapher.
Try and find commonality.
Be cooperative.
And just like in every good joke there's a sliver of truth,
Every good lie has one, too.
Give them a truth.
Give them a small, useless truth,
Hidden within the greater lie.
A small, useless truth...
Mr. Ames? Yes?
I'm ready to polygraph you.
This way, please.
Thank you.
[ footsteps approaching ]
[ breathes deeply ]
[ clock ticking ]
[ speaking russian ]
"bring in the prisoner."
Volkov: Secure the prisoner's shackles.
[ shackles click ]
Interrogator volkov gennady,
General of the first chief directorate,
With prisoner polyakov dmitri?
The tape recorder does not pick up gestures.
Polyakov dmitri fedorovich.
Polyakov dmitri fedorovich.
You are charged with espionage --
In particular,
The clandestine intelligence gathering and delivery
Of secret and confidential information
In regard to the political and military dealings
Of the u.S.S.R. To our primary enemy,
The central intelligence agency of the United States of america.
Do you understand these charges?
My family...
...They are innocent in all these matters.
I ask that you spare them any further pain.
That is not an answer.
Until you promise no harm will befall my family...
...I have no answer.
I am not here to make promises to you.
This is not a negotiation.
Do you understand the charges? Yes or no?
We had a jumper just this morning.
Fourth of the year.
Unfortunate for us, but this place...
It breaks the strongest of men.
Whether they jump...
Or they are pushed...
...Eventually, they all fall.
You will fall.
[ footsteps departing ]
[ door slams ]
You been doing this a while? Yep.
I've been with the agency since...
1962. I'm aware.
Right. Records.
What doesn't the agency keep track of?
I bet they know what I ate for breakfast.
I can assure you that they don't.
But if I were to venture a guess,
I'd say you didn't eat a thing.
Most people are too nervous.
Hm.
Bagel and coffee.
Oh, well, why don't we begin?
[ door opens, closes ]
I sympathize with you.
I do.
You have never been on that side of the table before.
Neither have I.
[ chair squeaks ]
You were highly decorated.
They do not give these medals without good reason.
My service was to the motherland.
Yes.
Impeccable.
Training at frunze.
Me too.
Artillery officer in the war.
Me too.
And then the move to military intelligence.
We probably crossed paths numerous times.
After the war...
After what was suffered...
After what we saw...
I...
Wanted to be part of change.
Yes.
[ chuckles ]
Comrade.
So did I.
This will measure your cardiovascular activity,
Respiratory, and electrodermal.
You a maroon?
Hmm?
Your class ring --
University of chicago, right?
[ chuckles ]
♪ beneath the hope-filled western skies ♪
♪ 'tis our dear alma mater
[ chuckles ]
Well, how 'bout that?
Fellow alum in my room.
That's right. [ chuckles ]
The old maroon and white.
Yeah.
They were good days.
Other than the fact that I spent too much time in the library.
I practically lived at the theater.
They could have charged me rent.
I played cassius in "julius caesar,"
And then I just, uh...
I caught the bug.
Mm.
Thought maybe I'd be an actor.
Guess I'm a ways off
From what I planned on doing with my life.
I'd say you did all right.
When'd you turn the tassel?
I didn't. Finished up at george washington.
Oh.
Okay, please sit perfectly still
And continue to look straight ahead for the duration of the test.
Is your name aldrich ames?
Volkov: Being so similar, you and I,
I can't help but ask --
How did we come to be on opposite sides of the table?
We both love this country, its people.
Where did it go wrong?
[ chuckles lightly ]
This is good, comrade volkov.
Relate with the intent of engaging in a dialogue.
"I simply want to understand.
I help you. You help me."
Step 3 in the reid method --
Breaking a prisoner.
You do it well.
You've learned from the americans.
But perhaps what you should really be asking yourself is,
"how do I interrogate someone
Who knows every card in my hand?"
[ chuckles ]
It makes me sick...
To think what someone of my rank could have handed over.
[ chuckles ]
You had access to military plans,
Strategic information,
Confidential material
From the ministry of foreign affairs.
[ scoffs ]
You are a disgrace.
You were a general of the soviet union!
A title that commands honor...
Respect, trust!
If you cannot trust a general of the soviet union,
Who can you trust?
Indeed.
It's a good question --
The best you have asked so far.
[ spits ]
Would you ever consider spying for a foreign- intelligence service?
[ breathing shallowly ]
No.
Have you ever been offered money or gifts
By a foreign-intelligence service
In exchange for classified information?
No.
Have you ever been pitched
To work for a foreign-intelligence service?
No.
Have you disclosed any unauthorized classified information
To a foreign-intelligence service?
No.
Volkov: What did you give the americans?
[ gasping, panting ]
[ gurgling ]
[ water sloshing]
[ panting ]
What did you give the americans?!
[ whimpers ] I want you to promise --
No promises.
Again.
But he will -- again!
[ inhales deeply ]
[ water sloshes]
[ thudding ]
[ gurgling ]
[ gasping ]
My family --
Enough.
[ whimpers ]
[ coughing ]
Your family will be spared.
[ kicks ]
Now talk.
[ chair squeaks]
[ panting ]
I...
I began my relationship with the americans in 1961.
I...Identified g.R.U. And kgb officials.
While in burma...
I provided the cia intelligence
Of our military assistance to the north vietnamese...
...As well as... Handling and design manuals
For long-range communication devices, rollover cameras,
Miniature recorders...
...Nuclear strategy...
...The g.R.U. Bible, party publications,
Information on our chemical-warfare program,
And foreign-policy plans and objectives
For every major country.
[ chair squeaks ]
You gave up...
...Everything.
You asked.
I told you.
You hate your own country.
No.
I hate the people running my country.
They are criminals in uniform.
The communist party protects the people.
And destroys them at the same time.
Have you had any unauthorized contact
With foreign-intelligence services while in the u.S.?
A small, useless truth.
Excuse me?
Only soviet diplomats.
But that's authorized.
Mr. Ames, "yes" or "no," please.
I'm sorry.
No.
According to records, you've had reported contact
With soviet attaché viktor cherkashin.
Is this true?
Yes.
You met him on more than one occasion?
Yes.
At any point, did mr. Cherkashin attempt to get you
To spy for the soviets?
No.
Polyakov: The russian people make sacrifice again and again.
And for what?
More corruption? More pain?
You just want to line your pockets --
Load up with american wealth.
I took no money.
It was never for me.
It was for the future of russia.
A convenient rationalization.
You...And the party --
You are killing everything.
Your treachery had a cost.
Lives will be lost because of it.
You prolonged the war against the imperialists.
There is no war against imperialism.
There are only old men holding on to power.
You think... I am an anomaly...
But I am one of many.
A revolution is coming --
In thought, in action --
And [laughs] there is nothing you can do to stop it.
The party will be overthrown.
Your generation must make a stand.
[ panting ] you must -- you must speak out.
Take action!
Do not address him.
You must speak out against injustice.
Ungh!
Speak again.
See what happens.
[ panting ]
For the future of russia!
Wait outside.
[ footsteps departing ]
[ door closes ]
[ ring clatters ]
[ footsteps approaching ]
[ thud ]
[ fists thudding]
[ thudding continues ]
[ volkov grunting ]
It seems you had some trouble
With the foreign-intelligence portion of the test --
Specifically with contacts and being pitched.
Oh.
Well, I-I suppose that's because, uh...
Well, we know the soviets are out there, you know? Somewhere.
And we're worried about that.
And we should be.
And I probably reacted strangely to questions about contacts
Only because, as I said,
I've met with soviet diplomats in the past,
But, uh... I always report my contact.
Hmm.
Can you explain your reaction
To the questions about being pitched?
No.
Maybe that's because of my job in counterintelligence.
I mean, I've pitched to potential assets,
But I've never been pitched to.
I...I think I've got those a little mixed up...
You know, emotionally?
Also, you know, I'm headed to rome soon,
I'm nervous about being recruited by the kgb.
Not that I ever would go over to the other side, but...
Well...
You -- you, uh... You fantasize...
So you can get into the mind of the enemy, you know?
The nature of the job --
Put yourself in their shoes, right?
I think about how they would get me to be a spy.
You know what I mean?
[ door opens ]
Walt: Mr. Ames?
Mr. Ames.
Yes?
You passed.
I'll have your paperwork sent upstairs.
Great.
Great.
That's great.
Enjoy Italy.
[ chuckles ]
Ciao.
[ car door slams ]
[ panting ]
[ sobbing ]
Oh, god.
Oh, god.
Ohh.
Ohh.
[ laughing ]
Sign it.
Put your name to the declaration that you are a traitor.
A coward -- in life and in death.
Sign the confession,
Or I'll jam the pen through your hand and do it for you.
I regret nothing.
And given the chance, I would do it again.
Really? Even if every time, the outcome was the same?
I knew full well death was a possibility.
For you?
Or for your son?
I did not want to have to tell you this.
Apparently, the shame was too much...
...To be the son of a traitor...
To bear the burden of your name.
My...
Alyosha?
We received word, uh, several hours ago
That he took his own life shortly after your arrest.
He shot himself.
Apparently, some people did believe
That you were a traitor... [ gasps ]
And acted accordingly.
[ breathing shakily ]
[ headphones clatter ]
[ weakly ] you are bluffing.
Alyosha would never do anything so selfish.
You are pathetic.
I suppose you'll never know.
Every ounce of you... Is pure cruelty.
[ chair squeaks ]
And every ounce of you is betrayal.
I was born russian. I have lived russian.
And I will die russian.
Yes.
That, you certainly will.
[ door opens ]
[ door closes ]
[ tape flapping ]
[ click ]
[ flapping slows, stops ]
Quit. Stay.
Either way, I'll support you.
But whatever you decide...
Don't leave the job half done.
No lingering regrets.
Do the thing right.
[ birds chirping ]
Alla prossima volta.
[ breathing shakily ]
[ gun cocks ]
[ knock on door ]
I take it back.
Consider my resignation withdrawn.
I'm in for the 1985 solve.
I know they're still here, and I'm gonna get the bastard.
What are you doing in my office? Get back to work.
Good to have you back.
Good to be back.
[ wings flutter ]
[ gunshot, thud ]