John Tanner (Rutger Hauer), a well-known presenter and host of an investigative news televison show, is manipulated by Lawrence Fassett (John Hurt) a CIA agent who convinces him that his long-time three friends (Osterman, Tremayne and Cardone) are in fact KGB agents involved in a conspiracy against the USA.Tanner is shown documents and receives threats that convince him to unmask these so-called soviet spies over the week-end at his house.But in fact all this is another manipulation in itself from Fassett who wants, through Tanner's show, to unmask his superior in the CIA, Maxwell Danforth (Burt Lancaster), who is responsible for the death of Fassett's wife, and reveal his schemes.
Question: Tanner is shown what?, Answer: Documents. Question: Who manipulates John Tanner?, Answer: Lawrence Fassett a CIA agent. Question: What is wanted by Fassett through Tanner's show?, Answer: <No Answer>