Now it Begins...

The Looming Tower is based on a non fiction book and takes a look at the events that led to 9/11. More accurately why were the attacks missed by the intelligence communities?

The title of the series itself harks back to the Twin Towers.

The first episode is largely about the non cooperation between the competing agencies, the CIA and the FBI. As Osama Bin Laden interviewed on television announces that all American targets are fair game. The media are more interested in the stains on Monica Lewinsky's dress.

Jeff Daniels is the FBI counter terrorism expert John O'Neill unhappy of being left out in the cold by the CIA, especially by CIA analyst Martin Schmidt. O'Neill is a man with big appetites. Not only he has a wife but also several mistresses.

O'Neill sends one veteran FBI agent to Kenya who finds an old computer. He recruits a rookie Muslim American, Ali Soufan.

Oscar winning documentary maker Alex Gibney directed the first episode almost like a drama documentary. It ends with damage to American interests abroad, a potent message from Bin Laden.

However after series such as Homeland; The Looming Tower has entered a crowded field. It all looks a little too familiar. Well acted and made but competent rather than enthralling.