In the mid-1990s, Enron Corporation solidifies its position as the top energy company in America. Investment manager Sherron Watkins lands a dream job at Enron, but quickly learns that its office culture and accounting practices make it a treacherous place to work.
Enron manipulates California's electricity market, and the state is plunged into an energy crisis. But Enron itself is threatened by the schemes of a corrupt CFO, a rocky transition of power, and an alarming discovery by Sherron Watkins.
Ken Lay fights to restore public confidence in Enron as the bad publicity mounts and the stock price continues to fall. Sherron Watkins is encouraged when an internal review of company practices is launched, but stunned when it appears to backfire.
The Wall Street Journal works to expose the shady financial deals key to Enron's success. With his company pushed to the brink of bankruptcy, Ken Lay engages in a desperate ploy to avert disaster.
A federal task force is formed to bring Enron's corrupt executives to justice. Sherron Watkins arrives in Washington to participate in congressional hearings and struggles to process the staggering costs of Enron's downfall.