Fred Heckman (Jon Hamm) is used to reporting the news, but in American Hostage, he quickly finds himself becoming part of it. Warning: This post contains spoilers for American Hostage Episodes 1 “My Town Indy” and Episode 2 “McMahon, Martinis and Madness” of American Hostage. Inspired by true events, the series begins in Indianapolis on February 8, 1977, the respected Wibc newsman is already facing a major career decision. CBS has come calling with an offer that would put him on a much bigger stage, and even his wife, Barbara (Mireille Enos), knows how tempting that is. “It’s a big stage, and I know you want that,” she tells him. Before Fred can make a decision.