The Optimists

1960. The Information and Analytical Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, created by Ruta Karlovna Blomane, is assigned a new chief. Grigory Biryukov previously worked at the International Department of the Central Committee of the CPSU, and his arrival raises questions among the young employees.

Biryukov is trying to find support from his patron, Head of the International Department of the CPSU Central Committee Vareinikov. But he considers the game of his protégés to be too dangerous and advises them to "sit quietly." The IAG is preparing for a reception on building relations with Cuba.

Biryukov and Ruta are in Paris as part of the Soviet delegation. Everyone is waiting for the results of the negotiations. Biryukov meets German journalist Gaby Goetz, with whom he had an affair many years ago.

The Americans rescued Soviet sailors who have been lost at sea for 49 days. Biryukov receives a task - IAH must figure out how to calm the Western press. Shuiko suggests that this will be presented as a great victory for the Americans.

Ruta agreed with the Izvestia correspondent that he would do an interview with Bykov. She sees that something is happening to her husband. At the hippodrome, Muratov introduces his comrades to fartschik Ilya. That tells them the "correct" horse.

Ruta is waiting in the hospital when Bykov's operation is over. She tells the investigators that it was an accident - her husband was cleaning his weapon. A satellite flight with two dogs will take place soon. Ruta proposes to follow the line of the Western press and to properly convey emotions. The flight of dogs must be properly presented to the press.

Vareinikov asks Biryukov to influence his former mistress, German journalist Gabi Goetz. According to the authorities, she is in to Moscow to talk about the new novel about the Stalinist migration. Gabi gives Biryukov the manuscript and says that after reading, he will change his mind. Biryukov warns Goetz that she is in trouble.

Golub takes the initiative at a meeting of the Soviet leadership with the Chinese comrades, and now he is charged with coming up with a new gift for Khrushchev's visit to America. Pokrovsky comes to Galina with the request to urgently destroy the manuscript of his poems.

Biryukov takes Anya to kindergarten and meets her teacher, Lena. Ruta is going out of town and giving the last instructions to Bykov. At a diplomatic, the group organizes a barbecue for their American counterparts. Marika, an American of Hungarian descent, finds out that Biryukov worked in her homeland.

The scientist, whom Golub helped to go abroad, is seeking political asylum. Vareinikov organizes a conspiracy. He and other members of the Central Committee of KPSP are going to overthrow Khrushchev. He needs the help of Biryukov, and he calls him to hunt. Galina is worried about the gap with Biryukov.

Ilya is arrested in Cranes. Everyone is surprised that Ruta went to work. Golub brings Klava home to introduce her to her parents. Golub is arrested after Ilya.

Ruta suspects Biryukov of treason. Golub decides to return Klava. Ruta and Biryukov, with the help of Boris, warn Khrushchev of the impending coup. Korneev meets with US agent Casey.