The Loop

May 1982. The struggle between two agencies, the KGB and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, begins as well as the struggle between their immediate leaders, Andropov and Shchyolokov. At this time a village policeman, Kirill Nesterov, begins searching for the owner of stolen paintings; ones accidentally stolen by his young neighbor.

Kirill continues investigating the case and meets Rita, an art historian from the Pushkin Museum. There is mutual sympathy between them, and Rita starts to help. With the help of his subordinates, Andropov collects information about General Korolev, suspected of stealing state property.

Kirill becomes a double agent: he is recruited simultaneously by KGB officers and Korolev's men. Korolev transfers Kirill to the central office of the OBHSS in Moscow. In the OBHSS, Nesterov meets the Captain Boris Smolov. During a formal dinner at Korolev's house, Kirill meets the general's daughter Olya. Fomin instructs Nesterov to gather information on the OBHSS' thefts and crimes.

Kirill passes the "test", organized by the General, and understands that he and Smolov are on the same side. At this time, Ustinov offers Andropov the chance to become the head of the country. Olga becomes interested in Kirill and tries his best to attract his attention. Nesterov and Smolova are sent on another business trip.

Shchyolokov intends to carry out a thorough check in the departments he rules. Korolev decides to get Nesterov into Shchyolokov's environment in order to obtain first-hand information. Andropov receives reports about the catastrophic economic situation in the country. Kirill tries reconcile with Rita. Shchyolokov is told that there might be an attempt Andropov's life.

In Korolev's house, Kirill accidentally finds a suitcase with important documents and realizes they contain dirt on top politicians of the Politburo. The information gets to Andropov, but the KGB staff doesn't have time to help Kirill with another investigation. Members of the Politburo are shocked by the death of Leonid Brezhnev. Andropov becomes the head of the State.

Schyolokov is removed from his post and goes under investigation. Korolyov gives false testimony against him. Nesterov continues to visit Schyolokov, and becomes closer to him, trying to support him in difficult times. Kirill tries to talk to Rita, but Olya witnesses their conversation.

Nesterov realizes that Shchyolokov is in mortal danger and he tries to thwart Korolev's plans. Soon after, Kirill gets a job offer to work for the KGB, a real opportunity to finish the investigation he started.