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.

At the cinema, Muratov secretly meets with a French producer. Biryukov raises the stakes again - the department, which has just changed the course of history, should not engage in ordinary routine work. Soon there will be a four-sided summit in Paris, and it is important for the Soviets to get a reliable ally.

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.