Seleznev outsmarts Lieutenant Samoshin and refuses to lead a popular uprising against the Moscow captain. In response, Samoshin spreads rumors throughout the town about Sveta and Karetnikov. Meanwhile, Zarechensk sees the return of the main contender for the role Maria gave to Sveta - the star Larisa Koretskaya. Sveta's dreams crumble - her fiancé is lost, and so is her role. While Seleznev is sorting out his feelings, Irina receives a visit from her ex-husband, a successful novelist.
