The Waiting Room

A 'runaway' homeless man, once a renowned athlete, finds himself marooned in the small, snow-covered town of Zarechensk. Victor lands a job at an orphanage, where he soon meets a young teacher who becomes both a compassionate friend and the love of his life. However, fate doesn't play out simply as good or bad; it unfolds in a way that makes the hero realize one cannot run away from oneself. Consequently, it is in Zarechensk that a train carrying a film crew from the capital, on their way back to Moscow, is compelled to delay their journey for a few days. Remarkably, Zarechensk becomes the place where a director finally discovers the perfect actress for his leading role and encounters a man who has fled from her love. Meanwhile, a producer makes the ultimate decision to select this town as the filming location for her upcoming movie.

1. E1. Episode 1

   Mar 16, 1998 · 50m

   A strange man arrives in the provincial town of Zarechensk: he knows no one, lives nowhere, and tries to find odd jobs at the local market. Meanwhile, in a coastal city, a film festival is coming to an end. All the residents of Zarechensk, including the mayor, the inhabitants of the orphanage, and the local police, watch the closing ceremony of the film festival on TV. They dream of one day seeing these famous, cheerful people with their own eyes...

2. E2. Episode 2

   Mar 16, 1998 · 50m

   The train carrying the participants of the film festival is moving towards the city of Zarechensk...

3. E3. Episode 3

   Mar 17, 1998 · 50m

   The festival train arrives in the city of Zarechensk, and the townspeople, led by the mayor, pour onto the platform. Director Maria Semyonova sees Victor. In the homeless man, she recognizes her former husband, Victor Seleznev, an Olympic judo champion...

4. E4. Episode 4

   Mar 18, 1998 · 50m

   Victor tells Irina that 15 years ago he left Maria because he couldn't forgive her infidelity. Morning comes. Police officer Samoshin continues the search for the mysterious criminal. Konovalova decides to fly to Moscow by helicopter, but upon seeing Zarechensk from above, she realizes that this is the city she needs. Semyonova meets with Sveta and comes to the realization that the girl is very suitable for her new film...

5. E5. Episode 5

   Mar 19, 1998 · 50m

   Irina comes to the realization that she's in love with Victor and wants to marry him. Meanwhile, Maria Semyonova, spotting Lieutenant Samoshin at the train platform, shows him a photograph of her ex-husband and requests his help in locating him. She shares Victor's story with Samoshin. In a twist, Samoshin concocts a sinister plan – he decides to frame Victor for deliberately causing the train's stop.

6. E6. Episode 6

   Mar 20, 1998 · 50m

   Maria Semyonova decides to give Sveta a role in her new film. Although Sveta dreams of a film career, she is reluctant to lose her beloved Kostya and faces a tough decision. At the orphanage, the children's tears are hard to calm. This leads Victor to arrange a meeting with Maria, hoping her influence can convince Konovalova to drop her scheme. Despite their efforts, Konovalova remains steadfast. Amidst these events, a significant encounter between Masha and Victor takes place, sparking jealousy in Irina.

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