The action of the French thriller series "Totems" takes place in the mid-60s, during the Cold War. Parisian scientist Francis Marais begins working for the French secret service as a covert agent. During one of his operations, the protagonist meets Soviet pianist Lyudmila Golubeva, who is forced to collaborate with the KGB. Romantic feelings develop between them, but both constantly doubt the sincerity of their counterpart's emotions.