Introduction

Liquidation (2007) (Russian: Ликвидация, Likvidatsiya, aka Decision: Liquidation) is a highly popular Russian television series, which parallels the famous The Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed with a notable ethical shift. In the “Meeting Place”, chief of criminal investigations Gleb Zheglov (played by Vladimir Vysotskiy) had a modus operandi “Thief must go to prison, no matter how I put him there” (and uses planted evidence to do so).

In Liquidation, chief of criminal investigations David Gottsman’s (played by Vladimir Mashkov) motto has changed to “Thief must go to prison, but lawfully so”. The stars of the film include famous Russian actors such as Vladimir Mashkov and Konstantin Lavronenko (The Return, The Banishment). Sergei Makovetsky had to replace Andrey Krasko, who died of a heart attack during filming.

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Outline

After several troublesome days, Marshal Zhukov realises that it is necessary to take extreme measures. Gottsman recommends immediately releasing Odessa’s thieves. He is supported by the head of the Counter Intelligence Unit Colonel Chusov, although, in a private meeting with Zhukov, Chusov admits his intent to deal with Odessa’s crime personally. The thieves are released under strict conditions dictated by Gottsman – namely, to call off their gangs and return the stolen weapons. The thieves agree, and Odessa becomes temporarily quiet. Acting on Krechetov’s advice, Gottsman invites Nora, Yefim’s ex-partner, to the theatre, but Nora doesn’t arrive. Something was pushing her away from Gottsman; something was preventing her from coming to him. Meanwhile, the bandits seem to be one step ahead of the investigation. Gottsman continuously summons his co-workers, attempting to reconstruct in detail the chain of events on the day when Rodya was killed, and each person’s place in that chain. It was now known that, without a doubt, the “Academic” (or one of his employees) is working within the walls of the CI Unit.

Liquidation Series

You can find a full index of Liquidation here.

Production & Filming Details

• Release Date: 30 October 2007.
• Running Time: 45 minutes (per episode) and 644 minutes (total running time).
• Rating: Unknown.
• Country: Russia.
• Language: Russian.

YouTube Link