Politician Mario Chiesa's arrest ignites a nationwide scandal: Italy's Tangentopoli ("Bribesville"). As the political fallout spreads across the country, we follow the intertwining lives and ambitions of six main characters.
Showgirl Veronica's TV career is on the verge of a major breakthrough, but the Tangentopoli affair seems to stop her in her track. Pietro, a Gulf war veteran, takes on the challenge of politics.
Luca, a policeman, obtains the revenge he is seeking, but justice is another matter. Advertising man Leo finds himself under the threat of blackmail: someone has dug out some murky truth about his past.
Pietro is presented with a cause that he wants to pursue and finally show some parliamentary gumption, Leo takes a calculated risk in order to further his ambitions.
As prosecutor Di Pietro finds out, a spy hides within his Mani Pulite ("Clean Hands") investigation team. Leo is close to fulfilling his political hopes and dreams, but he undergoes a crisis of faith.
Luca is ready to put everything at risk to get his revenge: his position within the Mani Pulite task force is compromised. Pietro has to renege on his own self to save his relationship with Veronica.
Di Pietro and the Mani Pulite team involve PM Bettino Craxi as a prime suspect in their investigation. Extreme choices confront our 6 characters on the final judgement day: he who is willing to pay the most terrible price will win.