𝐒’𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐚 (𝐓𝐕 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟖)

S’parta is a Russian crime drama series that begins with the mysterious death of an English teacher who falls from a school window, initially presumed to be a suicide. Captain Igor Kryukov, a seasoned detective recovering from a recent stroke, is assigned to investigate the case. As he delves deeper, Kryukov becomes suspicious of the circumstances surrounding the teacher’s death, particularly focusing on a group of pre-graduate students and their enigmatic leader, Mikhail “Bark” Barkovsky.

Kryukov’s investigation uncovers a web of illicit activities within the school, including a possible pedophile and a former hacker involved in producing pornography on the premises. Central to the mystery is a virtual reality game called “Sparta,” which had been installed on the school’s computers as part of a beta-testing program. The game appears to have significantly influenced the students’ behavior, leading to power struggles and altered dynamics, especially after Bark’s integration into the class.

As Kryukov immerses himself in the investigation, he grapples with his own personal demons, including the haunting memory of his ex-wife’s suicide, which mirrors the current case. His dedication to solving the mystery strains his professional duties and personal relationships, particularly as he balances interactions with a high-ranking official and a long-time forensic expert colleague.

S’parta intertwines elements of psychological thriller and procedural drama, exploring themes of reality versus virtual influence, the susceptibility of youth, and the ethical boundaries of technology. The series delves into the impact of immersive virtual reality on human behavior, questioning the extent to which digital environments can alter perceptions and actions in the real world.