Romeo and Juliet, along with the story of Cain and Abel, provide the background motifs for this dramatic family series, which depicts two very different families in East Berlin during the 1980s. The Kupfers hold an important place in the power structure of the East German system, with father Hans and eldest son Falk both senior officers in the Stasi – the Ministry of State Security - mother Marlene a loyal member of the Communist Party, and younger son Martin a policeman. In contrast, the Hausmanns tend to be critical of the regime: mother Dunja is a songwriter under permanent surveillance from the Stasi, and daughter Julia is regarded by the authorities as someone who might try to escape the country. So when Martin and Julia fall in love, their relationship shakes the foundations of both families. As the second series begins six years later, the social and political conflicts have intensified. Hans has spoken out in favour of reforms in the Stasi, coming up against resistance from both his son Falk and his wife Marlene. And when Falk's wife Vera starts taking an interest in the civil rights movement, this places even more pressure on Falk and the family. Julia has spent a long time in prison on a charge of treason, and she lost her baby when she gave birth behind bars. For many years she didn‘t see her beloved Martin, who has broken off all contact with his family. Julia's mother Dunja is collaborating with the Stasi in an effort to help Julia. But now some inconsistencies appear in the official account of the death of Julia and Martin's baby. They begin to ask questions – and the answers lead back to Martin's own family, triggering a catastrophe.