The enterprising Anton Klapproth runs a flying duck farm in the Eifel, but now he finally wants to experience a real adventure in the big city of Cologne. A visit to a sanatorium for the mentally ill seems particularly sensational to him, as there is certainly a lot going on there with the "Jecken" and would provide plenty of story material for his regulars' table. In return for a loan, Anton's nephew allows his uncle to stay at the Pension Schöller. However, the guests there are by no means mentally ill, just rather eccentric. However, the unsuspecting Anton has a great time, thinking he is in a psychiatric institution.

Anne Marie Fuchs' ex-husband Konrad Gelden was shot dead in his villa. This shatters the private detective's hope of solving the riddle of the disappearance of her son Florian. Almost thirty years ago, he was kidnapped as a boy to punish Anne for leaving the Stasi. When Anne's business partner Youssef receives a new order, the tide turns.

Anja, a student, and Leonhard, a judge, meet at Marlene, his ex-wife, and Paul's house, marry shortly afterwards and have a son, Daniel. However, Anja's desire for love is not fulfilled in their relationship. When she is not careful, Daniel scalds himself and is admitted to hospital. Subsequently, Anja drinks more alcohol and begins an affair with Paul. When Marlene and Leonhard find out, Leonhard files for divorce. After an alcohol poisoning, Anja goes to rehab. During an outing with the therapy group, Anja throws herself out of a window and dies.