Specific features of the deformation behavior of intermetallics have been analyzed. A relatively general approach has been proposed, which describes the process of plastic deformation as the evolution of a dislocation population, including multiplication and transformation of dislocations. Equations of plastic deformation have been derived in the frame of the proposed approach. These equations describe an unusual deformation behavior of intermetallics taking into account thermally activated blocking of dislocations and dislocation sources. Problems, which cause discussion in interpreting experimental data on plastic deformation of intermetallics, have been formulated.