Ep 2. Forbidden Shots (Episode 2 of 26)

Don Matteo season 10 episode 2, "Forbidden Shots" is an Italian crime drama series based on the life of a Catholic priest who solves crimes in his town. In this episode, we find Father Matteo (Terence Hill) investigating a mysterious case where a young man's death seems linked to a local casino. Matteo is aided by his police officer friend, Natalina (Nino Frassica), as they uncover a web of deceit and corruption in the local gambling scene, including illegal gambling and extortion.

The episode opens with an intense gambling scene where a young man loses all his money, including his watch. As he tries to leave, he is stopped by two casino security guards who forcefully take him to a back room. The next morning, his body is found floating in a river, prompting an investigation by the police.

Father Matteo, who has a soft spot for the young man's grieving mother, decides to help in any way he can. His friend Natalina starts looking into the deceased's gambling history, and it leads them to a casino run by a powerful businessman, Fabio Cattaneo (Massimo Poggio). As they start digging deeper, they discover that Cattaneo is not only involved in illegal gambling but also in extortion of local shop owners.

Meanwhile, the police are having a hard time finding any concrete evidence to link Cattaneo to the young man's death. But Matteo, with his unique sense of intuition, senses something more sinister might be at play and sets to uncover the truth. He ends up putting himself in harm's way, facing threats from the casino owners and their shady associates. But he is unwavering in his faith and commitment to justice.

The episode keeps viewers on their toes with a thrilling storyline, aided by some excellent performances from the cast. Terence Hill is compelling as ever in his role as the soft-spoken but determined crime solver. The suspenseful moments are well-paced, and the ensemble cast ensures that every character has a vital role to play in the storyline. The scenic Italian setting also adds to the overall charm of the show.

In "Forbidden Shots," Don Matteo is not just racing against time to uncover the truth, but also questions the morality of the gambling industry and its corrupt practices. The episode carries a strong message about the dangers of gambling addiction and the risks involved in illegal gambling.

Overall, Don Matteo season 10 episode 2 is a thrilling and well-crafted installment to the beloved Italian crime drama series. It stays true to the show's core values of family, community, and faith while also providing a gripping storyline that keeps viewers engaged until the very end.