Ep 3. Not Take the Lord's Name in Vain, Part 1 (Episode 3 of 20)

Not Take the Lord's Name in Vain, Part 1 is the third episode of season 12 of the popular Italian television series Don Matteo, which follows the investigation work of Father Matteo, a Catholic priest, and his team in the small town of Gubbio. This episode, like many in the series, combines detective work and religious themes, and deals with a case of a stolen icon from a local church.

The episode begins with the theft of a valuable icon from the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, which is reported by the young priest, Father Marco. The icon is a valuable 15th-century artwork that depicts Jesus and the Sacred Heart, and its theft is a serious matter for the church and the community. Father Matteo and his team start investigating the case, interviewing witnesses and examining the evidence.

The investigation soon reveals that the theft is not an isolated incident, but part of a series of thefts that have been occurring in the area. The stolen items include not only valuable artworks and relics, but also more mundane objects, such as bicycles and gardening tools. This leads Father Matteo to suspect that the thieves are not targeting the church specifically, but rather are opportunistic thieves who are stealing whatever they can find.

As the investigation continues, Father Matteo uncovers some disturbing evidence that suggests that the thieves may be involved in a more sinister plot. He finds out that some of the stolen objects have been sold to unscrupulous buyers who seem to be connected to a local, extremist group that is known for its anti-Catholic and anti-immigrant stance. This raises the stakes of the investigation, as Father Matteo and his team realize that they may be dealing with not only thieves, but also dangerous extremists who are using theft as a means to fund their agenda.

The episode also deals with some of the personal struggles of the main characters. Father Matteo, who is played by Terence Hill, is shown grappling with his own doubts and fears, as he struggles to reconcile his faith with the harsh realities of the world he lives in. At the same time, he is shown to be a compassionate and kind-hearted person, who is deeply committed to his community and his faith. In this episode, he also has to deal with a difficult decision regarding the future of one of his assistants, who is considering leaving the priesthood to marry.

Not Take the Lord's Name in Vain, Part 1 is a gripping episode that combines fascinating detective work with deep spiritual themes. It offers a glimpse into the complex world of a small Italian town, where faith, tradition, and modernity collide, and where crime and violence threaten to disrupt the delicate balance of life. The episode sets the stage for the rest of the season, and leaves viewers eager to find out what happens next.