Ep 5. Remember the Sabbath Day, Part 1 (Episode 5 of 20)

Don Matteo is a popular Italian crime drama series that follows the life and work of the local priest, Father Matteo Bondini, who constantly finds himself solving crimes in the small town of Gubbio. The show is character-driven, with a focus on the relationships between the town's residents, as well as the intricacies of the various cases that Father Matteo must solve.

In season 12, episode 5, entitled "Remember the Sabbath Day, Part 1," Father Matteo is called upon to investigate a series of strange occurrences that are happening at the local church. As he begins to delve deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of lies, secrets, and betrayals that threaten to tear apart the tight-knit community.

The episode begins with Father Matteo preparing for Sunday Mass at the church. However, as he is about to begin the service, he notices that several of the statues in the church have been vandalized. At first, he assumes that it is the work of mischievous teenagers, but as he investigates further, he realizes that there is more to the story.

Father Matteo soon discovers that several members of the congregation are hiding secrets that they don't want to come to light. Among them is a respected businessman, Giuseppe Accorsi, whose plans to build a luxury hotel in the town are causing tension with the locals. When Father Matteo confronts him about the damage to the statues, Giuseppe is defensive and unwilling to cooperate.

As the investigation continues, it becomes clear that there is a larger conspiracy at play. This is further complicated by the fact that the town is preparing to host a major religious festival, and tensions are running high among the various factions of the community.

Meanwhile, Father Matteo must also deal with personal issues. His brother, a police officer, has been involved in a controversial shooting incident, and Father Matteo is torn between his loyalty to his family and his duty to the church.

As the episode ends, the mystery deepens, and Father Matteo is left with even more questions than answers. The stage is set for a gripping second part that promises to unravel the complex web of lies and secrets that have been woven in the town of Gubbio.

Overall, "Remember the Sabbath Day, Part 1" is a compelling and engaging episode of Don Matteo that showcases the series' strengths in character development, storytelling, and suspense. Whether you are a fan of crime dramas or simply enjoy well-crafted television, this episode is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.