Ep 3. Provenance

In the third episode of the third season of Numb3rs, titled Provenance, the FBI investigates a series of art heists that leads them to a con man with a knack for stealing rare paintings.

The episode begins with the theft of a valuable painting, which sets the FBI in motion. Agent Don Eppes (played by Rob Morrow) and his team investigate the crime scene, collecting clues and evidence to help them track down the thief.

Their investigation leads them to a notorious art thief named Lee Darrow (played by Timothy Omundson), who has been known to steal rare paintings from museums and art galleries around the world. Despite being under surveillance, Darrow manages to elude the FBI and continues to strike at will.

As the case unfolds, Agent Eppes and his team discover that Darrow is not working alone. He has a partner, a beautiful and talented art forger named Diana Robinson (played by Tricia Helfer). Robinson has been creating exact replicas of the paintings that Darrow steals, allowing him to sell the originals without arousing suspicion.

The FBI realizes that they need to catch both Darrow and Robinson if they hope to put a stop to the art heists. To do so, they devise a plan to catch Darrow in the act by setting up a sting operation at an upcoming art auction. However, the plan is complicated when Agent Eppes' ex-girlfriend, now an art expert, becomes involved in the case.

The episode also explores the relationship between Agent Eppes and his brother, mathematician Charlie Eppes (played by David Krumholtz). Charlie uses his skills to help the FBI in their investigation, analyzing data and patterns to help identify the suspects. However, the two brothers clash over their different approaches to the case, which threatens to affect their relationship.

Overall, the episode is a thrilling and suspenseful installment in the Numb3rs series, featuring an intricate plot, complex characters, and plenty of action. It showcases the FBI's expertise in investigating a unique type of crime, while also delving into the personal lives of the characters. The episode serves as a reminder that solving a case is not just about catching the culprit, but also about the relationships and bonds that are formed along the way.