Ep 1. Episode 1

In the first episode of The Name of the Rose, we are introduced to William of Baskerville, a Franciscan monk who has come to an isolated Italian monastery in the 14th century to investigate a string of suspicious deaths. William is accompanied by his apprentice, Adso of Melk, as they navigate the labyrinthine corridors of the monastery and try to unravel the mystery of the deaths.

As William begins his investigation, it quickly becomes clear that there are many forces at play within the monastery. The abbot, Abo of Fossanova, seems to be hiding something, while the rest of the monks are divided into factions who obey different sets of rules and customs. The arrival of a delegation from the papacy, led by the inquisitor Bernardo Gui, only adds to the tension.

Despite resistance from some of the monks, William begins to piece together a theory about what might be happening. He believes that the deaths are connected to a forbidden book, kept hidden somewhere within the labyrinthine library of the monastery. As he and Adso search for the book, they uncover a number of clues that lead them to believe that someone is willing to kill in order to protect it.

Along the way, William and Adso encounter a number of colorful characters who either hinder or aid their investigation. There is Salvatore, the simple-minded gardener who seems to know more than he lets on; Remigio, the novice who is accused of heresy and forced to confess; and Malachia, the librarian who seems to be hiding something.

As the episode progresses, tensions escalate within the monastery, with William and Adso often finding themselves caught in the middle of various conflicts. They must also deal with the threat posed by the inquisitor Gui, who seems intent on rooting out heresy wherever he finds it.

In the end, William and Adso are able to uncover the location of the forbidden book, but they are too late to prevent another death. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the audience wondering what will happen next.

Overall, The Name of the Rose is a gripping mystery series that combines elements of historical fiction, thriller, and drama. The first episode is filled with twists and turns, as well as gorgeous Italian scenery and intricate period costumes. It is a promising start to what promises to be a compelling and multi-layered story.