Ep 8. In the Name of the Father

In the Name of the Father is the eighth episode of Trust season 1, which follows the true story of the Getty family and the kidnapping of John Paul Getty III. The episode begins with an intense chase scene as the Italian police pursue the Calabrian gang who kidnapped John Paul Getty III. The search for the young Getty continues as he is moved from one hideout to the next.

Meanwhile, J. Paul Getty Sr., played brilliantly by Donald Sutherland, receives a message from the kidnappers demanding a ransom of $17 million for the safe return of his grandson. Getty, a notoriously stingy billionaire, initially refuses to pay the ransom, insisting that it would set a bad precedent for future kidnappings of his family members and hurt his other grandchildren. His refusal to pay the ransom draws the ire of the kidnappers and the public, who see him as an uncaring grandfather more concerned with his wealth than his family.

Getty's son, J. Paul Getty Jr. (Michael Esper), however, is determined to save his son and is willing to pay the ransom. He enlists the help of his friend, Fletcher Chase (Brendan Fraser), an ex-CIA agent turned Getty family fixer, to negotiate with the kidnappers and ensure that John Paul Getty III is returned safely. But the negotiations quickly become complicated when it's revealed that the kidnappers had links to the Italian mafia, making it increasingly difficult to secure the safe return of John Paul Getty III.

As the days drag on, Getty Sr. becomes more and more isolated, further disconnected from his family and reality. He spends most of his time holed up in his grand estate, surrounded by his art collection, unable to make a decision on whether to pay the ransom. His delusions of grandeur and obsession with his art collection are shown in stark contrast to the grim reality of his grandson's abduction.

While the Getty family continues to negotiate with the kidnappers, John Paul Getty III forms a bond with one of his captors, Giuseppe (Stefano Accorsi), who shows him kindness and sympathy. Giuseppe's character is complex, as he's a gangster who has committed violent acts, yet he shows a compassionate side that seems out of place among his criminal cohorts. His relationship with John Paul Getty III, while uncomfortable, is a glimmer of hope in an otherwise dark situation.

In the Name of the Father is a thrilling episode that shows the sinister side of the Getty family's wealth and power. The episode highlights the tragedies that stem from the pursuit of money and status, as Getty Sr.'s refusal to pay the ransom puts his grandson's life in danger. The episode also shows the lengths that Getty Jr. and Fletcher Chase go to in their efforts to save John Paul Getty III, risking their own safety and standing up to the powerful Italian mafia. With excellent performances and a gripping narrative, In the Name of the Father is a must-watch episode of Trust season 1.