The nine most disturbing episodes of Inside No 9 (part 2)
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- čas přidán 12. 06. 2024
- I’m counting down the top five most disturbing episode of the BBC series "Inside No 9".
Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith have been giving us nightmares for many years now, and this dark comedy anthology series has more than its share of horror. These are my choices, featuring episodes from series 1-4.
Which one creeped you out the most? What twist did you find the most shocking? Let me know. As you can probably tell, I just can’t stop talking about Number Nine!
Part one is here: • The nine most disturbi...
Credit for the music goes to Thomas O’Boyle: www.thomasoboyle.com - isn’t it just so No 9?
Spoiler warning: check the list further down to see which episodes I’m discussing in this video. Because I’d hate to ruin a great twist.
List of episodes:
5. Diddle Diddle Dumpling (series 3, episode 5)
4. The Harrowing (series 1, episode 6)
3. The Devil of Christmas (series 3, episode 1)
2. To Have and to Hold (series 4, episode 4)
1. The Riddle of the Sphinx (series 3, episode 3)
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:32 Diddle Diddle Dumpling
07:07 The Harrowing
13:20 The Devil of Christmas
19:55 To Have and to Hold
27:24 Honourable mentions
28:54 The Riddle of the Sphinx
Once again, apologies for not including “Dead Line”. But I’m serious - if you guys want a Dead Line video on this channel, then that’s what I’ll do.
Update: That's exactly what I did - full Dead Line analysis video here: • Inside No 9: Dead Line...
Also, let me know if you want me to revisit Number Nine once series 5 comes out. Excited? I know I am!
Update: Full Inside No 9 series 5 playlist is here: • Inside No 9 S5 E1 The ...
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Sources and other things of interest:
Diddle Diddle Dumpling
Read about the alternate ending here: thevelvetonion.com/2017/04/17...
The Harrowing
An interesting theory from the Inside No 9 sub-Reddit: / inside_no9_the_harrowi...
The Devil of Christmas
If you’d like to learn more about snuff, I’ve provided a link to a video on the subject by Reignbot horror. Please be warned that she includes details of serial killers and actual homicide, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea: • A Look Into On-Screen ...
Den of Geek review: www.denofgeek.com/uk/tv/insid...
And here's the link to the article on Charlie Sheen's “snuff” encounter: www.randomaccessmedia.co.uk/ww...
To Have and to Hold
Steve Pemberton's comments on Twitter: / 955713668465025025
Riddle of the Sphinx
Reece Shearsmith's Twitter comment on the episode: / 1116475436106645504
After Dark Analysis has a whole video on the trope of “poison in the tea” (which I didn't even realise was a trope): • Poisoned Tea | Why is ...
And here are some links to information about our good friend, the pufferfish:
io9.gizmodo.com/how-the-puffe...
www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/p...
www.nationalgeographic.com/an... - Krátké a kreslené filmy
what gave me chills in the devil of Christmas is that you think you're listening to director's commentary when in reality it's a police interview
It's especially creepy when you get the feeling he's somehow "proud" of what he created, and not horrified or ashamed.
Plus it does a wonderful, precise and spot on job of re-creating 70’s Britannia tv/movies. Felt like I was watching Hammer Horror or Tom Baker Doctor Who. Love this ep 👌🏽
A VERY disturbing twist
I initially assumed that David had killed Sally as he was driven into such insanity that he felt the only solution would be to finally reunite the twins.
It just fits so perfectly, intentional or not. The whole point is that he can't bear the idea of twins being separated... and there's only one way he can "fix" that. Very dark, but it does fit the tone of the episode and its ending.
same
That's what I thought too!
This is exactly where authorial intent is thoroughly unclear. Even if the writers didn't intend it, that's by far the most haunting and obvious reading of Diddle Diddle Dumpling.
That, for me, was by far the most disturbing. Riddle of the Sphinx is a good choice for #1 but was way too clever and fast paced - on paper it's obviously disturbing but there's too much going on to get too emotionally attached. The simplicity of the idea that he might reunite his twins by killing his daughter is so twisted but you have a massive 'Oh no!' feeling.
But it's different for different people.
Only just came across your channel via these videos but you did a great job on them.
I assumed so too!
That ending of the Christmas episode terrified me
No matter how many times I see it, it's still shocking.
Are there jump scares? I wanna watch it☺️
@@Red-yc7vl no
Letty Red no jumpscares however the subject matter is very disturbing
It's just the out of the park climax,no one would've ever thought about this kind of stomach churning ending😨😰😱😨😰😱
Honestly, when I heard the “they should be together” line on my first viewing for Diddle Diddle Dumpling I immediately panicked. I mean when they brought up the possibility that David didn’t do what I think I was relieved but knowing Reece and Steve, I wouldn’t have put it past them if they did go through with something like that
It wouldn't have surprised me either - it's not like it would have been "too dark" for Inside No 9. Much as I think the episode is perfect as it is, I'd love to see the deleted scenes, which were apparently shot. I'd especially love to see the conversation between David and Sally.
I loved Riddle of the Sphinx. It felt like I could go forward 10 minutes each time and the plot twist would make it feel a brand new tale.
Possibly the twistiest one they've ever done. That, or Once Removed, but that one was working backwards.
One of my best ones
At the end of The Harrowing, I was half-expecting the transfer of the demon to fail, because the young girl was ALREADY a host for a much worse demon. The Devil at Christmas is the one episode I can’t watch again, the tone of that final scene is just too disturbing. I think what does it for me is the matter-of-fact way the crew set the shot up and go about it, it really stayed with me.
That's the most chilling bit about The Devil of Christmas for me, especially the way they just calmly roll out the plastic sheets. That little detail was just... horrible. Also, I love your idea for the end of The Harrowing, and I wish I'd thought of that!
I don't know why but the devil of Christmas really upset me. I think that disturbed me the most.
The thing that got me about "Riddle of the Sphinx" was that Reece Shearsmith was essentially the twins Dad, he raised them. She wasn't studying to be a marine biologist (I assume that part was true) to be like Steve Pemberton. She loved and trusted him and then he finds out that she isn't biologically his and he kills her in such a horrible and callous way all while she's aware and unable to do anything.
A lot of people were disturbed by The Devil of Christmas. It's a horrible ending that makes you feel like you saw more than you actually did. That, and it takes you completely by surprise. The other things I've heard people say about it is that it's not a supernatural thing, or a deranged psychotic killer on the loose, but just deceptively normal people being so viciously cruel to other humans. The fact that it's filmed for other people's sick pleasure, and that the director is so emotionally detached from the horror makes it even worse. So yeah, you're not alone there. In fact, I know at least two people who stopped watching Inside No 9 after seeing it.
Nina/Charlotte's experience in Riddle of the Sphinx gets worse the more you think about it. When she's poisoned, she knows she's going to die. Next she's groped by a creepy old man. Then she gets false hope from "dad" only to learn that he's not who she thought, that he planned to leave her to die, and that the man who just molested her happens to be her real father. All in the space of less than half an hour. That's not even including the part where she's butchered and partially eaten, all for the sake of someone else's "revenge".
Christ knows what they'll subject us to in the next series!
I think you’re right about this with the Devil of Christmas - I found that episode particularly disturbing, and I think you identify why.
@@celyn_27 I was actually unsettled for days afterwards. I just couldn't stop thinking about it. I think it's the fact that it's just that last minute shock and it's a jaw dropper.
It's definitely I believe the most shocking episode...so far at least.
The concept of a snuff film really gets to me -- trusting the wrong people, no one helping you -- so I get what you mean about Devil of Christmas. I had to binge happy cat videos for like half an hour after I watched it, haha.
I genuinely love the twist in The Devil Of Christmas, i love how it's hinted in production details. It's probably hinted in some dialouge also and maybe the fact that Steve's character dies too just before the death of Penny. Was Steve's character's death apart of the build up to the actual death of Penny?
Maybe it was to contrast the fake death with the real one, just like how the fake screaming made Penny's actual fear look real by comparison. Either way, "We'll catch our deaths" takes on a whole new meaning when you watch it again.
Of course the most disturbing episode of the show is episode 3 of season 3 because 3 X 3 is 9
I hadn't thought of that. Mind = blown. Now I'm wondering if that was done on purpose!
~Leonardo DiCaprio pic of leaning out of chair pointing at the screen~ GENIUS!!
Honestly though Empty Orchestra was amazing. Disturbingly well executed despite it being a pretty simple story.
oh boy this comment has aged well in 2023
@@sirprintalot i'll be taking my award for "Best 3-year Prediction" now
The Devil Of Christmas was the first time I had to take a moment after watching something. I was disturbed in the best way possible.
"Disturbed in the best way possible" is probably the highest praise a No 9 episode can get. A lot of them made me need to take a moment, but Devil of Christmas really seems to get a lot people in this way.
The Devil of Christmas was so good, I was NAUSEATED with horror by the end
I can't help but feel that Steve would have had an easier time filming the roleplaying scene from To Have and To Hold if Reece had played Harriet.
OH MY GOD!!! Yes, I can totally see that, and I wouldn't be surprised if there was a rehearsal with Reece as "Nurse Honeypot". And even if that never happened, guaranteed someone's out there has already drawn the fan art!
Can I just say how much I appreciate your calm talking presentation. As a skeemish person myself ( I skip the jumpscare horror episodes ) it was nice that you didn’t include audio or visual scares that I’ve seen other reviewers use. Really good video and it’s always nice to hear a fellow Scot!
Thanks, fellow Scot! I don't use audio or visual scares in my videos, and I never will. I don't think it's fair on the people watching.
Part of the reason people go to horror analysis is to make sense of the things that scare them, and it'd be cruel to trick someone when they're trying to look closer and face their fears in a calm way. No need to scream or add scary visuals to get your point across either!
That, and I know a lot of people (myself included) enjoy listening to CZcams videos on headphones at work, or on the commute. The last thing you want is someone suddenly screaming right in your ear.
6:20. I definitely thought that he killed his daughter too.
Both our minds went to a darker place than even the writers of *this* show meant to go.
Yeah... The show would totally go that far, and I assumed that was the conclusion.
I watched it with family and straight away I though that he killed his daughter . I was the only one that came too that conclusion though.
i was extremely shocked by the ending of Devil of Christmas. i was watching it with my dad and i needed to take a breather. its just something that isn’t a supernatural, serial killer thing. it’s mostly rooted in realism and sick people being unnecessarily cruel and torturous. the cut away makes your stomach drop out of your ass and it left me in sheer silence.
I still think it's the most shocking ending they've ever done, and it leaves everything to the imagination (often one of the worst places to leave such horrible thoughts). Human cruelty is often so much more frightening than any supernatural tale.
I feel Reece and steve deserve way more recognition and awards. The writing is so clever! Even the 'bad episodes' are pretty good!
They way they can act so many roles too and have chemistry with a number of actresses is brilliant.
They sure make it look easy!
It's hard to believe two people can have that much skill and talent. Writing, acting, directing - they do it all, and yes, they make it look way too easy! I like your point about their chemistry with actresses - in just half an hour of TV time, you'll believe Reece and Keeley Hawes are a married couple, or that Steve and Sheridan Smith are BFFs!
The Devil of Christmas is my fave episode. That twist was sooo good. I was left with my mouth hanging wide open in shock lol. The entire time it felt like we were just listening to the director’s commentary like you’d find on most DVD Bonus Features… until that very last line… completely switched everything up. Ugh! Amazing storytelling!
I'm pretty sure that was my reaction too - mouth open in shock! There's no other way to react, and no way anyone saw it coming. Brilliant, if horrible twist!
The Harrowing made me feel so sick. The end was just so uncomfortable for me to watch I almost turned it off. I've had two children, and the sight of the girl tied up with what looked like an epidural attached to her was horrifying. To Have And To Hold was spine chilling too, the reveal and the dead eyed stare as he stirred the pot noodle was terrifying.
It was the ending alone that put The Harrowing on my list. She looked so terrified - it made me feel slightly better watching again knowing the actress is a lot older than she appears - still terrifying though. And yeah, those cold stares he does in To Have and to Hold... you really get the sense that this is someone who does these awful things without hesitation or remorse, and feigns the boring husband act just so he can get away with it.
This channel has a nice vibe despite all the dark stuff you cover .
An unanswered question for me in The Devil of Christmas is to what extent the other actors are complicit. They are not present for the final scene and, seemingly, are all working actors with other jobs to go to. If they are in on it, the implication is that a snuff movie is just something an actor can do and then carry on doing other non-murdery work!
I did wonder about this myself... personally, I think if the actors suspected it was a snuff film, they wouldn't want to find out. Or maybe they assumed the set was going to be used for non-murdery filming, but not necessarily something they'd want on their resume (porn, for example). Reece's character probably had to know something, as he was right there before the "ending", but the rest might have stayed wilfully ignorant.
I'd also imagine the cast were paid extra not to ask questions, or advised not to be too social with the lead actress. They'd have to accept there was no screening or air date, but maybe they were offered copies of the "cut" version to add to their own acting showreels (dreadful as the acting was!). I'm assuming that, in the reality of the episode, snuff films were quite lucrative, so the actors and crew must have been paid-off well. And if you're an actor without a regular gig, that might be a tempting offer.
And while the kid wouldn't have known, his parents probably did!
Riddle of the Sphinx is horrifying when you imagine it in the eyes of Nina, all of that is happening while you're paralyzed and still able to feel and see it
I think that's one of the most terrifying ideas of all. Imagine lying there fully awake, knowing you're dying, paralysed and butchered, all while two men - one who raised you and another who turns out to be your biological father - casually discuss what's happening to you while hashing out their own squabbles. What a horrible thought!
Even though most villains in Inside No. 9 either do or do not get their comeuppance, it always sickens me that Dennis Fulcher will never properly get a comeuppance, because he was so proud of what he did he would never care about going to prison for it.
It's really quite sickening how proud he is of that film. There's not one ounce of remorse for that poor woman, even as he watches her final terrifying moments. It's his calmness that bothers me. One of Inside No 9's greatest monsters.
Sometimes it seems to me that that so often happens in "real" life, too.
Fun fact: adding up all the numbers on the Devil of Christmas recording date at about 18:10 is 10 + 12 + 77 which equals 99.
Woah! Did not notice that.
@@WeeLin there was another in s5 e2 when the main characters awakes suddenly, the clock reads 4:14 which when added up makes 9. I like little details like that in this show.
This is just brilliant and makes you want to watch them again and again. Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith deserve massive credit ( which they don't get ) The imagination, skill and attention to detail is matched by their acting ability. I can pay them no better compliment.
To be fair, I really didn't need much persuasion to watch these episodes again and again! Sometimes I can't get over their level of skill and talent - as writers, actors, and directors now thanks to IN9. And the people who've seen the show are just dying to talk about it with other fans, which is a big part of the reason I make these videos.
This show is so underrated and I think it deserves more attention
Definitely! I'm glad more people seem to be watching it now.
The best/most disturbing thing in The Devil Of Christmas for me is something that's mentioned here but kind of glossed over.
I like to imagine that Devil of Christmas was an actual aired TV episode - which would explain why the "A" ending was being shot at all. So a TV audience would have watched a cut of it - without the snuff ending - unaware of what they were seeing (much as we did).
I base this on the fact that there's an actual script and a story to the footage. We're shown it unedited, but there's obviously a crew and writers working on the production, even if it is cheap. I don't know that much about snuff films, but it seems relatively unlikely that that would be the case unless there was an intent to use the footage to make a real TV special. And I suppose it makes sense that you *would* try to sell the edited version - I mean... why not? I think the director makes a comment about very different shows being filmed back-to-back in these kinds of studios, so that might be signalling that this would be the case.
On second viewing, the director's statement that he added the pregnancy aspect seems odd, because we know that pregnancy is pretty central to the script. But if he's not talking about the story, it has a darker meaning: that the actress Penny is *actually* pregnant, and that it was his idea to cast a pregnant actress in order to spice up the "B" ending. We know that we don't see the whole ending, but I assume that the pregnancy would eventually become obvious as she was hacked at or dismembered.
I don't know, maybe I'm overthinking this, but it would be a pretty horrific implication if it is intentional.
I love your theory about the "A" version. The director seems like someone who'd gladly profit twice from the same venture, and wouldn't feel it was wrong to air half a snuff film on terrestrial TV. Him and his "customers" might even get a kick out of that idea.
As for the pregnancy, the idea that viewers would enjoy it more if they *thought* the actress was pregnant is revolting enough. If they actually hired a pregnant woman for the role... that's just horrific. But we are talking snuff here. And it was "one of the better ones".
WeeLin also worth pointing out the transmission date isn’t just blank but has a line scoring through it making the distinction between an undecided air date and something that is intentionally not to be aired. Apologies if you already got that!!
There’s a bit of dialogue too when they’re talking about the stagehand moving the painting, the policeman says something like “oh I never noticed that” and the director says “no people don’t!”. I took that to mean the programme with the “A” ending is something the policeman and the broader public would remember seeing when they were younger, and it’s only now the snuff version has surfaced
You are seriously overthinking and stretching it with the idea that penny was pregnant. He thought up the idea that Cathy was pregnant so that it would make sense that the krampus was after her.
@@Paraves426 That's the only thing that makes the police interview twist make a bit of sense. Otherwise they wouldn't have watched the whole thing.
Cold Comfort has always been a incredibly inspirational but dark episode for me. Basically, that is my job. It showed me that sometimes the most insignificant things for one, can be the most devastating for another.
That is so very true of any job that's public/customer facing. Plus it was important to see the toll it takes on the workers as well as the people who use the services. And I get it - while the first "Chloe" call is devastating, and I'd probably be thinking the way Steve does while talking to the cat lady, I've personally felt like an emotional wreck after the death of a pet too. But then again, the cat lady has no idea what the person on the phone has just been through. Nothing is insignificant to a person asking for help.
That episode really hit home for me too - I even had to stop watching halfway and take a breather. All the best to you - it's a rough job trying to take care of people.
the devil of christmas really fucked me up. the way they got the feeling of "bad cheesy 70s horror movie that you'd be made to watch at a family gathering or dinner" was so accurate it made the actual ending feel genuinely real, like i'd actually watched something _really_ bad, and fiction never gets to me that badly. i remember when he talked about "them realising what's happening" i kept coming up with different things that could be going on, and even after it cut to the color bars i couldnt process it. i will say though the way some cuts began with the director talking did throw me off a little lmao
it reminded me though, i remember reading that while shooting the blair witch project, heather donahue actually brought a knife with her on set because she thought it might be a snuff film, which is understandable since there hadn't been any mainstream found footage movies before the blair witch, but still, jesus christ it must be scary to feel like you're in that much danger on a film set
For me at least, the whole cheesiness of the rest of the episode somehow made the ending that much worse. You think you know what you're watching, then they pull the rug out from under you. Then you watch it again, and it all makes sense. Great ending, and probably their most shocking!
I've never heard that particular story about The Blair Witch Project (thanks for sharing it, by the way!), but it's further cemented the idea for me that everything happening around the film was so much more interesting than the actual movie. I remember the hype at the time and the rumours about what actually happened. It must have been so much easier to promote found footage hype in the days before IMDB! But yeah, must be terrifying to feel that level of danger just by being on a film set.
I'd love to see an analysis video on The 12 days of Christine! :)
I'd love to talk about 12 Days of Christine. Anyone else up for that?
@@WeeLin Please do! I'd love to see your take on it
Fantastic analysis! Please do 'Dead Line' as well.
Thanks! Judging by the reactions so far, I get the feeling I'll be doing Dead Line.
The krampus episode was definitely the most chilling for me. I didn't see it coming and it is such a disturbing idea.
I'd never have guessed in a million years that's where it was going, until they rolled out the plastic sheets. The idea is just horrifying.
@@WeeLin yeah it’s the plastic sheets that did it for me. Just something so practical and cold about it.
Very excited to see this!
EDIT: Wonderful! I loved the delivery on "That's your daughter Squires, you creepy old bastard."
7:40 Rest in Peace to the marvelous badass Helen McCrory.
Gone far too soon. A wonderful acting talent, and by all accounts, a lovely person too.
The devil of Christmas is my all time scariest episode tbh. It’s less about what you see (we don’t see any gore because it cuts right as the weapon touches the actress) and the fact that the twist is so sudden, literally in the last minute or so of the episode… it’s whiplash inducing, even on numerous rewatches. I can feel the air turn cold the second the plastic sheets come out. I did work experience with the BBC and got to witness what goes on behind the scenes for soap operas. Just seeing how the camera crew zooms out to reveal all the cast and crew, the director, the murderer being told how to kill her, etc… it gave me flashbacks to how creepy sets really are. There’s something so eerie about walking down a fake street, filled with fake shops and fake houses. It smells different.
This episode actually reminds me a lot of the movie “Audition” by the amazingly twisted Japanese director Takashi Miike. Without spoiling too much for those who haven’t watched it, the film portrays itself as a overly sappy romcom (with some… less than ethical plot lines) only to turn into something horrific in the final end scenes. Much like watching Inside No.9, if you’re aware of Takashi Miikes typical work… you’re just waiting for something to go horribly wrong and for gore to start flying. Inside No.9 keeps you on your toes with all the episodes because, much like the movie “Audition”, what you’re being shown isn’t always indicative of what’s really happening in the story.
It was the first episode I ever saw. I couldn't sleep for ages
Came here after watching Part 1. I never knew this show existed! From what I can gather, it's kind of like Black Mirror, which I LOVE! I need to see if I can find this show somewhere online :)
If you like Black Mirror, you'll love Inside No 9! It depends where you are in the world - it's on UK Netflix and BBCiPlayer, but I'm not sure internationally. Some folks in the comments have mentioned Hulu or BritBox, so those might be worth a try. Just hope I haven't spoiled it too much!
The devil of Christmas just gave me chills.
Really leaves you cold and in shock by the end, even if you've already seen it. Feels so gruesome, yet we see nothing.
This popped up on my timeline and I'm so glad it did. Inside No 9 is one of my favourite television series and you've really done it justice here.
I've subscribed and really looking forward to seeing the rest of your work!
Thanks very much! More No 9 videos still to come on the channel, plus some other things I think No 9 fans would also like.
Thank you for making this, this tv deserves more recognition
You're welcome, and I completely agree. I love that more people seem to be watching No 9 now.
Greetings leaguers, niners and psychos of CZcams! It looks like I’m approaching the 1k subscriber mark, so I thought we’d have ourselves a little Q&A. Post your questions as a reply, and I’ll try to answer as many as possible in a future video. Cheers - Lindsay x
1. Do you think that the Number Nine series would have worked if written by Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, but their characters were played by other actors? 2. How does the series compare to such old time classics as Twilight Zone and Outer Limits? 3. What is the appeal of League of Gentlemen? Seriously, I just don't get it. 4. What do you think about an episode where an online TV critic/reviewer/analyst is stalked by an over zealous fan who disagrees with her top 9 list? Don't worry about posting an answer to that last one, I can see what you're typing from here.......
Please do more of these, they're fantastic
Thanks! Hoping to have the next one ready in time for Hallowe'en.
On a rewatch of The Devil of Christmas, one little detail stood out to me. There’s a moment where the director’s commentary states that Pemberton’s character “wanted to leave in a hurry” so “rushed through the scene” while Jessica’s character “caught on and deliberately took her time.” I suspect the reason Pemberton’s character wanted to leave is because he couldn’t bear the thought of staying to watch what would happen to the actress next.
"To have and to hold" reminds me of the case of Josef Fritzl, who held his daughter hostage for decades and fathered children with her. Although the twist at the end was different in real life.
I think that was definitely an inspiration (the Fritzls were even referenced in an episode in series 1, so the writers were aware of the case). I was reminded of it too, as well as another incident where several women were kidnapped by the same man and at least one of them had a child by him. Truly some of the worst things humanity is capable of, and one of the darkest subjects handled by this series.
"Well... If the shoe fits" - omg, i love you
Ha! I couldn't resist that pun.
Last one ✨holy fuck✨ that gives you chills....
It's so horrible. Plus, it completely deceives you with a funny light-hearted into and then... oh no! For me, it's the slow, chilling dread of realising they're actually going to go through with it, bringing out the little frying pan and the set of knives, *shudders*.
I definitely think that the ending for Diddle Diddle Dumpling is what they were hinting at, that's immediately what I thought the ending ment.
That's what I thought, and it made the most sense to me. But the original script has actually been published since I made this video, and there was a final scene that revealed everything (I won't spoil it, just in case you plan on reading it). However, Reece Shearsmith has said on Twitter that David killing Sally is a completely valid way to interpret the episode as broadcast, so it really is up to the viewer to decide what happened.
I was so confused at the ending of The Riddle of the Sphinx, because I thought they meant the NHS (the National Health Service). And I couldn't make it make sense.
Apparently a few people thought it was a protest statement, but in reality it was just a coincidence. I believe they named the professor with those initials after they spotted the "RIP" in the crossword puzzle, so they could have that ending scene. Fun fact - a hidden message like this that appears in a crossword is sometimes called a "Nina", hence the name of the character.
Loved all of your insights, yes I watched all of these episodes and was desperate to discuss and dissect all of this with another person. I marvel at the whole series and the inventive minds of all involved. Thank you for this 2 parter, looking forward to more of your input.
That's part of the reason I made these videos - I just had to talk to more people about this show! I have another IN9 analysis video about the live episode Dead Line, and I've got another script in the works. No plans to shut up about Number Nine any time soon!
Until watching this I thought “snuff film” just referred to a recording of a murder, I wasn’t aware it was an urban legend about professionally made films that featured genuine murder, I love The Devil of Christmas even more now knowing it’s taking the premise of an unsettling but unlikely urban legend and showing us a world in which it is real
Some people use the term "snuff" to describe any actual death on film, deliberate or otherwise. But yes, there's a very distinct urban legend that was doing the rounds about the same period this episode is set in, made all the more popular by the fact that horror filmmakers had caught on and even used it to publicise their own movies. No such thing as bad publicity, I guess! I've put a link in the description to a great video by Reignbot Horror on the subject, which goes into a lot more detail. I love the premise of The Devil of Christmas, much as I enjoy most things that explore urban myths as a subject.
I love the ambiguity of the ending of Diddle Diddle Dumpling. What I mean is that there could be a three way ending:
A. David killed Ted over getting back the shoe.
B. David killed Sally to reunite with her dead twin brother.
C. David killed both of them.
Anyway it doesn’t change the horror of what David might of done. And that’s why it’s up there as a one of the most disturbing episode.
I hadn't even thought that he might have killed more than one person. And I agree - it's the ambiguity of what he did that makes it so disturbing. Reece has even agreed on Twitter that you can read the ending different ways and it all fits, even if it wasn't what they had planned.
Just found your channel and I love all the Inside No. 9 content! My favourite episode is The Bill which is quite surprising as it's quite a forgotten about episode but I just love the flow of it I rewatch it so many times. Other than that I also liked misdirection and the last gasp
The Bill is a cracking bit of comedy - I think it's even won awards for the writing! I love it. Misdirection was one of my favourite episodes of the last series (I almost thinks it works as a counterpart to Riddle of the Sphinx), and I'll argue with anyone who says Last Gasp is a bad episode - I even made a lengthy defence of it in another video I made about the less-popular episodes and why I still think they're great.
Just found out a weird Thing about The Riddle of the Sphinx - the character's name Nina is probably a reference to a term for a message hidden in a crossword - like "I Switched Cups" and "RIP NHS".
Brilliant, isn't it? And I'm sure that nickname was no coincidence, either by the writers or by the character (Charlotte). I liked how that whole family was obsessed with cryptic clues, puzzles and trickery - they were more alike than they'd ever know.
I'm surprised I've only just found your channel, I've recently gone on a massive binge of Inside No. 9 and watching your analysis gives me hope that other people are realising just how cleverly written each episode is. Before fully watching both parts, I was a little surprised at some of the entries but after watching the whole thing, I can completely understand your decisions. Also, much love for the Darkplace shoutout, another underrated hidden gem 😁
If you were surprised by the entries, but then understood after watching the full video, then I must have done something right. Honestly, it was a tough call deciding on the order, especially with the top three, as I know that what's "disturbing" to one person might not have the same effect on everyone. These were the ones that worked on me, and I love how everyone seems to have a different opinion what should be number one. Darkplace is an absolute classic that I'm amazed managed to get made and more people deserve to know about - maybe it should be on my list of future videos?
You have a very convincing manner to how you explain yourself, I'll give you that 😅 It's always fun to see different people's own personal definitions of what's more disturbing to them, I think my main three most disturbing were The Harrowing, Dead Line and The Devil of Christmas. Dark stuff doesn't usually bother me, e.g. The Riddle of the Sphinx, though to others, I can completely understand.
I think Darkplace should definitely be on a list for future videos. A cult classic that deserves more recognition for sure 😅
Huge fan of your part 1 video, I love this one too. These really are fantastic analysis. I look forward to watching your future breakdowns of other horror media
Thank you so much! I'm working on the next one already, so stay tuned.
As a lifetime fan of these guys I appreciate every subtle reference to league. A real good treat!
I don’t know how fans could hate the Harrowing, it’s one of my favourites
I loved it - great setting, great scares and, even though it made this list for good reason, certain moments still get huge laughs from me every time.
Thanks for this. There's so much detail I missed first time round.
My most disturbing moment of the show is Deadline, when the repeat of A Quiet Night In glitches out and the ghost starts clawing at the window. Terrifying. I had to pause the episode and walk away before coming back to it.
I found to have and to hold the most disturbing to watch.
It's horrible, isn't it? You can't help but imagine what life is like behind that door. Steve's played some awful characters ("Pop", anyone?), but this one was worse. Probably because he seemed so normal. I know I didn't make it number one, but it was a close call.
@@WeeLin for sure. It's the episode I would never watch with someone else.
@@gandalfandferg280 That's one way to ruin a night in.
This video is absolutely brilliant. You convey all of your points coherently and exhibit incredible aptitude in observation. As somebody who, like Sally in 'Diddle Diddle Dumpling', lost their twin, everything you commented on the subject was absolutely spot-on. Thank you for making this.
I'm really sorry to hear you lost your twin. I looked a bit into the psychology of twins for this video, as well as family bereavements, but couldn't find much on the two subjects combined. I can't even imagine how much worse the situation must be. It's one thing to talk about it in fiction, but quite another to deal with in real life. Again, I'm sorry for your loss.
@@WeeLin You have nothing to apologise for! I don't consider it my loss; more that of my parents. After all, they're the ones who expected two healthy daughters and ended up with just me. I often think of how much 'better' than me she'd have been, and why exactly I'm the one who survived, but I realise that I'm going off on a bit of a tangent so I'll just say thank you again for making this, and for treating the topic in question with such understanding.
@@louise4558 Thank you. It's often intimidating when talking about problems that affect real people, and so I try to get it right as much as I can. Great to hear positive feedback on this, as people are generally far quicker to let you know if they think you've done something wrong!
Thank you for this- great choices ! Would love to see you Analyse Dead line!
Cheers! Anybody else up for some Dead Line analysis?
@@WeeLin watched this a couple of times now and your analysis is absolutely wonderful- great insights. Especially like your observations on Diddle Diddle Dumpling. And great to see some one else sees the influence of Greek tragedy especially the Oepidus myth on Riddle of the sphinx
Glad you thought so, as those are two of my favourite episodes. Diddle Diddle Dumpling was great to analyse, because it's really about what people *aren't* saying. The couple have all these pent-up emotions that come out in different ways, even in how the house is arranged (you can just imagine David obsessively placing everything in pairs). And yes, I loved what Riddle of the Sphinx did with the Greek tragedy theme, as those stories are always so much darker than people realise. This is how it might actually play out if someone unknowingly killed a family member, or "ate the remains" of their conquest.
I didn't get round to mentioning in the video, but I really loved Alexandra Roach in this - she's probably one of my favourite No 9 guest stars (the real tragedy was that they cancelled Utopia after two series!) and, weirdly for such a dark episode, the comedy in the first act is still brilliant, thanks to her delivery. I'd also had the thought that Nina/Charlotte's own skills in crosswords, wordplay and devious plotting showed she was more like her father than she ever knew.
very very surprised tom & jerry wasn’t on the list AT ALL! it’s the one episode that’s really stayed in my mind
You know what? I was surprised too! When I started compiling the list, I was sure it would be on there. But (for me at least), other episodes got so much darker. Still, it was very nearly on the video, hence the honourable mention.
That said, Tom and Gerri might be one I talk about in the future, as it really is brilliant and the twist took me completely by surprise. Tom's mental and physical deterioration over the episode was something I also found quite shocking.
I love your analysis! Really well thought-out and interesting. I hope you do decide to discuss more episodes in the future
Thanks! I've actually got another one lined up for Hallowe'en - you can probably guess which episode.
I love your exploration and explanations. Very interesting. Thanks
The Harrowing is easily my favourite episode, so chilling from start to finish
Especially the finish - Andras going "Mischief" still leaves me in a state of terror!
The Devil of Christmas is my favourite episode, watched it 5 times already
I love it, both for the ending and for the authentic low-rent 70s production and acting. It's one of my favourites too.
Agree with the Darkplace recommendation. Brilliant bit of comedy that has the best line ever written - "...or my ass is grass, and Won Ton's got a lawnmower. You dig?"
Every single line in Darkplace is solid gold. "I have never exploded", the pube on a pipe analogy, how "the lord moves in mysterious ways" (sometimes he'll come in at an angle, sometimes he can hover). I love it. And let's not forget that heartwarming song for Skipper the Eye Child! I'm seriously tempted to cover Darkplace at some point on this channel, because more people need to see it.
@@WeeLin "MONKEY BASTARD HANDS!"
"If the shoe fits."
So clever. 😁
I was quite chuffed with that one to be fair!
The Harrowing deffo creeped me out when Andras climbed out of bed saying “Mischief “ over and over. I also was creeped out by Riddle of the Sphinx. I have heard that there are only going to be no more that 9 series to go with the No.9 theme, however I personally think that they should have made at least 9 episodes in each series instead of 6.
I always tought the guy in diddle dumplling killed his daughter
It just makes perfect sense, doesn't it? "They should be together."
It does say RIP NHS which could also be the writers taking a jab at the government not properly funding the National Health Service.
I like to think there's a little dig in there, though they claim the message came out completely by accident and was then worked into the character's name for the final shot. But hey, it can be two things. And I'm surprised Steve does anything by accident when it comes to crosswords.
Inside No. 9 is Amazing and so was your analysis. I just discovered your channel and I really enjoyed your take. You have a wonderfully soothing voice as well. :) 🌹♥
Aww, thanks! There's more Inside No 9 to come on this channel too.
@@WeeLin Can't wait! 🤗
@@auntiecreeps1414 Just posted a quick video with my thoughts on the series 5 opener, plus I'm working on a longer IN9 video too!
God these videos are super professional as well as being incredibly interesting and well written! Loved em!
Thank you! I try my best, because I love this show and really want more people to get into it. It's nice to see more people are talking about it now.
To have and to hold made me feel incredibly sick knowing what was going on that entire time
I wondered how quickly I'd start to feel sick knowing what was going on during my second watch. Then it opened with Harriet bringing home a big batch of Pot Noodles "for her husband". Instant shudders.
Perfect analyses. I just watched the 3. 5 and now I do understand the masterpiece and how incredible the show is. Referring the shoe as "him" was also nuance that had driven my attention. After the analyses I got tge answer. Thank you very much dear😘
"The Devil of Christmas" is the No. 9 episode I remember the most. It's basically the show's equivalent of "To Serve Man": The twist ending is subtly foreshadowed, but packs quite the punch when you get to it, resulting in the most memorable twist ending of the entire show. It's a crying shame that "It's a snuff film!" didn't become the next "It's a cookbook!", because it's STILL a powerful dollop of nightmare fuel and shock even years after I abandoned Netflix (where I was watching Inside No. 9). Easily the highlight in one of the best anthology shows ever.
I really need to buy the DVDs of this bad boy.
The Devil of Christmas is one of my favourites - what a twist! One of the most shocking moments in the whole show, even when you know what's happening. Definitely worth buying the DVDs - it's all on iPlayer too, if you have access to that.
My personal favourite episodes are Tom and Gerri, The Harrowing, Cold Comfort, Seance Time, The Devil of Christmas, Private View and Deadline (which I still enjoyed despite not watching it live). The ending of The Harrowing is one of my favourite scenes from the show, so I'm surprised that it's hated so much.
Glad I covered almost all of those then! I guess a lot of people don't like abrupt or downer endings so much. Scared the shit out of me though, I can tell you!
Surprise surprise, you have another subscriber. Love this video and the analysis. Looking forward to new videos.
Top channel, clever content and great reviews, thanks!
You're very welcome. More No 9 videos on the way soon!
"If the shoe fits"
wEAR IT IF NEW YORK'S IN DEBT WHY SHOULD VIRGINIA BEAR IT?
ehem.
Bravo.
Uh, our debts are paid, I'm afraid
Don't tax the South 'cause we got it made in the shade
@@solsteiner7241 an ethics lesson from a slaver hey neighbor! Your debt's paid because you don't pay for you labour!
“We plant seeds in the south we create”- ye keep RANTIN’we know who’s really doin the plantin’
What I love about this show is you don’t know which episodes will be disturbing, some even while you’re watching them
Most of the most disturbing ones I've seen don't start that way at all. Especially no 3 on this list (shudders at the memory!)
Really great analysis and insights on one of my favourite series. You have a new subscriber from South Africa 😊
Amazing, thanks!
This is a really good video, thank you
The Devil of Christmas was amazing. When it begins, it seems like an episode of Garth Merengui's Darkplace. When it ends, you are terrified and disturbed
Also, Freud would have a field day with The Riddle of the Sphynx
I watched Devil of Christmas thinking "this is one of the greatest comedy episodes they've ever done"... then I got to the end! I think it might be the most unexpected twist I've seen, and one that definitely changes the way you watch it the second time. Ooft, Freud would definitely have had some comments for Riddle of the Sphinx! Between Oedipus references, incest and cannibalism, there's a lot to unpack in 30 minutes.
although i would in no way say it was the most disturbing, the end of 'thinking out loud' when you see the father walking up the driveway always gives me chills
That's quite a chilling bit, especially when you realise what he's walking into.
Me: “O-oh dear. That cannibal reveal is fucked up, and I thought this was bad enough already. That’s a sick way to end an episode”
*No, you get to see every second of it*
Me: “EXCUSE ME????”
I couldn't believe they went as far as they did, and how much of it the director decided to show. The idea is pretty sick already, and they left nothing to the imagination. First time I watched it, I was so sure they were going to stop before he actually ate it, but there you go! (Also, I heard the words "EXCUSE ME???" in the voice of Pam Doove from The League of Gentlemen - no idea if that was intentional)
Hey! I love your videos so much as it means I get loads of extra number 9 content! I was wondering if you would ever remake this video once series 9 finishes? Keep up the amazing content !
Thanks! I'm thinking of doing another video once series 9 wraps of the top 9 most disturbing from series 5-9 (this video only covers series 1-4). I can already think of a few episodes that will definitely be on there!
@@WeeLin omg!! i wasn’t expecting a reply at all! I’m really looking forward to see your perspective on it once number 9 comes to a close
@@vera1933 Thanks! I'll be sad when it ends, of course, but at least I'll still have plenty to talk about on the channel. And if I know anything about Steve and Reece, it's that they always move on to do new and exciting things, so I can't wait to see what they'll do next.
Star Wars Xmas Special!!! I literally just spat out my tea. So subtle, well done.
The fact that the Star Wars Holiday Special exists still baffles me to this day. I can only imagine how it felt to be a fan who watched that on broadcast!
Sorry for bad spelling
So I've recently get into inside no.9 but i love deathcore. When she was taking about "the devil of Christmas" and says "sence 18b" my mind started freaking out. There was a album by a band call maggeterotica thats has a song call that that starts with a normal sample that i have been looking for sence it came out. For some time now i thought i might never found it. But as she went on describing the episode it was spot on with how it sounded and then she said a line i remembered. Found the episode and it is the sample. THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME FIND THIS
No way! You're very welcome. What part was used as the sample, out of interest? I have to check this out!
@@WeeLin it is when they are switching to sense 18b and the vary end.
I liked the harrowing it was eerily similar in style to classic horror films and the ending was dramatic as you felt Katy would escape and be the hero.
I do enjoy a lot of old school horror, so The Harrowing was right up my street (even if the ending left me terrified!) The writers love classic horror, and you can see it in nearly everything they've created for television. They really know their stuff! It was great to see them pay tribute to the old Hammer Horror style. And who knows... maybe Katy did escape? It's up to us, I guess!
I just watched TDoC for the first time last night and it quickly shot to the top of my favourite episodes, I cannot stop thinking about it. I did work out half of the twist before the end, I worked out that it was a police interview but the ending was still shocking. The realisation, the plastic sheeting, the roughness of the man with the gag, the brute himself, the beeping of the colour bars, the silence after the beeping, Jacobi and Clerkins voices afterwards, I genuinely felt dirty.
I have a couple of questions though;
1) How many people were in on the whole snuff thing? Obviously the director, the killer and I assume most, if not all of the crew. They were ok with all this, surely something would have come out by now.
2) if the guy was a policeman, why was he laughing along and asking questions? My theory is that the director is psychologically damaged from making all these films that they played along with the idea that it was just a regular piece of TV in order for him to open up and tell the truth.
Anyway, that's my 2 cents.
It really is the most perfectly-assembled bit of nightmare fuel, isn't it?
As for your questions, someone else brought up the first one quite recently - I reckon the crew must have been in on it (they'd have to be prepared, otherwise they might have intervened when they saw what was happening) and either been paid off, or threatened with consequences should they report it (a director who produces snuff tapes for the black market must know some pretty scary people). As for the other actors, they might have been paid off to "not ask any questions" after the recording, or to associate with the lead actress. They might have been allowed to use the "A" version of TDoC as part of a showreel - they don't appear to be the most successful actors out there! Either way, it's possible that someone from the crew was the one who reported it in the end, or maybe the tape was seized as part of a collection (even if there were no credits, the director made the mistake of appearing on camera).
For the second, I thought it was the police officer being drawn in by the director's charisma and amusing anecdotes from the world of filmmaking, and that he'd temporarily forgot the purpose of the interview while watching the tape. I think I like your idea better though - it would allow him to incriminate himself even further by playing into his ego.
People don’t like The Harrowing? It’s one of my favourites 😅😅
Great video!!
I know, right? Brilliant episode, with a great performance from Helen McCrory.
I've only recently discovered your channel on CZcams, so I've been watching a few of your videos back to back. I absolutely love Inside Number 9 along with League Of Gentlemen and Psychoville. Some very good picks here, but I'd like to know if your list would be different now that series 5 and 6 exist, and what episodes from those series you consider to be the most disturbing. Anyways, loved this two parter. I think I'll subscribe.
Thanks! From series 6, I'd add How Do You Plead and Simon Says - both of those had their fair share of unsettling moments, and were great episodes in general. I'm not sure what I'd add from series 5 - maybe Misdirection for the decapitation scene? Who knows - maybe I'll do a follow up list for the later series once more have been broadcast (I know they're hoping to have nine series, so fingers crossed!). Glad to hear you've been enjoying my Inside No 9 videos. I've also got some League of Gentlemen videos and another one on Psychoville on here if you're interested, plus I'll be reviewing series 7 when it's out.
The riddle of the sphinx is the best episode ever.
For the Harrowing I thought the point was there wasn’t a twist. We were always expecting one but this time the story was true.
Thanks for this, really good analysis. My number one would be To Have & To Hold. The only episode that left me feeling really depressed, despite Nicola Walker getting the upper hand in the end. Favourite episode is easily The 12 Days Of Sheridan Smith!
All the ones in the top five hit me emotionally in different ways. To Have and To Hold was certainly depressing, as well as horrifying and quite sickening. I kept thinking about the characters afterwards, how they'd suffered and what a monster Adrian really was. 12 Days of Christine/Sheridan is my favourite as well, and I do plan to make a video on it! Got to get it just right though.
I’m going watch number 9 now. Catches my fancy now!
Oh no, I hope I haven't spoiled anything for you!
WeeLin nah this actually makes me more interested in the show
WeeLin I actually watch season 1 episode 5. Holy crap I had theory was going be about the curse of the play macebeth. But I was wrong I think he killed his girlfriend at the end. For sacrifice become famous. Had me grip of my seat. You were not kidding that this show get disturbing! Have say it gotta be my favorite new show I’m getting into.
WeeLin holycrap harrowing creeped me out. Also the séance creeped me out too. But not much like harrowing. Also saw all the episodes.
Love the spot for Kubrick in Diddle Diddle Dumpling, I saw that too. It also has some slow forward tracking shots. I love Kubrick's films.
I had to try and get my finger on it, but it had that Kubrick feel right away. There was one overhead shot I remember that felt right out of The Shining. Great direction, great episode!
The Devil of Christmas is horrifying to me, and the Riddle of the Sphinx just makes me feel sick.
Same here - I was not prepared for the ending of Devil of Christmas. And I think I might have mentioned it in the video, but I very nearly threw up watching the Riddle of the Sphinx "eating" scene. It's so horrible!
@@WeeLin it really is, might give that episode a miss when i get to that one with my family. Yikes.
@@sirbenjaminthebold3943 That's the beauty of anthologies - you can skip one, or watch them in any order and you don't miss anything.
Please please please do a review on the twelve days of Christine!!! I can relate to the episode slightly as my mum died when I was 3. It is however my favourite episode. Would love to see you do a review! Love your channel and have subscribed 👍👍
To Have and To Hold possibly took its cue from Josef Fritzl, an austrian who kept his daughter in the basement for many years and fathered multiple children - many questioned how the wife could not have known when the abuse was in such close proximity but fail to appreciate that it would have taken a deductive leap & suspicion of her spouse that most wives or husbands do naturally fail to make; at least one hopes a couple that could suspect the other of something so vile and unnatural never get together, for the sake of everyone around them.
I'd be amazed if the Fritzl case wasn't on their minds while they were writing this (the family were even referenced once in an earlier episode). But what you're saying is very true, and I think To Have and To Hold really captures that - it would have felt insane for Harriet to jump to those conclusions about her husband, even though they were true, and would seem far more reasonable that they'd hit middle age and Adrian just wasn't interested in her anymore. The truth would be far too awful and ugly to even think about. Also, Adrian is an abuser and a manipulator, and probably has a thousand tactics for deflecting his spouse away from what's really going on, and doesn't care about guilt-tripping, hurting or neglecting her in the process. People like that, both real and fictional, take their time and control everyone around them, not just their captives.
I'd never heard of this show and heard of the Devil of Christmas episode. I'm a huge fan of schlocky B-horror, which is how it came across my radar, and that ending caught me so off guard! Bums me out that this show is such a pain in the ass to find in the states because, after watching this 2-parter, it looks fuckin' brilliant!
Also, really solid breakdowns here mate! Definitely gonna be floatin' around the channel to catch more of these!