Love's Great Adventure

This was a more mundane episode of Inside No 9. The narrative was delivered in an interesting way revolving around an object we are all familiar with and the acting was very good but sadly it is one of the weaker scripts of the series, so more of a mixed bag.

The episode feels different to other Inside No. 9 episodes with a subdued, loach-esque style, story that makes great use of it's narrative device (the snippets from the advent calendar). Being Inside No. 9, there is a brilliant twist which has been suitability obfuscated to match the restrained and gritty tone of the episode which makes it even more rewarding.

This is one of those episodes in the style of Diddle diddle dumpling, which makes you question what this show is, whether it's a comedy, a drama, or something entirely different. What this episode is, is again a Masterclass in writing and acting. The lead up to Christmas should be a fun time, and on most tv shows it's idyllic, Michael Buble, smoked chestnuts and grinning family members, when in reality it can be a tough time.

This family are struggling, but still trying to make Christmas a special day for the youngest family member, they don't have much, but have one another. It was very moving, and rather sad I thought, but a terrific piece of writing, showing the duo's inexhaustible variety.

Top notch acting, Pemberton was particularly good here. Very good. 8/10

This was beyond any of my expectations for this series. The writing was fantastic, subdued and realistic, but the performances make this episode, and in my opinion were the best of the entire show. The twist is so subtle it is almost inconsequential, as the journey getting there is what is truly satisfying. This might be my favorite episode of all.

Lots of folks writing about this being more of a drama focussed on Christmas and lacking in the typical twist plot line of most other episodes.

There are a good few twists here, and after a second viewing I think this is one of my favourite Inside episodes of the entire vehicle. Everyone in it is superb, Steve Pemberton is an absolute tour de force, and should be expecting a call from Shane Meadows any day now. Everyone else is spot on, and as the story unfolds you can't help but have a deeper faith in the meaning of family, especially when witnessing it through such potential hardship at a time like Christmas.

And all that in half an hour! Absolutely superb.