The Harrowing

The finale of series one has less comedy and goes for creeps and gothic horror.

Schoolgirl Katy has been hired to house sit as siblings Hector (Reece Shearsmith) and Tabitha (Helen McCrory) go out for the evening to attend an event.

Left upstairs in the house is their bedridden older brother, Andras who is extremely disabled but supposedly he will not bother Katy.

After they depart Katy's schoolfriend Shell turns up. With no mobile phone signal, Katy feels uncomfortable in a house with paintings depicting hell. She then hears a bell ringing from upstairs.

Inside No 9 episodes usually depicts a twist and both the main writers starring in it.

Here Steve Pemberton is missing and I assumed he would be playing Andras. The twist actually happens part way through and it's not that Hector and Tabitha are creepy and eccentric.

The ending is straightforward and dark which is both satisfying in the context of the story and also frustrating.

This story has comical elements reminiscent of Carry on Screaming within it. There are some fun characters and it's twee hammy vibe is sweet. A fun end to the first season.

My favourite episodes of "Inside Number 9" are always the ones that lean more heavily into the horror side that the show has, so "The Harrowing" is right up my alley.

A teenage girl, Katy (Aimee-Ffion Edwards) is hired to house sit for an eccentric couple, Tabitha (Helen McCrory) and her brother Hector (Reece Shearsmith). With it's freezing temperature and artwork depicting the various demonic scenes, Katy is feeling a touch intimidated, so is happy when her friend Michelle (Poppy Rush) joins her in the house. Tabitha and Hector have another brother, bed ridden upstairs and though she's been told that they won't hear from him, she's left confused as to what to do when the bell by the side of his bed begins to ring.

This first emotion caused by watching the episode again now is sadness, given that we've lost Helen McCrory who, as she always was, is wonderful as Tabitha. She threads the line of the character perfectly, the threat, the sadness all whilst being cordial to Katy. Shearsmith as her brother Hector is channelling the "Carry On" horror film, an aging suit and make up to make his face an unnatural colour. There is no Steve Pemberton in this one, mirroring Shearsmiths absence from the "Last Gasp" episode - I wonder if these two were filmed at the same time, to save the budget?

There are some laughs to be had but as I say, this leans into the horror elements. The ending I can see is divisive in the reviews. I'd say that's my favourite part of it, the twist is that there is no twist. No escape from their fates and it's all the better for that. Along with "Lip Service" this was my highlight of rewatching the first season.

The Harrowing was without a doubt my favourite episode from the first series, it's sensationally dark, witty, and totally bonkers. You just know that as they were writing it they decided to go for all out horror, knowing no bounds, and it's plain to see that all involved enjoyed making it.

I wonder if the duo had the same appreciation for Helen McCrory as I have, she is one of the best actresses around, she gets a great part, and delivers in her own inimitable style. All involved are great. It's visually brilliant too, the camera work and special effects are terrific.

One of the most memorable, and one of the best. 10/10

The Harrowing comes from a love and appreciation of the gothic horror genre. It is campy and silly in places, but with a creeping sinister edge, delving into demonic territory. Tabitha is a wonderful character and Helen McCrory played her perfectly. The same can be said for Katy, played by Aimee-Ffion Edwards.

There are some brilliantly absurd moments and classic misunderstanding humour, especially when thrusting a gothic horror into the modern day. The grotesque, horror elements are faithfully done, without taking away from the comedy. The twist isn't as stark as previous episodes, it does foreshadow and sow seeds, but not always very well done and some jokes fall a bit flat for me. Nonetheless, it was a fun episode and shift towards more supernatural elements.