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.
