I was literally shouting out loud to will him on at the end!! I was looking to my partner saying, please let it be a happy ending!!! Please!!! I got so emotionally invested
Me too! I think we actually hugged during the credits, we were just so relieved he survived. I was even shouting at the screen, "YOU'VE GOT ONE MORE CLUE!"
'It's been staring you in the face all along' and 'Exit'. This would have been a perfect final episode, and only heightens my excitement at the 2 to come. I genuinely believe we are witnessing creativity that will be studied for decades in colleges and universities here. And this channel is a great accompanying element.
That reveal made me happier than any other No. 9 moment, even the end of 12 days. Wonder how long the boys have had that idea tucked away waiting for the perfect moment to deploy it?
I don’t think I’ve ever wanted a No.9 character to win in their situation (at least on the first viewing) as much as Jason in this episode. I also don’t think I’ve ever shouted that much at my tv before.
As soon as the coma twist first appeared, I admittedly rolled my eyes. BUT, I changed my mind after I saw the way that the twist was used. It wasn’t over explained like Thinking Out Loud, it was instead a really creative portrayal of psychology which led to an edge of your seat climax. I already know that I need to rewatch this to catch some of the early hints with the family though. But out of what I did pick up on, the ‘Doctor Death’ twist was pretty creative Anyway, outside of the twist, this was just generally fantastic. I loved the setting and all of the puzzles which came from it (very Riddle of the Sphinx) the atmosphere and tension were both nailed perfectly and there’s a lot of heart. Definitely one of my favourites of the season so far
One of my favorite details is how steve's character is incapable of communicating with the other room outiade of morse code, which doesnt really relate to the twist exactly, but blinking morse code is a common way that people who are concious yet paralysed are able to converse with people, which could be a wee bit of forshadowing
I can see how that would be linked to the reveal, and he seems like the type of person who'd think to use morse code. There was another bit that got me, and that was when he's talking to Millie and telling her how proud he is of her. "I wish you could hear me" he says, even though she's right there.
@@Katielovegood44 ah, I was wondering how he knew morse code off the top of his head! Like I said, the episode wasn't holding my attention, so I will have missed things like that being revealed
@@Katielovegood44 When he was looking for the hook, he found a paper that had all of the letters with their how to send them in Morse code. He even said "Maybe I'll need to send an SOS." One of the things that I liked about this episode is their ability to make the escape room real so you don't immediately think something isn't right. Escape rooms should never have puzzles that require you to have an uncommon skill
This is one of my favorite domestic stories in a few ways and easily blew no.9's other dying dream story out of the water in my eyes. I like how one of the last things we see in Jason's escape room is him tearing of Dr. Death's mask and showing he's human, Jason knows he's not literally fitting this looming edgy reaper, but just a man convinced that he's doing the right thing. My favorite detail by far is that Doug constantly holding the flashlight down by mistake towards the start is actually him holding the flashlight to check Jason's vitals. Also props to the gents on their placement of Nine the hair and not just putting him in the hospital room, you'll spot him on a camera, and with that, you have 2 clues left ;) Jason is likely going to go down as my favorite Steve character of the final season, and that's saying something. It's also funny that after the episode that made me realize that Steve hasn't died this season, we get a whole episode that's build up to him not dying against all odds, makes me worried for the poor saps he'll play in the last two episodes.
Of course! (the flashlight!) How ingenious. I'm gutted this is the last series ever - it's amazing to think they have not only starred in ( bar 1 I think? 3X3) but written 56 episodes. I kept thinking - that can't be right 56? But whilst maths isn't my strong point - 9 times 6 is 56. An extraordinarily good body of work. What's great as well is how we all love different episodes - like boxes of chocolates. This has been made clear to me reading the comments on your reviews Weelyn for example - lots of people seemed to love Mulberry Close this season, myself? Thought it was poor, in fact I've been really disappointed with the new series until this one! I *loved* this episode! It was funny, fiendishly clever, terrifying, heart warming with a perfect ending. 9 (No pun intended!) out of 10. The last great one I loved before this one was The Weekend one with the gruesome insect ending. Weelyn - would you consider ( when this final series has ended) picking your 2 favourites from each series then 2 wildcards (one series could have 4 you love etc) so 20 episodes all together. Then from those pick your top ten of all time? You could also do - top 10 funniest, top ten scariest, top ten best twists etc etc. I'm a sucker for top ten lists and I adore your commentary. You have a great voice too - very rich and warm and your sense of humour is ace! If you start to post more regularly then I see this channel going far. Put it this way - there is no other channel I watch on TH-cam that is just commentary...none. You engage me from the off. Hope I haven't given you a big head!! It's all true though so why not say it? Yes you are still a small channel but one with a dedicated following ( look at all the comments you get! What better sign of engagement?) and likesay - more regular uploads, some visuals and my gosh missy! The 🌎 is your oyster ☺️👏✌
This one hit me really hard, I had a massive stroke in 2017 and spent four weeks in an induced coma. My visitors were told I would probably never wake up, and if I did I would be unable to speak or recognise anyone. Luckily no-one was faced with the decision to remove my life support ( no idea who would have made the decision if it came to it, I didn't really have a next of kin I think the hospital staff believed my ex when she said she was my wife, took me nearly a year to convince the hospital that she wasn't my wife and remove her as next of kin. As it turned out I woke up just fine, with no Dr. Death to worry about, and have recovered Insanely well considering how large a chunk of my brain was destroyed. Having people around me talk in hushed voices about feeding tubes is a fairly clear, and traumatic memory. I had a new NG tube put in while I was conscious and not sedated, which is not an experience I'd recommend.
Im so glad that I wasn’t the only one screaming at the telly, Weelin, and my god it was so good and so gripping! When Dr Death showed up and Jason (Pemberton) started freaking out, I saw the brief flash of him in a coma I had to do a double take and thought "what was that?!" And when the twist was revealed he was in said coma I went "OH SH*T JASON'S IN AN EFFING COMA!!" I didn't want Jason's doctors take him off life support and put him to sleep, Jason seemed to be a caring dad who loves his wife and daughters. I was screaming and freaking out for Jason to wake up. I then remembered that he had that last hint and it being the I and X in EXIT being the Roman numerals for 9 was a great use of the 9 in the show. As that revelation hit Jason, his wife, daughters and the audience. When Lynne, Jason's wife, exclaimed "wait!" And the doctors stopped pulling the plug on Jason when Lynn heard him say "Number 9!" And Lynn exclaimed "Did he just say something?!" And when Jason woke up I nearly fainted or vomited or both! I get interested so easily! 😅 I do think that Dr Death is an allegory for the grim reaper. I was screaming so badly to my mum asked me to turn it down! As the credits rolled I was taking deep breaths out of terror.
Glad I wasn't the only one having a very loud and dramatic reaction to this episode! They couldn't kill him, I thought, not like this and not when he's so close to waking up and with his wife and daughters right there! I liked that Dr Death could be a reaper metaphor but also the doctor in the real world that Jason has overheard. I mean, that's how I'd probably picture someone if I hadn't seen them and knew they were coming to switch me off life support!
This was such a good episode. Although the idea isn't necessarily new, but the execution was spot on. ps: I'll miss your No. 9 reviews almost as much as the show itself!
Well, there were four series worth of episodes out before I started reviewing them and a few people have asked if I'll go back and do those, so you never know! Plus I have a lot of No 9 related topics I want to talk about, so I'm far from done!
My boyfriend is REALLY into escape rooms, so he was pretty excited to see how Shearsmith and Pemberton put one together. He thought the use of the number nine in the end was really clever, too.
This was a heartbreaking watch for me as my husband didn't make it out of his escape room. "The Last Weekend" also upset me terribly when it aired as he was in hospital fighting cancer at the time. However, it is testament to Steve & Reece's writing that so much of the episode was so damned accurate. Those conversations with doctors really hurt. I was so relieved when Steve's character opened his eyes. You couldn't end that episode in any other way...well, you could but I'd have smashed my telly. And yes - I'll be very interested in more No.9 content when the series is over. I managed to get tickets to the live show which will be a real good treat!
@@catbhoy thank you. Lost my Dad three months later, so it's been a bloody awful time. But, as much as these episodes hit hard, I appreciate the authenticity & overall "Inside No.9" has always been a great distraction. I've rewatched the series multiple times these last six months & got a lot of (cold) comfort from them.
That must have been so hard to watch - I was about ready to smash the telly as well, so I've no idea how much worse that would have felt to you. I think I might have said it before, but once again, I'm so sorry for your loss x
Sorry to hear your news and interesting to see your point of view. I'm by no means easily offended (usually my sense of humour is doing the offending), however I couldn't help but feel this episode was in slightly poor taste and left a bad taste in my mouth for exactly the reason you give. This could put so many questions, doubts, fears into peoples minds regarding something we know little about. Rather than being thought provoking in any way, it seemed to just use the scenario for entertainment. Sorry, but it really turned me off.
I was SO excited when I read the synopsis for this episode (I'm excited every week lol), and it did not disappoint!!! I did a horror room once that was flashlights-only in a dark room, we couldn't speak above a whisper, and there was a scare actor that would come into the room periodically and lunge "blindly" towards any sound we made. Absolutely terrifying and they did such a good job capturing that feeling! This episode also had really great timing because I did an escape room last month titled Magic Heist with tons of classic magic trick paraphernalia and I kept thinking like "Reece Shearsmith would love this" LOL and then they came out with the escape room ep :-)
Another great episode. I didn't attempt to look for the hare, either- I think the only time I've noticed it organically was in Tempting Fate where it's essentially the whole plot. Dr Death may be a threatening character, but at least he never served anyone caulliflower quiche- not even traditional. Also I need to just add your videos have heavily inspired me make No.9 uploads ....of course, another major inspiration for making uploads about Inside No.9 was...Inside No.9, but your videos were just as important as the show in that regard. The episode's actually made me a bit dubious about doing escape rooms, I wouldn't fancy my survival chances, I'm not nearly as good at puzzles as Jason- I thought that the 4 digit word they needed in the star scene would actually be RGBY even though I'd already seen him using that clue and even though RGBY isn't a word. (P.s pretty sure you're right about Steve actually doing that 3-man school tour play in Germany, he mentioned it in Would I Lie To You and it turned out to be true...unless it was secretly 3x3 style Inside No.9 episode masquerading as Would I Lie To You and the twist is that was a lie)
Finding the hare meant looking for a weird object in a dimly lit room full of weird objects, plus I was too wrapped up in the escape room puzzles. That's great you're making No 9 uploads - I shall have to check them out. Thanks for your kind words, that's praise indeed!
@@WeeLin Thankyou! please don't feel like you have to, though (there's only 1 so far, I can only apologise if the quality of them dampens the praise slightly). I never really look that much for the hare- My theory about easter eggs though is that Stage Fright will feature a set painting of an octopus playing tennis...now all I have to do is wait until I see it in January to find out that I'm....definitely wrong, they wouldn't do that.
This was the most thrilling episode I’ve ever seen, with a 12 Days of Christine/Devil of Christmas level twist, definitely one of the all time greats of the show!
I absolutely loved this episode. Literally made me cry at the ending. Was such a brilliant episode. Was thinking it was gonna be a horror style no.9 and boy was I wrong. Overall loved it so much.
Another movie influence for me for this episode was Jacob's Ladder. Not gonna say anything but if you haven't seen it: do! Did anyone else notice that the scary looking dummy was sometimes there and sometimes not in between the scary bloke that looked similar to it? Thanks, WeeLin for your commentary.
I didn't notice the dummy disappearing between takes - looks like I'll have to watch it again. Any excuse! I think Jacob's Ladder was recommended to me before, so I should check that out, thanks!
@@WeeLin I could be wrong but I’m sure that’s what I saw. Re: Jacob’s Ladder: you’re in for a treat! (Just make sure it’s the original version starring Tim Robbins).
Best guest characters? ✅ Best twist? ✅ Best ending? ✅ A little bit Funny? ✅ Heart attack inducing? ✅ Best 9? ✅ Best villain? ✅ Best characters? ✅ Best Steve/Reece performance? ✅ I’ve done an on site escape room for my 21st birthday which was awesome! And no wasn’t in a coma!
Absolutely loved this episode it was tense and also really heartwarming at the same time! Honestly such a roller coaster. And as someone that has done escape rooms I loved how detailed the whole thing was
@@WeeLin absolutely Reece and Steve are masterclasses at what they do and I’ll be so sad when it finally ends 😭 also what are your thoughts on what the last episode will be which we know next to nothing about????
Favourite of this series for me so far. Will have to see if it even manages my final Top 10 once all the episodes are out. One other thing I though of is with "Dr. Death" also being a "Grim Reaper" stand in, with an axe instead of a scythe. Obviously, clue is in the name. As for the hare location, check next to the jar when they're taking it out of that cupboard after solving the Morse Code Puzzle
I thought Dr Death was an excellent take on the reaper, especially knowing there's a real doctor about to take him off life support. Thanks for finding the hare!
Brilliant reversal, and a real edge of the seat climax. Best of all the resolution was surprisingly moving. I think I'd put this and Mulberry Close up there with their very best.
There were so many clues in this episode that completely flew over my head! I.E. “you’re the one who’s going to have to live with it” “I love you, Millie, why can’t you hear that?!” “Necrophilia more like!” “They’re putting on a brave face”
@@WeeLin agreed! I went into this episode blind. Good thing for recording programmes right? I agree with your statement of “if I took a blood pressure reading it would’ve gone through the roof” as this episode so exhilarating! I loved how Pemberton played a down to earth fun loving father instead of neither a frustrated support line worker, a cold hearted vengeful father who’s has his life ruined by the same gay celeb who told the same father’s daughter to off herself. Was it odd to see Pemberton in the goofy dad role? Yeah. Was it nice to see him in a role of a giant goofball since A Quiet Night in and Burnie Clifton’s dressing room? Also yeah
I also got ghost stories vibes!! Glad you gave it a shout out, I watched it with my friends on halloween a while back and we all still vividly remember it cos it's such an interesting (and scary) film. I was reminded of it when I watched 12 days of christine as well
I loved it, and genuinely found it scary. I really enjoyed the anthology style and framework they went for. Of course, I saw Jeremy Dyson's name on there and I HAD to see it! I think I'll review it after No 9 finishes, thanks :)
I was also delighted to see Angus Wright in No. 9 (though briefly). He is very funny in Flowers if you have ever seen it. Another very dark and funny show. This episode was brilliant and I was getting a bit emotional too
This was a powerful episode because as you mention they put in enough character work in the limited time to make me care about the characters and Jason's reunion with his family. Certainly my high point of the this series so far. Also take your point about the Ghost Stories link and would recommend the film (my attempt to see stage show at the Kings Theatre here in Edinburgh back un Apr of 2020 didn't quite work out)
I feel you - I had an Immersive Dracula experience booked for April 2020 and a trip planned for a wedding in the Czech Republic that summer - all those lovely 2020 plans! I still have a "Calendar of Disappointment" from that year with all the exciting gigs and events I was going to attend :( I've never seen Ghost Stories on stage either, but if it comes to Glasgow (or Edinburgh) then I'm in!
The final scenes of this episode genuinely gave me chills... Especially the part with the part at the very end with the final clue... Also blimey Christian Henson didn't have to go THAT hard on the music score but damn he did!!!
A bit of a topic but, When I was watching the trailer for the final season of the show, I realized that they only showed clips from 5 out of the 6 episodes. I wonder if Steve and Reece are planning something big for the finale. Perhaps something similar to the deadline special. A continuation of one of their other stories, maybe a connection between all the stories somehow? Or maybe I'm just over-analyzing. I don't know, but it is interesting that they're not promoting any clips of the final episode in the trailer.
You know what? I bet they're up to something! There's usually a teaser at the end of each week's episode on BBC2, so if there's nothing this week then I'm going to be VERY intrigued! It's Inside No 9 - overanalysing is what we do.
This is my favourite episode of this season so far. its one of those episodes that makes you want to rewatch it again after seeing the twist. I also loved the ending where dr death is basically symbolising the fact he is about to die. honestly just hopeing the next 2 episodes are gonna top this cus i really want the series to end on a episode as good as this one. also that bit right at the end where the last clue was the number 9 when he said that it gave me chills.
I keep thinking that would have been a great way to end the show. But I guess we'll wait and see what they have in store for us. Dr Death was a great touch - scary and significant to the story.
CAN'T WAIT for next episode, the one an artist i follow made the art for, comes out. It'll be nice staring at the art for a whole video finding all the little details they put in that i missed before. Anyway. I think this episode combined everything i would want/expect to see from a later on episode of IN9, a classic escape room AND (spoilers) a cliche twist, though it wasnt done lazily at all, and i quite enjoyed it for those reasons- really nice watch even though i was on the edge of my seat the whole way after reece's character said dr death could come in at any moment lol i did see the first twist coming but thats not a bad thing at all because they almost laughed at me by putting that next one in like HA you thought you had it _but you never will_
I got fooled by the first interactions with the wife. Made me wonder if this was hiding an abusive family dynamic But then when the penny dropped, suddenly it all made sense
I wondered what was going on too - especially the conversation about "does he know what's going to happen later" and "you're the one who's going to have to live with it". Ouch! Makes so much sense now, especially if you think he's "overhearing" them while they're talking in the hospital ward.
I loved it too! I think I need some time to sit with it and see if it's an all time favourite (there are so many at this point). But definitely the most invested I've been in ages.
Was one of the tensest eps they've done to date! It was a touch telegraphed but, still tension ridden. A very satisfying ending too & a nod towards a "not all endings are bad"
Didnt think the mirror comment was about an accident, i thought the "always pays to check the mirrors" was a foreshadow of "it was in front of you all along".
We were doing a pirate room once and there was a pirate coin lodged in a cupboard - it had a hole in the top for a fishing line you could attach a magnet too, or pick it up and sort of lever it up from the outside carefully - we spent so long grabbing this coin only to be told some kid had ripped it off the prop treasure and dropped it down there for a laugh, thanks for retrieving it though 😠😠😠 so annoying!!
I loved this one. On the surface, it’s a very well constructed with the solid premise of an escape room, the strong visual style and the endearing family dynamic of the main cast. And then there’s the twist. First off I love how the twist is baked into the 3rd act as opposed to being a last minute twist. It allows time for it to breathe and give an impact to the audience, I was gripped, I really wanted Jason to be okay. Plus, with how Jason got “outside” the No.9 with the 9 code, something about it felt very meta, with Steve and Reece very soon stepping outside No.9 in the next week or so. That’s my reading of the end.
I kind of wish they'd saved this episode till last now, because that'd be such an amazing way to round off the show. But I'm sure the last one's going to be a belter as well!
Also I couldn’t help but think of a CBBC TV show that aired from 2007-2010 called Trapped! It was a game show for kids where six kids from different parts of the UK who complete challenges who get voted against one another as one child picked out at random by the voice (a lady who’s face we don’t see but is instantly recognised by her purple lipstick) to sabotage the challenge from rooms 6 to 3. Floor 2 was basically a general knowledge round. Most of the kids who vote do it completely randomly. It was freaky and fun. The reason why I mention Trapped! Is because the escape room reminds me of something out of the show. I’m a UK girl who grew up in the early 2000’s.
As someone who used to work at an escape room there were so many little lines from both Reece’s character and the family that were very familiar and got a good chuckle out of me
This was definitely one of those episodes where I guessed the twist early on but still loved it regardless. My heart was beating so fast willing him to get out! I’d be so interested to hear everyone’s incorrect theories about what the twist could have been: from the title I thought it could have been a computer game/simulation, then I started to worry that Jason was a wrongun based on the Fritzl reference.
Much like the "Exit" sign, sometimes these things are staring us in the face all along. Don't worry - you wouldn't believe some of the obvious things I've missed on the first watch!
I actually guessed the twist quite early, although at first I thought the family had been in an accident and Jason was the only survivor, with the mum and daughters escaping into the other room, (was very glad I got that bit wrong). There was also the really lovely bit where Jason is talking to his daughter about moving on and being proud of her, that made me think it was an audience address about the show ending? I might have just been feeling soppy and read too much into it
That was a pretty good guess so early on! I loved all the scenes with Jason and Millie. When he tells her how proud he is of her, then says "I wish you could hear me" even though she's standing right there... makes so much sense once you know.
Great episode but two things let it down, and one of those was entirely my own fault. First, the "young" girl was played by someone far too old. She looked to be basically the same age as the older sister but was played like she was around 8 years old. The second thing was that my girlfriend hasn't seen No.9 before, so before I put this episode on I showed her "12 days of Christine", then we immediately watched this episode. As they have similar themes and 12 days is so incredible, this one seemed lacking in comparison.
the twist revealed with at least one more story beat to go, meant it was not quite so similar to a play made into a film, that i also enjoyed. Hands down THE most stressful ending i have been through in TV, let alone this series. Its bittersweet we are finishing on a high.
When the daughter brought up Fritzel I thought we were going to have another "To Have and To Hold" episode. I'm so glad we got something more heartwarming (if just as bad for the old blood pressure).
Very random thought about the episode as someone with a medical background, and I may be reading too much into it, I did wonder if the numbers in the episode represented GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale) with a score of 8 normally meaning someone is classified as being unresponsive/comatosed thus once he's at 9 he's showing significant signs of life. Again might be me reading into the episode too much but I wouldn't put it past the inside no 9 boys. Love the reviews by the way, keep up the good work 👏
That's amazing! Maybe they weren't aware of the GCS (and I'm now wondering how my home city got its own coma scale!), because I reckon that's something they wouldn't resist including somewhere. What a fascinating detail - thanks for sharing! :)
I thought this was going to end a lot darker. I thought he would find the exit just as his life support was turned off. Being paralysed like that is my biggest fear.
I loved this episode I usually have a soft spot for two things which this episode utilised harmoniously in spades, that is Puzzle-solving and very well developed family dynamics. The conversation Jason had with his daughter Millie was heartbreaking, and I do agree @weelin when you said you found myself playing along with the characters and trying to solve the puzzles along with them. The coma twist I admittedly didn't see coming at first but on my second viewing (with my inside no 9 videos I also watch an episode at least twice, once for first impressions and the second for making notes) but I really liked the alluisions to video games like Silent Hill and the wonderful brain-teasers of a professor Layton game and great job referencing the Persona games they're also a favourite of my mine If Millie was the only one trapped in the room this would have had more references to the persona series because those games mostly have teenager protagonists. In short this episode was a fun ride and I looking forward to next weeks with its premise. Also I was literally one of the viewers who was getting teary-eyed at the emotional coma and family stuff one minute and then on the edge of my seat the next with the dr Death scenes. all the best 👍😊
loved this episode! I did think during the final act that as Jason was fighting Dr Death he would realise that he could press CTRL/ALT/ESC as Doug did earlier and it would reset the room, and wake him up.. But too obvious i think :)
First episode of Number 9 I watched with my mother. Oh man, THAT is an experience. First thing she said after the name “Dr. Death” was mentioned was “like that doctor that killed all his patients.” And yeah, that clicked for me.
Great performances really got me really invested. Thought they were going down the its a "snuff "room route, ending was so much better. Dr DEATH was Vincent Price's character in the excellent "Madhouse". Don't mention Christine near Reece. Looking forward to next weeks episode , cheers.
Ooh, that'd be a good topic! But how would Doctor Death fit the list, I wonder? Technically, he's just an ordinary person doing his job, but in Jason's head he's the stuff of nightmares. I loved everything about that design too.
Probably the best episode of the season. I did find it funny that steve on taskmaster had a task that included reading something in the mirror the weekend before
I forget the name of it, but there was an episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents which centred around a man paralysed in a road accident who is mistaken for a dead man and nearly stored in a morgue, this Inside No. 9 episode reminded me of that!
In some ways this get feels like almost a companion piece to 12 days of Christine. In the latter they broke their audience's hearts, with this they took a similar situation but have us a positive resolution. It felt like closure.
I wondered as well if the name of the escape room company “ Locked and Loaded” was a reference to locked in syndrome. I didn’t think the ending was just as clear cut, the tape covering Jason’s eyes was clearly and deliberately shown being removed. It’s also relatively common for people to open their eyes as a physical reflex in the moments before death. It could also be read that Jason finding the “exit” could also be him letting go and moving on. I hope I’m wrong but it didn’t seem as definite to me that he survived.
I'm pretty sure his wife heard him speak the phrase "number nine" as well, so he definitely lives, in my head at least. But I think that's the implication. Good catch on "Locked and Loaded" - I also noticed that he referred to another escape room called "Endgame", which seems significant.
Personally, I've not been loving this season of Inside Number 9 and I think that some of the previous seasons have been lacking when compared to the heights of the show, mainly season 3. While I don't think this episode holds a candle to the greats of the show, this has got to be the best we've had in a little while - probably since Wise Owl. The writing felt surprisingly subtle for a "he was in a coma all along" twist and it doesn't over explain itself. I could imagine other episodes forcing in flashbacks to earlier moments to clumsily try to drive home the twist or having the twist come at the last moment. Besides the twist I was loving the simple story of a guy trying to connect with his family, as someone who is finishing university and likes escape rooms myself.
Just clocked on to the gag with reece always having the torch the wrong way to begin with may be alluding to him being the nurse checking for pubil dilation
I feel like this would’ve worked really well as the final episode, the fact that the final clue being the Number 9 and it being the first No 9 in 52 episodes to actually break the ‘a character dies in every episode’ tradition made it seem a lot like a full ending for the series, I’m hoping the actual finale episode makes it clear that it’s final episode and works it’s plot around that
It's a completely different story line but this episode brought back memories of the film Paper House. If you've not seen it, it's a really interesting little film.
I'll admit, I'd never heard the word psychopomp before now, but I've just looked it up and it absolutely fits. They did have Charon the ferryman included in a previous episode, so that's possibly even something they thought of while writing. Thanks for sharing that - I always like to learn new things!
Hi! Long time fan of both the channel and the show- and I just so happen to have experience as a gamesmaster! Honestly, Reese is almost a perfect character, the only things different would be that we typically don't badmouth other companies (though we do try to bolster our own, so it's not *too* dissimilar), and the fact that anytime we pop into the room to fix an inevitably broken prop, there will be a furious onslaught of apologies to follow. But the small talk? Yeah, that happens. In particular, doing a horror room does indeed involve the "spooky lore dump" as I call it, and as it happens at the time I worked there I was also an "actor out of work". I also really liked the reveal of Dr death to the rest of the family, as first rule of scare acting is not to touch bystanders unless they touch you, which lets you know that things were *dire*.
That's so cool to hear from someone with actual GM experience! I got the feeling those two had done their research. And that Doctor Death reveal was terrifying!
I've heard a mind can't make up a new face so that's why Dr Death had his face covered this brings up the question about how he knew what the other Dr's face looked like... 😮
Maybe he was injured but not comatose when he first arrived in hospital? Or he was trying to picture an out of work actor and remembered an issue based play he saw from the Legz Akimbo theatre company! But yeah, possibly an oversight. I can forgive it though, because the episode was so good!
If the character does require physio or rehab, I hope he's not counting on the NHS to provide it. I can tell you from bitter personal experience that as soon as an NHS hospital feels they can get away with it, they will boot you out of hospital with little to no ongoing support. Still trying to get to see an actual neurologist 7 years on from coma caused by brain damage. They saved my life, but in terms of helping you recover any quality of life, they're a shambles. There's a pervasive assumption that you'll have a family to look after you when you get home, which I sadly didn't. Strange, isn't it, that an attractive female friend of mine who had a brain injury gets regular help from all sorts of specialists years after the injury. But a single, middle-aged man with no family - I'm disposable, and I'm sure the NHS doctors I do still deal with would love it if I did succumb to the intrusive suicidal thoughts and stop bugging them for help.
This honestly could have been amazing, it had an amazing start with great family drama, the drama that could have just stayed in the escape room, to me the ending felt completely lazy and the twist just didn’t really work in my eyes
He's not quite dead - sorry, couldn't resist! For me, it felt like there was something more going on beneath the surface, only I couldn't tell what it was at first.
Sadly, I have a problem with this episode - it's the same one I have with 12 Days of Cristine or Thinking Out Loud. Basically, it's the dreamy setting which is kinda real. I am not a fan of those episodes.
Liked it until the end. Needed to be a waaaaay darker ending. Really don’t see the point of a positive one. Also felt like a wish pastiche of the Kevin Finnerty episodes of The Sopranos. Hate that I didn’t love it as after 15 mins was enthralled. Ugh. ALSO. I love The Cell. Totally underrated movie, some of the most incredible cinematography ever put in a mainstream thriller. Totally flawed but gloriously entertaining. Would love to see a review.
That’s funny what people get out of the same episode, I thought the ending gave the episode purpose, don’t this it would have the same impact with an alternating ending. (There are plenty of episodes with grim endings to choose from 😂😂)
Would have made a perfect ending to the series (the Flashing IX, him saying Number 9 etc, an escape from nimber 9), similarities to their most famous episode (Christine) and a happy ending. The first episode since 3x3 that i wanted to rewatch straight away, very good .
I keep thinking that too... unless they have an even better way of ending the show? We'll have to wait and see, but this might end being my headcanon ending otherwise.
I liked the comedy and the father-daughter interactions but idk, the whole coma thing it's just so overdone, the story beat being done in a unique way with the escape room literally being him escaping the coma is super interesting but I don't know, it just made me sigh a bit. I think I'll enjoy it more in like a year when I rewatch lmao.
An inside number 9 escape room would be amazing but my god. Id be too distracted by the lore to actually escape.
Problem is, I probably wouldn't want to escape!
It would be soooo good 😍
Just as long as it doesnt turn out that we are in a coma, purgatory or an Ollie Plimsole play.
They should do a haunted house instead thats be so fun
I was literally shouting out loud to will him on at the end!! I was looking to my partner saying, please let it be a happy ending!!! Please!!! I got so emotionally invested
Me too! I think we actually hugged during the credits, we were just so relieved he survived. I was even shouting at the screen, "YOU'VE GOT ONE MORE CLUE!"
'COME ON STEVE! COME THE FUCK ON STEVE!' - me watching this on my own lmao
My heart was racing, I couldn’t bear it!!
I was more pumped than during infinity war/end game, that was over 20 movies this was 30 minutes!! Lol
Dude me too 😭😭😭😭 come on you can do it, please, please, please
'It's been staring you in the face all along' and 'Exit'. This would have been a perfect final episode, and only heightens my excitement at the 2 to come. I genuinely believe we are witnessing creativity that will be studied for decades in colleges and universities here. And this channel is a great accompanying element.
That reveal made me happier than any other No. 9 moment, even the end of 12 days. Wonder how long the boys have had that idea tucked away waiting for the perfect moment to deploy it?
Rare Inside No.9 happy/bittersweet ending
I jumped up from my sofa at the end willing him on to escape / T *IX* E, the best this season and this season has been banger after banger
They're definitely going out on a high. "T IX E" - what an ending!
I don’t think I’ve ever wanted a No.9 character to win in their situation (at least on the first viewing) as much as Jason in this episode. I also don’t think I’ve ever shouted that much at my tv before.
Me neither! I needed him to escape, both for him and his family. I tend to love the sad episodes, but that would have been too much.
I think the last time i've felt like this is Wise Owl, hoping Ronnie would stand up for himself
As soon as the coma twist first appeared, I admittedly rolled my eyes. BUT, I changed my mind after I saw the way that the twist was used. It wasn’t over explained like Thinking Out Loud, it was instead a really creative portrayal of psychology which led to an edge of your seat climax. I already know that I need to rewatch this to catch some of the early hints with the family though. But out of what I did pick up on, the ‘Doctor Death’ twist was pretty creative
Anyway, outside of the twist, this was just generally fantastic. I loved the setting and all of the puzzles which came from it (very Riddle of the Sphinx) the atmosphere and tension were both nailed perfectly and there’s a lot of heart. Definitely one of my favourites of the season so far
This final series is shaping up to be the best ever. They seem to be toning down the comedy to concentrate on the drama.
I think so, although every episode this series has made me laugh out loud at some point, even if it's just a throwaway line.
One of my favorite details is how steve's character is incapable of communicating with the other room outiade of morse code, which doesnt really relate to the twist exactly, but blinking morse code is a common way that people who are concious yet paralysed are able to converse with people, which could be a wee bit of forshadowing
I can see how that would be linked to the reveal, and he seems like the type of person who'd think to use morse code. There was another bit that got me, and that was when he's talking to Millie and telling her how proud he is of her. "I wish you could hear me" he says, even though she's right there.
He has military background, so must know it. Also his eyes were taped shut until the end... so couldnt blink signals...
@@Katielovegood44 ah, I was wondering how he knew morse code off the top of his head! Like I said, the episode wasn't holding my attention, so I will have missed things like that being revealed
Theres too much to focus on in just 30 little minutes!! Haha
@@Katielovegood44 When he was looking for the hook, he found a paper that had all of the letters with their how to send them in Morse code. He even said "Maybe I'll need to send an SOS." One of the things that I liked about this episode is their ability to make the escape room real so you don't immediately think something isn't right. Escape rooms should never have puzzles that require you to have an uncommon skill
This is one of my favorite domestic stories in a few ways and easily blew no.9's other dying dream story out of the water in my eyes.
I like how one of the last things we see in Jason's escape room is him tearing of Dr. Death's mask and showing he's human, Jason knows he's not literally fitting this looming edgy reaper, but just a man convinced that he's doing the right thing.
My favorite detail by far is that Doug constantly holding the flashlight down by mistake towards the start is actually him holding the flashlight to check Jason's vitals.
Also props to the gents on their placement of Nine the hair and not just putting him in the hospital room, you'll spot him on a camera, and with that, you have 2 clues left ;)
Jason is likely going to go down as my favorite Steve character of the final season, and that's saying something.
It's also funny that after the episode that made me realize that Steve hasn't died this season, we get a whole episode that's build up to him not dying against all odds, makes me worried for the poor saps he'll play in the last two episodes.
Of course! (the flashlight!) How ingenious. I'm gutted this is the last series ever - it's amazing to think they have not only starred in ( bar 1 I think? 3X3) but written 56 episodes. I kept thinking - that can't be right 56? But whilst maths isn't my strong point - 9 times 6 is 56.
An extraordinarily good body of work.
What's great as well is how we all love different episodes - like boxes of chocolates. This has been made clear to me reading the comments on your reviews Weelyn for example - lots of people seemed to love Mulberry Close this season, myself? Thought it was poor, in fact I've been really disappointed with the new series until this one! I *loved* this episode! It was funny, fiendishly clever, terrifying, heart warming with a perfect ending. 9 (No pun intended!) out of 10. The last great one I loved before this one was The Weekend one with the gruesome insect ending.
Weelyn - would you consider ( when this final series has ended) picking your 2 favourites from each series then 2 wildcards (one series could have 4 you love etc) so 20 episodes all together. Then from those pick your top ten of all time? You could also do - top 10 funniest, top ten scariest, top ten best twists etc etc. I'm a sucker for top ten lists and I adore your commentary. You have a great voice too - very rich and warm and your sense of humour is ace!
If you start to post more regularly then I see this channel going far. Put it this way - there is no other channel I watch on TH-cam that is just commentary...none. You engage me from the off.
Hope I haven't given you a big head!! It's all true though so why not say it? Yes you are still a small channel but one with a dedicated following ( look at all the comments you get! What better sign of engagement?) and likesay - more regular uploads, some visuals and my gosh missy! The 🌎 is your oyster ☺️👏✌
This one hit me really hard, I had a massive stroke in 2017 and spent four weeks in an induced coma. My visitors were told I would probably never wake up, and if I did I would be unable to speak or recognise anyone. Luckily no-one was faced with the decision to remove my life support ( no idea who would have made the decision if it came to it, I didn't really have a next of kin I think the hospital staff believed my ex when she said she was my wife, took me nearly a year to convince the hospital that she wasn't my wife and remove her as next of kin. As it turned out I woke up just fine, with no Dr. Death to worry about, and have recovered Insanely well considering how large a chunk of my brain was destroyed. Having people around me talk in hushed voices about feeding tubes is a fairly clear, and traumatic memory. I had a new NG tube put in while I was conscious and not sedated, which is not an experience I'd recommend.
The reference to plimsolls really cracked me up!
I didn't even think about that until you mentioned it, but you are spot on! :D
This episode was beautiful. I loved the twist and ending. This is the most stressful I've felt watching an inside No.9 in a long time.
Im so glad that I wasn’t the only one screaming at the telly, Weelin, and my god it was so good and so gripping! When Dr Death showed up and Jason (Pemberton) started freaking out, I saw the brief flash of him in a coma I had to do a double take and thought "what was that?!" And when the twist was revealed he was in said coma I went "OH SH*T JASON'S IN AN EFFING COMA!!" I didn't want Jason's doctors take him off life support and put him to sleep, Jason seemed to be a caring dad who loves his wife and daughters. I was screaming and freaking out for Jason to wake up. I then remembered that he had that last hint and it being the I and X in EXIT being the Roman numerals for 9 was a great use of the 9 in the show. As that revelation hit Jason, his wife, daughters and the audience. When Lynne, Jason's wife, exclaimed "wait!" And the doctors stopped pulling the plug on Jason when Lynn heard him say "Number 9!" And Lynn exclaimed "Did he just say something?!" And when Jason woke up I nearly fainted or vomited or both! I get interested so easily! 😅 I do think that Dr Death is an allegory for the grim reaper. I was screaming so badly to my mum asked me to turn it down! As the credits rolled I was taking deep breaths out of terror.
Glad I wasn't the only one having a very loud and dramatic reaction to this episode! They couldn't kill him, I thought, not like this and not when he's so close to waking up and with his wife and daughters right there! I liked that Dr Death could be a reaper metaphor but also the doctor in the real world that Jason has overheard. I mean, that's how I'd probably picture someone if I hadn't seen them and knew they were coming to switch me off life support!
@@WeeLinsame girl. Thank you about the grim reaper allegory. I didn’t want Jason to die. He was a good man, loving husband and caring father.
EXIT / TIXE after nine seasons bloody brilliant.
Lovely to see Ollie Plimsolls in the ep.
Think it’s probably the closest we’ll get to some characters from the League in Inside No. 9
This was such a good episode. Although the idea isn't necessarily new, but the execution was spot on.
ps: I'll miss your No. 9 reviews almost as much as the show itself!
Well, there were four series worth of episodes out before I started reviewing them and a few people have asked if I'll go back and do those, so you never know! Plus I have a lot of No 9 related topics I want to talk about, so I'm far from done!
My boyfriend is REALLY into escape rooms, so he was pretty excited to see how Shearsmith and Pemberton put one together. He thought the use of the number nine in the end was really clever, too.
This was a heartbreaking watch for me as my husband didn't make it out of his escape room. "The Last Weekend" also upset me terribly when it aired as he was in hospital fighting cancer at the time. However, it is testament to Steve & Reece's writing that so much of the episode was so damned accurate. Those conversations with doctors really hurt. I was so relieved when Steve's character opened his eyes. You couldn't end that episode in any other way...well, you could but I'd have smashed my telly.
And yes - I'll be very interested in more No.9 content when the series is over. I managed to get tickets to the live show which will be a real good treat!
I recall your post from the last weekend episode, sorry how things panned out for you, very sad news. Deepest sympathies for you and your family.
@@catbhoy thank you. Lost my Dad three months later, so it's been a bloody awful time. But, as much as these episodes hit hard, I appreciate the authenticity & overall "Inside No.9" has always been a great distraction. I've rewatched the series multiple times these last six months & got a lot of (cold) comfort from them.
That must have been so hard to watch - I was about ready to smash the telly as well, so I've no idea how much worse that would have felt to you. I think I might have said it before, but once again, I'm so sorry for your loss x
@@WeeLin thank you x
Sorry to hear your news and interesting to see your point of view. I'm by no means easily offended (usually my sense of humour is doing the offending), however I couldn't help but feel this episode was in slightly poor taste and left a bad taste in my mouth for exactly the reason you give. This could put so many questions, doubts, fears into peoples minds regarding something we know little about. Rather than being thought provoking in any way, it seemed to just use the scenario for entertainment. Sorry, but it really turned me off.
I was looking forward to hearing your review as this was my favourite episode this season
I think it's mine as well - tough choice though, as it's been such a strong series.
I was SO excited when I read the synopsis for this episode (I'm excited every week lol), and it did not disappoint!!! I did a horror room once that was flashlights-only in a dark room, we couldn't speak above a whisper, and there was a scare actor that would come into the room periodically and lunge "blindly" towards any sound we made. Absolutely terrifying and they did such a good job capturing that feeling!
This episode also had really great timing because I did an escape room last month titled Magic Heist with tons of classic magic trick paraphernalia and I kept thinking like "Reece Shearsmith would love this" LOL and then they came out with the escape room ep :-)
Another great episode. I didn't attempt to look for the hare, either- I think the only time I've noticed it organically was in Tempting Fate where it's essentially the whole plot. Dr Death may be a threatening character, but at least he never served anyone caulliflower quiche- not even traditional. Also I need to just add your videos have heavily inspired me make No.9 uploads ....of course, another major inspiration for making uploads about Inside No.9 was...Inside No.9, but your videos were just as important as the show in that regard. The episode's actually made me a bit dubious about doing escape rooms, I wouldn't fancy my survival chances, I'm not nearly as good at puzzles as Jason- I thought that the 4 digit word they needed in the star scene would actually be RGBY even though I'd already seen him using that clue and even though RGBY isn't a word. (P.s pretty sure you're right about Steve actually doing that 3-man school tour play in Germany, he mentioned it in Would I Lie To You and it turned out to be true...unless it was secretly 3x3 style Inside No.9 episode masquerading as Would I Lie To You and the twist is that was a lie)
Finding the hare meant looking for a weird object in a dimly lit room full of weird objects, plus I was too wrapped up in the escape room puzzles. That's great you're making No 9 uploads - I shall have to check them out. Thanks for your kind words, that's praise indeed!
@@WeeLin Thankyou! please don't feel like you have to, though (there's only 1 so far, I can only apologise if the quality of them dampens the praise slightly). I never really look that much for the hare- My theory about easter eggs though is that Stage Fright will feature a set painting of an octopus playing tennis...now all I have to do is wait until I see it in January to find out that I'm....definitely wrong, they wouldn't do that.
This was the most thrilling episode I’ve ever seen, with a 12 Days of Christine/Devil of Christmas level twist, definitely one of the all time greats of the show!
I absolutely loved this episode. Literally made me cry at the ending. Was such a brilliant episode. Was thinking it was gonna be a horror style no.9 and boy was I wrong. Overall loved it so much.
Another movie influence for me for this episode was Jacob's Ladder. Not gonna say anything but if you haven't seen it: do! Did anyone else notice that the scary looking dummy was sometimes there and sometimes not in between the scary bloke that looked similar to it? Thanks, WeeLin for your commentary.
Jacob’s Ladder great shout.
I didn't notice the dummy disappearing between takes - looks like I'll have to watch it again. Any excuse! I think Jacob's Ladder was recommended to me before, so I should check that out, thanks!
@@WeeLin I could be wrong but I’m sure that’s what I saw. Re: Jacob’s Ladder: you’re in for a treat! (Just make sure it’s the original version starring Tim Robbins).
I missed an opportunity to say it will be a real good treat mmh! 😄
Insightful review. Thanks. This episode will take a few watches to fully appreciate, but it was terrific.
Best guest characters? ✅
Best twist? ✅
Best ending? ✅
A little bit Funny? ✅
Heart attack inducing? ✅
Best 9? ✅
Best villain? ✅
Best characters? ✅
Best Steve/Reece performance? ✅
I’ve done an on site escape room for my 21st birthday which was awesome! And no wasn’t in a coma!
Absolutely loved this episode it was tense and also really heartwarming at the same time! Honestly such a roller coaster. And as someone that has done escape rooms I loved how detailed the whole thing was
How they pack so much tension, emotion and clever detail into one half hour, I'll never know. Sheer talent, I guess.
@@WeeLin absolutely Reece and Steve are masterclasses at what they do and I’ll be so sad when it finally ends 😭 also what are your thoughts on what the last episode will be which we know next to nothing about????
Favourite of this series for me so far. Will have to see if it even manages my final Top 10 once all the episodes are out. One other thing I though of is with "Dr. Death" also being a "Grim Reaper" stand in, with an axe instead of a scythe. Obviously, clue is in the name.
As for the hare location, check next to the jar when they're taking it out of that cupboard after solving the Morse Code Puzzle
I thought Dr Death was an excellent take on the reaper, especially knowing there's a real doctor about to take him off life support. Thanks for finding the hare!
Brilliant reversal, and a real edge of the seat climax. Best of all the resolution was surprisingly moving.
I think I'd put this and Mulberry Close up there with their very best.
So moving - I really needed him to win! That might be one of the most effective endings they ever done. Loved Mulberry Close as well!
There were so many clues in this episode that completely flew over my head! I.E. “you’re the one who’s going to have to live with it” “I love you, Millie, why can’t you hear that?!” “Necrophilia more like!” “They’re putting on a brave face”
That's why the second watch is often the best one!
@@WeeLin agreed! I went into this episode blind. Good thing for recording programmes right? I agree with your statement of “if I took a blood pressure reading it would’ve gone through the roof” as this episode so exhilarating! I loved how Pemberton played a down to earth fun loving father instead of neither a frustrated support line worker, a cold hearted vengeful father who’s has his life ruined by the same gay celeb who told the same father’s daughter to off herself. Was it odd to see Pemberton in the goofy dad role? Yeah. Was it nice to see him in a role of a giant goofball since A Quiet Night in and Burnie Clifton’s dressing room? Also yeah
I also got ghost stories vibes!! Glad you gave it a shout out, I watched it with my friends on halloween a while back and we all still vividly remember it cos it's such an interesting (and scary) film. I was reminded of it when I watched 12 days of christine as well
Fully believe it was completely just Steve who created all of the clues and puzzles in the escape room.
Really reminded me of Riddle of the Sphinx.
You could totally review Ghost Stories, it's a great movie.
I loved it, and genuinely found it scary. I really enjoyed the anthology style and framework they went for. Of course, I saw Jeremy Dyson's name on there and I HAD to see it! I think I'll review it after No 9 finishes, thanks :)
@@WeeLin did you see it live? We saw it before the movie was made, so unfortunately already knew the twist. But that was a heck of an experience!
I was also delighted to see Angus Wright in No. 9 (though briefly). He is very funny in Flowers if you have ever seen it. Another very dark and funny show.
This episode was brilliant and I was getting a bit emotional too
Angus was brilliantly cast, and I was just thinking I hadn't seen him in many other things. I'll give Flowers a look then, cheers!
He’s hilarious in his small role in Peep Show too. Brilliant actor.
This was a powerful episode because as you mention they put in enough character work in the limited time to make me care about the characters and Jason's reunion with his family. Certainly my high point of the this series so far.
Also take your point about the Ghost Stories link and would recommend the film (my attempt to see stage show at the Kings Theatre here in Edinburgh back un Apr of 2020 didn't quite work out)
I feel you - I had an Immersive Dracula experience booked for April 2020 and a trip planned for a wedding in the Czech Republic that summer - all those lovely 2020 plans! I still have a "Calendar of Disappointment" from that year with all the exciting gigs and events I was going to attend :( I've never seen Ghost Stories on stage either, but if it comes to Glasgow (or Edinburgh) then I'm in!
The final scenes of this episode genuinely gave me chills... Especially the part with the part at the very end with the final clue...
Also blimey Christian Henson didn't have to go THAT hard on the music score but damn he did!!!
Possibly the best score of the season, although Boo To A Goose is also a strong contender for me!
A bit of a topic but,
When I was watching the trailer for the final season of the show, I realized that they only showed clips from 5 out of the 6 episodes.
I wonder if Steve and Reece are planning something big for the finale.
Perhaps something similar to the deadline special. A continuation of one of their other stories, maybe a connection between all the stories somehow? Or maybe I'm just over-analyzing.
I don't know, but it is interesting that they're not promoting any clips of the final episode in the trailer.
You know what? I bet they're up to something! There's usually a teaser at the end of each week's episode on BBC2, so if there's nothing this week then I'm going to be VERY intrigued! It's Inside No 9 - overanalysing is what we do.
This is my favourite episode of this season so far. its one of those episodes that makes you want to rewatch it again after seeing the twist.
I also loved the ending where dr death is basically symbolising the fact he is about to die. honestly just hopeing the next 2 episodes are gonna top this cus i really want the series to end on a episode as good as this one.
also that bit right at the end where the last clue was the number 9 when he said that it gave me chills.
I keep thinking that would have been a great way to end the show. But I guess we'll wait and see what they have in store for us. Dr Death was a great touch - scary and significant to the story.
CAN'T WAIT for next episode, the one an artist i follow made the art for, comes out. It'll be nice staring at the art for a whole video finding all the little details they put in that i missed before.
Anyway. I think this episode combined everything i would want/expect to see from a later on episode of IN9, a classic escape room AND (spoilers) a cliche twist, though it wasnt done lazily at all, and i quite enjoyed it for those reasons- really nice watch even though i was on the edge of my seat the whole way after reece's character said dr death could come in at any moment lol
i did see the first twist coming but thats not a bad thing at all because they almost laughed at me by putting that next one in like HA you thought you had it _but you never will_
I got fooled by the first interactions with the wife. Made me wonder if this was hiding an abusive family dynamic
But then when the penny dropped, suddenly it all made sense
I wondered what was going on too - especially the conversation about "does he know what's going to happen later" and "you're the one who's going to have to live with it". Ouch! Makes so much sense now, especially if you think he's "overhearing" them while they're talking in the hospital ward.
Honestly one of my favourites of all time! Probably my favourite since season 4
I loved it too! I think I need some time to sit with it and see if it's an all time favourite (there are so many at this point). But definitely the most invested I've been in ages.
Was one of the tensest eps they've done to date! It was a touch telegraphed but, still tension ridden. A very satisfying ending too & a nod towards a "not all endings are bad"
Didnt think the mirror comment was about an accident, i thought the "always pays to check the mirrors" was a foreshadow of "it was in front of you all along".
We were doing a pirate room once and there was a pirate coin lodged in a cupboard - it had a hole in the top for a fishing line you could attach a magnet too, or pick it up and sort of lever it up from the outside carefully - we spent so long grabbing this coin only to be told some kid had ripped it off the prop treasure and dropped it down there for a laugh, thanks for retrieving it though 😠😠😠 so annoying!!
I loved this one. On the surface, it’s a very well constructed with the solid premise of an escape room, the strong visual style and the endearing family dynamic of the main cast. And then there’s the twist. First off I love how the twist is baked into the 3rd act as opposed to being a last minute twist. It allows time for it to breathe and give an impact to the audience, I was gripped, I really wanted Jason to be okay. Plus, with how Jason got “outside” the No.9 with the 9 code, something about it felt very meta, with Steve and Reece very soon stepping outside No.9 in the next week or so. That’s my reading of the end.
I kind of wish they'd saved this episode till last now, because that'd be such an amazing way to round off the show. But I'm sure the last one's going to be a belter as well!
Also I couldn’t help but think of a CBBC TV show that aired from 2007-2010 called Trapped! It was a game show for kids where six kids from different parts of the UK who complete challenges who get voted against one another as one child picked out at random by the voice (a lady who’s face we don’t see but is instantly recognised by her purple lipstick) to sabotage the challenge from rooms 6 to 3. Floor 2 was basically a general knowledge round. Most of the kids who vote do it completely randomly. It was freaky and fun. The reason why I mention Trapped! Is because the escape room reminds me of something out of the show. I’m a UK girl who grew up in the early 2000’s.
As someone who used to work at an escape room there were so many little lines from both Reece’s character and the family that were very familiar and got a good chuckle out of me
This was definitely one of those episodes where I guessed the twist early on but still loved it regardless. My heart was beating so fast willing him to get out! I’d be so interested to hear everyone’s incorrect theories about what the twist could have been: from the title I thought it could have been a computer game/simulation, then I started to worry that Jason was a wrongun based on the Fritzl reference.
I JUST GOT IT. HE’S A DOCTOR. AND HE’S DEATH. DOCTOR DEATH. God, you’d think this show would’ve made me more observant but that’s just my thick skull.
Much like the "Exit" sign, sometimes these things are staring us in the face all along. Don't worry - you wouldn't believe some of the obvious things I've missed on the first watch!
I actually guessed the twist quite early, although at first I thought the family had been in an accident and Jason was the only survivor, with the mum and daughters escaping into the other room, (was very glad I got that bit wrong). There was also the really lovely bit where Jason is talking to his daughter about moving on and being proud of her, that made me think it was an audience address about the show ending? I might have just been feeling soppy and read too much into it
That was a pretty good guess so early on! I loved all the scenes with Jason and Millie. When he tells her how proud he is of her, then says "I wish you could hear me" even though she's standing right there... makes so much sense once you know.
Really liked this one! Surprising twist and nice to end on a happy ending 😊
It is nice when No 9 surprises us all with a happy ending!
Great episode but two things let it down, and one of those was entirely my own fault.
First, the "young" girl was played by someone far too old. She looked to be basically the same age as the older sister but was played like she was around 8 years old.
The second thing was that my girlfriend hasn't seen No.9 before, so before I put this episode on I showed her "12 days of Christine", then we immediately watched this episode. As they have similar themes and 12 days is so incredible, this one seemed lacking in comparison.
the twist revealed with at least one more story beat to go, meant it was not quite so similar to a play made into a film, that i also enjoyed. Hands down THE most stressful ending i have been through in TV, let alone this series. Its bittersweet we are finishing on a high.
I think I know exactly what play made into a film you're talking about!
When the daughter brought up Fritzel I thought we were going to have another "To Have and To Hold" episode. I'm so glad we got something more heartwarming (if just as bad for the old blood pressure).
Ooft, I don't know if I could handle another To Have and To Hold. That made my "Most Disturbing Episodes" list for good reason!
Very random thought about the episode as someone with a medical background, and I may be reading too much into it, I did wonder if the numbers in the episode represented GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale) with a score of 8 normally meaning someone is classified as being unresponsive/comatosed thus once he's at 9 he's showing significant signs of life. Again might be me reading into the episode too much but I wouldn't put it past the inside no 9 boys. Love the reviews by the way, keep up the good work 👏
That's amazing! Maybe they weren't aware of the GCS (and I'm now wondering how my home city got its own coma scale!), because I reckon that's something they wouldn't resist including somewhere. What a fascinating detail - thanks for sharing! :)
Really liked this one. I’m normally one for darker endings, but I really enjoyed where this one went. It’s a great double feature with 12 Days
I thought this was going to end a lot darker. I thought he would find the exit just as his life support was turned off.
Being paralysed like that is my biggest fear.
Fantastic review, this one really hit home for me
I loved this episode I usually have a soft spot for two things which this episode utilised harmoniously in spades, that is Puzzle-solving and very well developed family dynamics. The conversation Jason had with his daughter Millie was heartbreaking, and I do agree @weelin when you said you found myself playing along with the characters and trying to solve the puzzles along with them.
The coma twist I admittedly didn't see coming at first but on my second viewing (with my inside no 9 videos I also watch an episode at least twice, once for first impressions and the second for making notes) but I really liked the alluisions to video games like Silent Hill and the wonderful brain-teasers of a professor Layton game and great job referencing the Persona games they're also a favourite of my mine If Millie was the only one trapped in the room this would have had more references to the persona series because those games mostly have teenager protagonists. In short this episode was a fun ride and I looking forward to next weeks with its premise. Also I was literally one of the viewers who was getting teary-eyed at the emotional coma and family stuff one minute and then on the edge of my seat the next with the dr Death scenes. all the best
👍😊
I was so scared after seeing this episode I had to take deep breaths to calm myself down!!
loved this episode! I did think during the final act that as Jason was fighting Dr Death he would realise that he could press CTRL/ALT/ESC as Doug did earlier and it would reset the room, and wake him up.. But too obvious i think :)
It almost lost me with the twist (a bit of a cliché) but it won me back over with the terse finale. Another great one.
They managed to pull off an overused twist thanks to getting us invested in the story and that flawless execution (pun not intended!)
First episode of Number 9 I watched with my mother. Oh man, THAT is an experience. First thing she said after the name “Dr. Death” was mentioned was “like that doctor that killed all his patients.” And yeah, that clicked for me.
Great performances really got me really invested. Thought they were going down the its a "snuff "room route, ending was so much better. Dr DEATH was Vincent Price's character in the excellent "Madhouse". Don't mention Christine near Reece. Looking forward to next weeks episode , cheers.
We always mention Christine near Reece, just to annoy him! Glad it wasn't a "snuff" ending, as the last one was horrible enough.
@@WeeLin That would have been a CTRL/ALT/DEL .
You could do a video on the best villains of inside no 9.
Ooh, that'd be a good topic! But how would Doctor Death fit the list, I wonder? Technically, he's just an ordinary person doing his job, but in Jason's head he's the stuff of nightmares. I loved everything about that design too.
One of the best. No doubt.
Probably the best episode of the season. I did find it funny that steve on taskmaster had a task that included reading something in the mirror the weekend before
I forget the name of it, but there was an episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents which centred around a man paralysed in a road accident who is mistaken for a dead man and nearly stored in a morgue, this Inside No. 9 episode reminded me of that!
I enjoy your content, movie reviews may suit, classics or new stuff in your favourite genre world be good
Thanks! I'd like to do more movie reviews here, either first impressions or more deep dives (or both!)
In some ways this get feels like almost a companion piece to 12 days of Christine. In the latter they broke their audience's hearts, with this they took a similar situation but have us a positive resolution. It felt like closure.
There have been so many great episodes this series, talk about going out on a high
Definitely! I can't wait for the next two if they're anywhere near as good as this.
I wondered as well if the name of the escape room company “ Locked and Loaded” was a reference to locked in syndrome.
I didn’t think the ending was just as clear cut, the tape covering Jason’s eyes was clearly and deliberately shown being removed.
It’s also relatively common for people to open their eyes as a physical reflex in the moments before death. It could also be read that Jason finding the “exit” could also be him letting go and moving on.
I hope I’m wrong but it didn’t seem as definite to me that he survived.
I'm pretty sure his wife heard him speak the phrase "number nine" as well, so he definitely lives, in my head at least. But I think that's the implication. Good catch on "Locked and Loaded" - I also noticed that he referred to another escape room called "Endgame", which seems significant.
Personally, I've not been loving this season of Inside Number 9 and I think that some of the previous seasons have been lacking when compared to the heights of the show, mainly season 3. While I don't think this episode holds a candle to the greats of the show, this has got to be the best we've had in a little while - probably since Wise Owl. The writing felt surprisingly subtle for a "he was in a coma all along" twist and it doesn't over explain itself. I could imagine other episodes forcing in flashbacks to earlier moments to clumsily try to drive home the twist or having the twist come at the last moment. Besides the twist I was loving the simple story of a guy trying to connect with his family, as someone who is finishing university and likes escape rooms myself.
Just clocked on to the gag with reece always having the torch the wrong way to begin with may be alluding to him being the nurse checking for pubil dilation
I feel like this would’ve worked really well as the final episode, the fact that the final clue being the Number 9 and it being the first No 9 in 52 episodes to actually break the ‘a character dies in every episode’ tradition made it seem a lot like a full ending for the series, I’m hoping the actual finale episode makes it clear that it’s final episode and works it’s plot around that
There have been a few other episodes where nobody wound up dead. And the Winner Is, The Bill, and Empty Orchestra come to mind. It is rare though!
@@UDKeyes that is true actually I forgot about those episodes
It's a completely different story line but this episode brought back memories of the film Paper House. If you've not seen it, it's a really interesting little film.
Also I heard a theory that I kind of like, that being that Doug (the escape room host / nurse) is some type of psychopomp.
I'll admit, I'd never heard the word psychopomp before now, but I've just looked it up and it absolutely fits. They did have Charon the ferryman included in a previous episode, so that's possibly even something they thought of while writing. Thanks for sharing that - I always like to learn new things!
i had guessed that the wife knew that he was dying, but i threw it away because "how would she know that and he not?" uh. yeah. there was a way.
Out of work actor Reece may be my favourite Reece.
Out of Work Actor Reece ranks right up there with Angry Reece, especially when being petty. We got a good dose of that last week!
Ollie Plimsolls
@@marknewbold2583 Best of both worlds!
Hi! Long time fan of both the channel and the show- and I just so happen to have experience as a gamesmaster!
Honestly, Reese is almost a perfect character, the only things different would be that we typically don't badmouth other companies (though we do try to bolster our own, so it's not *too* dissimilar), and the fact that anytime we pop into the room to fix an inevitably broken prop, there will be a furious onslaught of apologies to follow. But the small talk? Yeah, that happens.
In particular, doing a horror room does indeed involve the "spooky lore dump" as I call it, and as it happens at the time I worked there I was also an "actor out of work".
I also really liked the reveal of Dr death to the rest of the family, as first rule of scare acting is not to touch bystanders unless they touch you, which lets you know that things were *dire*.
That's so cool to hear from someone with actual GM experience! I got the feeling those two had done their research. And that Doctor Death reveal was terrifying!
my first thought when he got shackled was "are they going to do Saw?"
This is my new favourite episode
Might be one of mine now too!
I've heard a mind can't make up a new face so that's why Dr Death had his face covered this brings up the question about how he knew what the other Dr's face looked like... 😮
Maybe he was injured but not comatose when he first arrived in hospital? Or he was trying to picture an out of work actor and remembered an issue based play he saw from the Legz Akimbo theatre company! But yeah, possibly an oversight. I can forgive it though, because the episode was so good!
Yeah maybe an oversight but it's a good idea with that especially that reference.
I nearly went into a coma myself on first watch 😅
Thought it was a bit too much like 12 days of Christine for my liking!
This one was brilliant. A slightly inferior 12 Days of Christine but still great. Think Reece would hate my comment 🤣
But Twelve Days of Christine is Reece's favourite, is it not?!?🤣
If the character does require physio or rehab, I hope he's not counting on the NHS to provide it. I can tell you from bitter personal experience that as soon as an NHS hospital feels they can get away with it, they will boot you out of hospital with little to no ongoing support. Still trying to get to see an actual neurologist 7 years on from coma caused by brain damage. They saved my life, but in terms of helping you recover any quality of life, they're a shambles. There's a pervasive assumption that you'll have a family to look after you when you get home, which I sadly didn't. Strange, isn't it, that an attractive female friend of mine who had a brain injury gets regular help from all sorts of specialists years after the injury. But a single, middle-aged man with no family - I'm disposable, and I'm sure the NHS doctors I do still deal with would love it if I did succumb to the intrusive suicidal thoughts and stop bugging them for help.
This honestly could have been amazing, it had an amazing start with great family drama, the drama that could have just stayed in the escape room, to me the ending felt completely lazy and the twist just didn’t really work in my eyes
Best episode of s9 so far.
I've done 2 escape rooms in person
I’d definitely follow your patreon, by the way
Finally!!
Whilst the episode was enjoyable I feel it was a little too obvious it was all a 'dream sequence' whilst Pemberton's character was dying
He's not quite dead - sorry, couldn't resist! For me, it felt like there was something more going on beneath the surface, only I couldn't tell what it was at first.
Sadly, I have a problem with this episode - it's the same one I have with 12 Days of Cristine or Thinking Out Loud. Basically, it's the dreamy setting which is kinda real. I am not a fan of those episodes.
Liked it until the end. Needed to be a waaaaay darker ending. Really don’t see the point of a positive one. Also felt like a wish pastiche of the Kevin Finnerty episodes of The Sopranos. Hate that I didn’t love it as after 15 mins was enthralled. Ugh. ALSO. I love The Cell. Totally underrated movie, some of the most incredible cinematography ever put in a mainstream thriller. Totally flawed but gloriously entertaining. Would love to see a review.
That’s funny what people get out of the same episode, I thought the ending gave the episode purpose, don’t this it would have the same impact with an alternating ending. (There are plenty of episodes with grim endings to choose from 😂😂)
ghost stories good film
Enjoyed it a lot but it was too similar to the ending of "Ghost Stories" for me.
Would have made a perfect ending to the series (the Flashing IX, him saying Number 9 etc, an escape from nimber 9), similarities to their most famous episode (Christine) and a happy ending.
The first episode since 3x3 that i wanted to rewatch straight away, very good .
I keep thinking that too... unless they have an even better way of ending the show? We'll have to wait and see, but this might end being my headcanon ending otherwise.
I liked the comedy and the father-daughter interactions but idk, the whole coma thing it's just so overdone, the story beat being done in a unique way with the escape room literally being him escaping the coma is super interesting but I don't know, it just made me sigh a bit. I think I'll enjoy it more in like a year when I rewatch lmao.