Inside No 9 S1 E2 A Quiet Night In

[@conorhamersleyspage8173]

Does anybody else expect that ghost to show up when the outdoor lights go off and on?

[@WeeLin]

Yes! Even on iPlayer or DVD, the fear is still there. Thanks a lot, Dead Line!🤪

[@lucy-annedawson4849]

It was a great choice for the Deadline jump scare. I had twigged that the ‘technical fault’ was probably a bluff… but even so. They got me.

[@nathanjay7925]

oh 100%, dead lie made this episode accidentally scarier forever

[@laurencebois5119]

The best scene in that episode has got to be the cucumber/chilli pepper mixup

[@WeeLin]

Brilliant gag, perfectly executed! And if you've ever been chopping chillis then accidentally scratched your eye (as I have stupidly done in the past), you have some idea of the pain that character must be in!

[@TFTNGaming2001]

@@WeeLinthe cut scream was so perfect!

[@afjkernow1808]

This is a wonderful contrast to the first one. A silent movie with a macabre twist and hilarious comic slapstick. I loved the bit when they're trying to get the little dog out and the big dog comes in and the chilli scene. The actors are able to tell the story without dialogue with great skill. It clearly tells the viewer that this series is going to be different every week. Another great analysis of a comic masterclass with a gripping burglary. The violence really shakes you out of the slapstick comedy.

[@WeeLin]

"Masterclass" is the word I'd use too, for this episode and No 9 in general. A great contrast to Sardines, but still feels very much in their style. I've probably banged on enough about this already, but I love that they chose this for episode 2!

[@LoganPosthumous]

I really appreciate your segment on discussing what criticisms there are for the story considering how adored the episode is in the fandom - in my own series ranking (which is about halfway done now) it's ended up lower than I would've first thought and a part of that is that as a non-binary person the fact that Sabrina is trans is only used for a joke doesn't sit the best with me - still though, it is a very good thing to show how Steve & Reece have gotten better over time, both with later series having better LGBTQ+ rep and by showing how far they'd already come from the taxi driver in League of Gentlemen; the episode itself is still incredibly bold and defining for how early on it appeared and that it's not ranked as highly as others would put it in my own books is much more a testament to how truly excellent the competition is than anything else - it doesn't get a full pass per se but I think at least enough has been done since to forgive it

[@WeeLin]

Thanks for telling me that - while I think it's a brilliant episode, it didn't feel right to ignore those elements. And while fandoms can get up in arms if you criticise a fan favourite or don't love something as much as the rest, I don't think that's a very healthy way of thinking. As I said, it's 100% possible to enjoy something and accept it isn't flawless! Plus, I know there's already a non-zero sum of trans and non-binary folks in the No 9 fandom (I've spoken with a fair few over the years), and I'd hate for people to feel alienated or laughed at. All it takes is a little willingness to see things from another point of view, and then the whole community becomes a better place for it. Thanks again! Lx

[@Ben_Kirkham]

A Quiet Night In is an absolute masterpiece.

[@bmo14lax]

One of my top 10 episodes. Had no idea where the episode was going and did not see the twist at all, and laughed my arse out when the guy confidently walks out with the suitcase at the end I think you are right about them doing this episode very soon in the show , but it seems they had confidence in the idea and the execution. And then of course they only went up from here after series 1. Thanks For these new reviews and look forward to the next.

[@WeeLin]

Thank you! Yeah, it's funny watching him walk away while the real painting sinks in the pool. I love that they had the confidence to put this episode out so early on - really showed us the potential the show had!

[@FTZPLTC]

British comedy really loves... "dollies", doesn't it. Red Dwarf never showed "Inflatable Ingrid, Your Polythene Pal", but she was regularly referenced. And I always remember a really strange movie called Wilt, in which Griff Rhys Jones wakes up after a stag do with one attached to himself.

[@WeeLin]

Oh wow, I can't believe I forgot about Red Dwarf and Ingrid! Yeah, Brit coms do love their dollies. To be fair, they do look pretty silly!

[@thepanpiper7715]

Oh, but they did! At a fake funeral for Rimmer they dressed her up in black lace, veil, the whole nine yards, referring to her as Rimmer’s “widow”.

[@kittycattt93]

Nandor The Relentless being in this ep always throws me cus he looks so different!

[@WeeLin]

Oh my god, I didn't even realise that was him! That's amazing - thanks!

[@GulpGulpMelon]

Thiiis 🤣

[@thehammersmithcrumpetradar]

you’re just biding your time before unleashing the Reece rage machine, the whole series ranking. As you said, “if we can hit Mulberry Close levels of rage, it has to be done!”

[@WeeLin]

I fear that Reece may actually explode if I rank the whole show!

[@thehammersmithcrumpetradar]

@@WeeLin oh I know…I know.

[@smuldohuntermuldo9312]

What Paul dos in the shadows eh ? Great guest stars and a silenced part at the end I didn't see coming. Great physical comedy including Reece's tash. Kayvan's character really was a "cleaner" as well. Top review ,cheers WeeLin.

[@WeeLin]

Oh no, I'd meant to mention his character, but I'd taken it out and meant to put it back post spoiler warning... only I never got round to it. Shame, because he was great and it was yet another way to introduce a (mostly!) non-speaking role, not to mention a nice little twist!

[@CatBlackGuitars]

Welcome back WeeLin, I hope you had a good holiday. This is one of my favourite episodes and the fact it has Charlie Chaplin's granddaughter in it is an absolute bonus. I don't know if you've seen it but Reece's character reminded me of Griff Rhys Jones in the Smith and Jones Homemade Christmas Video. If you haven't seen it, please give it a watch. It's hilarious and on KZbin. #WeeLinDollyGate !! 😹

[@WeeLin]

I nearly spat my tea at the DollyGate hashtag! I had a lovely holiday, thank you! Is the video worth watching now, or better saved till Christmas? Thanks for the recommendation either way!

[@CatBlackGuitars]

As with Inside No. 9, anytime is a good time to watch their homemade Christmas video.

[@catbhoy]

Yeah I didnt know about the link to the world’s greatest slug balancer Charlie Chaplin either that was a lovely surprise and makes the episode even more precious. As for #DollyGate 🙈

[@gavvo-7640]

Yay Weelin!! I am super happy you are doing these full reviews from the first series!! Always look forward to your videos 👍I am about to start watching the ENTIRE No.9 all over again... and your reviews are a perfect thing to listen to after watching each episode! Long may this continue!!

[@WeeLin]

Thanks! I'm glad this is something worth doing, because No 9 is the kind of thing that merits endless rewatches, and you always find something new! It'll be nice when I have every episode reviewed (which I'll probably put into one huge mega playlist), even if the quality ends up a bit inconsistent because I started doing these in series 5!

[@gavvo-7640]

@@WeeLin It's definitely worth doing, I'm loving these reviews 👍 And u are so right, each time I watch an episode I see something new, then you point out even more things I didn't even think of 😁 I'm really hoping you will eventually do a Psychoville episode review also... that show was/is epic!! Love your channel and appreciate your dedication to such a phenomenal tv show!

[@catbhoy]

@@gavvo-7640 yeah Im so glad too, a proper treat when the videos drop.

[@gavvo-7640]

@@catbhoy 100% agreed

[@catbhoy]

My very first inside no 9 episode loved it. … tuned it the following week and they were all talking … haven’t watched an episode since (joke). As was talked about in this excellent essay the utter craziness of having this as the second episode opens the doors to the rest of the seasons more experimental episodes. I rate this episode up there with the very best. (So glad I stumbled on this episode / series purely by accident)

[@WeeLin]

Imagine they were all silent episodes! Actually, that'd get pretty old pretty quick! I do think it paved the way for a lot more gimmicks - episodes on CCTV cams, authentic 70s recording equipment, iambic pentameter, "live" broadcasts, the list goes on. Good to see TV that's still taking risks.

[@TheBeird]

This is the episode I've seen the most. I keep expecting that ghoul to press its face up against the window every time I see it now, and get on edge!

[@WeeLin]

And that's exactly why I've been telling people to watch Dead Line after this (or not at all, if you don't want horror ruining the goofy art robbery!)

[@GulpGulpMelon]

Just started watching this masterpiece can't believe I had no idea it existed, I'm a sucker for anthology series especially British ones. You're doing god's work with these ♥️🙏🏻

[@daverage4729]

I don't know why but Reece's face when he discovers Sabrina is transgender while shes taking a leak had me in stitches. Something about the confusion on his face framed by the goofy balaclava just looked ludicrous.

[@WeeLin]

Reece has so much talent for doing faces and reactions that just slay me every time. I've been rewatching some clips of him as Stella in The League of Gentlemen, and what that man can do with a single expression is priceless!

[@GulpGulpMelon]

also when the deaf salesman appeared I knew he was familiar. One google search later I was like OF COURSE HE IS MY FAVORITE VAMPIRE

[@Lyo_syrup]

This was the first episode of No. 9 I ever watched, and it must have done something to me because I was pretty hooked not long after that. Less funny at the time, but when I first watched it (I was probably too young to be honest, but oh well) I assumed all episodes would be similar, and so I went straight on to Tom and Gerri afterwards. Big mistake, as the image of Mig in the bath frightened me so badly that I couldn't go to the bathroom on my own for about 2 weeks out of fear. Thank god I got over that, as this has become my all-time favourite telly show, so sad it's over, but glad that it happened! And it's quite heartwarming to know that the Streece (Steve and Reece, I'm coining it) duo wanted to be in Brum, as that is my absolute favourite childhood show! Funny how life works.

[@WeeLin]

I can absolutely see those "Streece" characters in an episode of Brum. Very cute wee show, that was! That last scene with Migg in the bath must have been pretty horrible if you weren't prepared for it, although I think the end to The Harrowing is probably the most frightening ending in series 1.

[@Professor-Ramses]

Taking this chance to recommend something to you, the web series Spooky Month. It's about two kids obsessed with Halloween living in a small town full of weirdos and monsters. It started as a 90 second joke animation and has since spiraled into a 10 part story with the next major installment slated for October 2025 with smaller shorts coming out in the meantime. Not only does every episode have a unique post credits scene on the Newgrounds version, but starting in episode 3, every episode has ARG elements and a hidden overarching plot about an eldritch cult. The whole thing balances elements of both TLOG and Psychoville, there's even a disturbed exterminator and his cat lady mother who remind me of a certain mother-son duo from London's Wood Green.

[@HGmolotov]

Freaking love sr pelo

[@WeeLin]

Cheers - I'll take a look at that! I do enjoy a good, weird web series from time to time, and if it's anything in the spirit of TLOG/Psychoville then I'm in!

[@Professor-Ramses]

@@WeeLin Happy to hear it, it's always been a hope of mine to meet SM's creator SrPelo and ask if he's seen any of Steve and Reece's shows, since there are a few funny similarities, and because if he hasn't, he would absolutely love them.

[@amazingpurplegirl0903]

And the characters and show got way more attention when they got their own level in Friday Night Funkin'

[@johncoe1413]

Hi, don't forget to mention where the Hares are. Looking forward to your future reviews 😊

[@WeeLin]

Will do, thanks! As I've forgotten two in a row now, I might run through them all in the series round-up. I've got another project in mind that will include the hares - more news on that later! :)

[@johncoe1413]

@@WeeLin perfect 👌

[@GrubStLodger]

I wasn't sure about 'Sardines' but this episode made me laugh so much and I was in.

[@WeeLin]

Sardines is definitely odder and darker in terms of its comedy, but this one has some excellent timing and slapstick - I can see why so many people think it's one of the funniest episodes they've done.

[@thesquadofficial2516]

I never thought about this episode’s similarities to Hush, which is really funny because my mom loved showing me that episode of Buffy and this was her favorite episode of No. 9 (as far as I know. She didn’t watch as much of it as my dad and I, but she loved the silent comedy 😭).

[@WeeLin]

Your mom has excellent taste! Hush was one of my favourite Buffy episodes, even though The Gentlemen were terrifying.

[@framebadger]

The gimmick is justified very well by all the stuff with the cleaner at the end. I don't know quite what counts as gimmick in your mind though. Do you just mean where the means for telling the story are different (kid/nap, once removed) or are we also counting theatrical styles like wuthering heist and zanzibar (understudy might count too?) - and what about the ones with super strong themes that affect the plot (riddle of the sphinx, misdirection)? And does Empty Orchestra count? Anyway, I think Once Removed is probably the best of the true gimmicky ones with this one a close second (I think it's still my flair on the subreddit). Once Removed is a mindbending puzzle that's simultaneously hilarious, particularly with the Andrew Lloyd Webber stuff.

[@WeeLin]

That's a really good question! I think I'd consider the real "gimmick" episodes to be those that rely on an unusual rule or restriction on the script or camera work - no dialogue, only CCTV or door cam footage, and Once Removed of course (can't wait to discuss that one, complete with the Lloyd Webber jokes!) I'd maybe count Zanzibar as the whole script is in iambic pentameter. As for the others, I guess that's a judgement call. It's just such a creative show, and I love that they started out so experimental!

[@andrewbowman4611]

I well remember the hazy Summer holidays of the 80s, when impressionable young minds were blithely exposed to sexual innuendo on postcards and highly inappropriate shop window displays of fake breasts and adult playing cards. It was a different time, certainly, but it all passed by with a minimum of fuss. Inflatable dolls, in that context, were neither one thing nor the other. We noticed it but we ignored it, for the most part. Conversely, Americans are rather squeamish about that sort of thing, generally speaking. It's a shame they took umbrage with such an innocuous thing as "Dolly".

[@WeeLin]

Can confirm, the summer holidays of the 90s were pretty much the same! It kind of cracks me up to think that "Dolly" would make American audiences squeamish - you do realise we don't *actually* find those things sexy, right? Just standard British joke shop tat - I don't know where they ever got the impression that we were sophisticated!

[@nathanjay7925]

Missed you weelin, been too long but any more than a day is haha

[@WeeLin]

Thanks! I had a nice break, but I'm glad to be back making videos!

[@nathanjay7925]

@@WeeLin it’s definitely welcome but yeah as a writer I know that taking a healthy break now and again is very wise otherwise it can be very damaging. Certainly glad to have you back though and starting off with a belter too

[@amazingpurplegirl0903]

Dolly Partson had me snorting

[@WeeLin]

Had to be done! I wonder if she's still there, hanging out in the BBC's props department?

[@gavvo-7640]

@@WeeLin 😆

[@tomking3166]

Frankly, I thought this episode was terrible. I expected it to be a fun, slapstick, silent comedy, which it was for the first few seconds. Then, out of nowhere, there was a ghost for some reason? The announcer informed me it was just a glitch, but I'm not sure I buy it. And then, showing some really shoddy work from the BBC, a weird workplace comedy starring Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton as themselves started to play (I assume by accident). Also something about Coronation Street and ancient burial grounds? Absolute rubbish.

[@WeeLin]

I saw that broadcast too! Did you hear the announcer screaming in between? Very unprofessional work from the Beeb, I thought. And then they're just cutting to the actors talking to their pals on Twitter? Outrageous! Hope they had someone's head for that nonsense.

[@Anthony_Joseph09]

@@WeeLin🤣

[@1990NMiller]

In terms of the KZbin monetization discussion, as i understand it, they are quite notorious for hitting vids with lgbtq themes. The logic is, i believe, that while the automatic system can identify the terms, it cannot determine how they are being discussed or the context. (Age appropriateness, hate speech etc) So it seems to be safe they just blanket demonitize lots of stuff. I may be wrong, but im sure I've heard Trans/LGBTQ youtubers discuss this before.

[@WeeLin]

That's horrible! I've heard of this in the past, but I didn't know it'd still been happening that recently.

[@shawbag11]

As much as i enjoy this episode it is the one that puts most of my m8s off the series when i show it to them. I think the main isue is how different a episode this is compared to the rest of the series and putting it at the very 2nd episode can disorientate people who arnt already into the series.

[@tentheagle]

Possibly one of my least favourite episodes but thanks for the retrospective review, I'll re-watch now I've been educated...

[@WeeLin]

No problem! Helping people get a new-found enjoyment in a No 9 (or anything else I review) is always a good feeling!

[@GulpGulpMelon]

Last comment the trans wife actress is Charlie Chaplins granddaughter *flies away* and I was genius cause of the silent comedy style

[@can-xe5ub]

i had to avoid showing my mother this episode during the first time i showed her the show (very out of order, started with misdirection), because of the sabrina reveal, she’s a really big transphobe.

[@WeeLin]

Well, at least it's an anthology, so the order doesn't matter (otherwise Misdirection would be REALLY far along!) The weird part is, if you distracted someone during the Sabrina reveal, or just took it out of the episode, it'd pretty much have no impact on the rest of the story.

[@can-xe5ub]

⁠@@WeeLini tried to talk to her about the dog scene because she tends to look at me when we talk (or ignore me and look at her phone), but this was the time she decided the show was just too good to stop watching.

[@stephenhillier3522]

Hmmm, not sure I want to follow this train of thought, but here we go. I've never given the "dolly" business any thought before - it's just a well worn UK comedy trope. But now you've got me thinking. These items look so ridiculous, you have to wonder if they are only ever used for jokes. Difficult to imagine anyone using it for.... other purposes. Are these specially produced comedy Dollies which are made for BBC productions? And is there another source of more, what shall I say, realistic versions? Now I'm not going to infect my browser history by trying to find the answer, but since you're now the expert maybe you can do some research? Asking for a friend.

[@WeeLin]

"Answering for a friend", or course! 😉 Okay, so on the subject of whether the traditional UK comedy "Dollies" have ever actually been used for their intended purpose... well, it's my understanding that if something CAN be used for that, then at least someone somewhere has done just that! I've definitely heard of weirder things being... um, "used". As for the Beeb having specially produced models, I do happen to know a bit of trivia on this subject. Specifically, that the ones used in the Only Fools and Horses episode "Danger UXD" were originally bought from an adult shop in Soho, but the props department were told to change some of the details for broadcast (those details being the mouth and other "openings"). So, I can confirm that those ones - probably the most famous examples on British telly - were customised jobs. And who knows - maybe they're still kicking around a props department somewhere! To see what a more "realistic" version looks like without totally polluting your browser history, you can click the "dolls" link on the Wiki page for that Only Fools episode I just mentioned, and there are pictures on there - clothed, from what I remember! Oddly enough though, no pics of the silly British ones I was talking about. Though they are mentioned, and there's a reference to them "typically bursting at the seams after only a few uses". If that doesn't merit a "Citation Needed", then I don't know what does! Hope that answers your questions, and thank you for coming to my Ted Talk! 🤣

[@stephenhillier3522]

@@WeeLin Thanks for the info, and the new video. I think I might drop this subject there, the mention of 'bursting at the seams' had me both bursting with laugher, but also feeling a bit queasy. Not unlike a good episode of No 9.

[@ArrowOdenn]

I feel BAD for not liking this episode. Nothing about it hits for me. I don't find it funny and while the burglars being quiet and the couple giving each other the silent treatment works, why doesn't the housekeeper speak? That couple would have exchanged words... it just doesn't land. When Deadline turned into a repeat of AQNI, I nearly turned it off. Sorry, its just not for me.

[@WeeLin]

That's fair - that type of humour isn't to everyone's taste. I did wonder, as the script says the housekeeper is Filipina, if the idea was that she didn't speak much English? Might be a stretch, but that's possibly what they had in mind.

[@bmo14lax]

Hey that's alright, If they made every episode in this style I would not like it. Style is preference.

[@ArrowOdenn]

@WeeLin it's possible but even if the housekeeper didn't speak English, she'd say something, maybe in her own language. Or yell something. If I see burglars, I'm screaming. Idk, it's just not working for me.

[@bmo14lax]

@@ArrowOdenn the episode is scripted to be silent. A nod to the old silent films made back in the day and plenty of silent media since its inception, That's why they communicate but no words are spoken, I can understand That some people don't like this style like you said.