Seven seasons in and co-creators Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith are still coming up with creative ways to keep their anthology series fresh and firing.
It always strikes a perfect balance between comedy and horror amid diverse turns from the leading pair and a host of impressive guest stars who are obviously keen to lend their talents to the duo’s sinister minds.
At six episodes long, the seasons are easily digestible and don’t overstay their welcome, and this seventh run keeps up the cracking consistency.
Throughout the season the likes of Mark Gatiss, Sophie Okonedo, Daniel Mays and Jason Isaacs put in appearances, each adding something very different.
Truthfully, this isn’t peak Inside No. 9 . Third episode Nine Lives Kat is a bit too out there with one twist too many and as fun as it is to see Mays and Isaacs play off each other - amid a visually appealing split-screen shooting style from director Al Campbell - the plot of Kid/Nap is too reminiscent of other similar TV and movie escapades.
But even when the show isn’t at its gleefully hilarious or happily horrific finest, it’s still an easy half-hour watch.
I loved season opener Merrily, Merrily which sees three old school chums and an uninvited girlfriend take to a remote lake on a pedalo.
Secrets and grudges spill out, with Diane Morgan’s Donna evoking laughs, and just who or what is the creepy character lurking on the shoreline?
Episode two Mr King is a wonderfully unsettling take on folk horror that will make any substitute teacher think twice about pursuing a career in the profession.
Pemberton’s Bob makes for a mischievous and mysterious presence in A Random Act of Kindness , which also stars Jessica Hynes.
The season closes in style with Wise Owl , an episode that takes us back to the seventies for a question of morals and what is right and wrong.
Inside No. 9 Season Seven is another triumphant riddle wrapped up in an enigma with something for everyone.
● What are your thoughts on Inside No. 9? Are you a fan of Pemberton and Shearsmith’s work?
Pop me an email at ian.bunting@reachplc.com and I will pass on your comments – and any movie or TV show recommendations you have – to your fellow readers.
● Inside No. 9 is streaming on BBC iPlayer now.
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