Excellent insightful review. I think the premonitions and ending was more inspired / a homage to by 'Don't look now' (which of course Steve and Reece are massive fans of- also a bit if MR James influence in Jasper being punished for his arrogance ). Really like how you point out the characters telling ghost stories makes this episode . Four terrific performances but as you say Simon Callow is just amazing. But all on all a terrific Christmas gift from Steve , Reece and the No.9 team
No, I agree, I was so caught off guarda by that ending that I had to check whether the episode had indeed ended or not and when I noticed it had I was... Confused. It's often been a hit or miss with Inside n. 9 endings and I've grown to accept that, the writing is too good not to keep on trusting it, but I was slightly disappointed by this special. I also found the couple's story to be too expository, what are the chances that, on the very night she tells her husband that she's had a paranormal sort of experience, somebody else is caught up in that same kind of thing?
I thought that Parkway got himself caught up in some sort of time loop as opposed to seeing premonitions. I was almost certain of that with the audible chocking sounds being shown twice coming from exactly the same place at two different times from two different perspectives. It reminded me of 2009 The Triangle.
It was rather surreal seeing the two hikers for the first time as I own the exact same backpack and coats they wear, that made the episode feel a little creepier for me as having the same things I own be in the episode made it feel more real
You mention the echoes of 'The Haunting of Hill House'. I haven't watched the TV series, but I do know (and admire) the 1963 film 'The Haunting', based on the same novel. In that, the name of the researcher is Dr John Markway, whereas Pemberton's character in this episode is Dr Jasper Parkway. Definitely an affectionate homage, I'd say.
That's a great little observation that I hadn't picked up on! The comparison to Hill House here is rather specific in relation to how Parkway dies and the impact it has
I think it will be similar to the previous christmas special where it is a one off for now, then the next series will be 5 more episodes (probably airing either April or May)
This episode is listed as episode 1 of Series 8, same as Devil of Christmas was episode 1 of Series 3, so there's likely gonna be a further 5 episodes early nex year!
I'm just proud of being an American who can instantly identify Steve Pemberton. For some reason he's not well known here at all. Edit - I think the only thing he's ever been in that's been exported here in the past was League of Gentlemen aired on Comedy Central in the 90s.
Massive Kudos ! Steve is one of the UK's best actors as is Reece. I think they prefer being UK based so they can be with their families as much as possible
All of the strange goings on and apparitions that Parkway saw stalking him throughout the episode were mysteriously himself, like he was being haunted by the premonition of his death. That's how I read it!
I missed this last night so have had to catch up this morning. I agree that it isn't their best Christmas episode but I enjoyed it. Everything was on point from acting, to costume, to lighting, to sound but the actual number 9 twist could have been stronger for me. If it had an eerie feeling like wise owl or the stakeout, it would have been stronger but each to their own! It did however had me thinking of M.R.James throughout and his genius linked to the writing of this episode which goes to show how strong Steve and Reece's writing is. Just a shame that the final outcome of the story was a bit lacking. Still very much enjoyed and would watch again. Looking forward to the rest of the new series of stories
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Simon Callow is just a wonderful actor, I have loved him many years. Sterling work 👏
He was fantastic!
I always think of him as Charles Dickens in Doctor Who, but he was excellent in him
He was in another Xmas ghost story a couple years back
Excellent insightful review. I think the premonitions and ending was more inspired / a homage to by 'Don't look now' (which of course Steve and Reece are massive fans of- also a bit if MR James influence in Jasper being punished for his arrogance ). Really like how you point out the characters telling ghost stories makes this episode . Four terrific performances but as you say Simon Callow is just amazing. But all on all a terrific Christmas gift from Steve , Reece and the No.9 team
Thank you!
No, I agree, I was so caught off guarda by that ending that I had to check whether the episode had indeed ended or not and when I noticed it had I was... Confused. It's often been a hit or miss with Inside n. 9 endings and I've grown to accept that, the writing is too good not to keep on trusting it, but I was slightly disappointed by this special. I also found the couple's story to be too expository, what are the chances that, on the very night she tells her husband that she's had a paranormal sort of experience, somebody else is caught up in that same kind of thing?
I thought that Parkway got himself caught up in some sort of time loop as opposed to seeing premonitions. I was almost certain of that with the audible chocking sounds being shown twice coming from exactly the same place at two different times from two different perspectives. It reminded me of 2009 The Triangle.
It was rather surreal seeing the two hikers for the first time as I own the exact same backpack and coats they wear, that made the episode feel a little creepier for me as having the same things I own be in the episode made it feel more real
You mention the echoes of 'The Haunting of Hill House'. I haven't watched the TV series, but I do know (and admire) the 1963 film 'The Haunting', based on the same novel. In that, the name of the researcher is Dr John Markway, whereas Pemberton's character in this episode is Dr Jasper Parkway. Definitely an affectionate homage, I'd say.
That's a great little observation that I hadn't picked up on! The comparison to Hill House here is rather specific in relation to how Parkway dies and the impact it has
Don't forget Love's Great Adventure, the best christmas episode.
Oh yes however did I forget that was a Christmas episode! Absolutely fantastic episode
I REALLY liked this episode personally
Really glad you liked it Nuso!
Loved this episode, though I'm confused, does that mean we get more Number 9 weekly!?
I think it will be similar to the previous christmas special where it is a one off for now, then the next series will be 5 more episodes (probably airing either April or May)
@@nathanmassam9102 last time was Feb after a Xmas special so fingers crossed
hopefully January
This episode is listed as episode 1 of Series 8, same as Devil of Christmas was episode 1 of Series 3, so there's likely gonna be a further 5 episodes early nex year!
Well I bloody loved it! lol
I'm delighted you did!
That was quick lol
Wanted to cover it ASAP so did a watch and edit in one sitting ☺️
It was a pastiche of another favourite movie of theirs, Don't Look Now.
However, i found the episode quite weak overall, even after watching it twice
I'm just proud of being an American who can instantly identify Steve Pemberton. For some reason he's not well known here at all.
Edit - I think the only thing he's ever been in that's been exported here in the past was League of Gentlemen aired on Comedy Central in the 90s.
Massive Kudos ! Steve is one of the UK's best actors as is Reece. I think they prefer being UK based so they can be with their families as much as possible
Did predict the ending though. Preferred The Devil of Christmas one. I wasn't keen on it, not dark enough.
How on earth did you predict that? Lol I honestly don’t get it all..still!!
@@endisthebeginning24 Just thought about it.
Didn’t get the ending at all. So the bloke looking for the jaw saw himself dead? Did St Nicholas lure him to his death?
All of the strange goings on and apparitions that Parkway saw stalking him throughout the episode were mysteriously himself, like he was being haunted by the premonition of his death. That's how I read it!
I missed this last night so have had to catch up this morning. I agree that it isn't their best Christmas episode but I enjoyed it. Everything was on point from acting, to costume, to lighting, to sound but the actual number 9 twist could have been stronger for me. If it had an eerie feeling like wise owl or the stakeout, it would have been stronger but each to their own! It did however had me thinking of M.R.James throughout and his genius linked to the writing of this episode which goes to show how strong Steve and Reece's writing is. Just a shame that the final outcome of the story was a bit lacking. Still very much enjoyed and would watch again. Looking forward to the rest of the new series of stories
I thought it was good
I think it's pronounced show-bna rather than shob- like cob lol
12 days of christine was vastly overrated...never liked it
What did you not like about Christine?