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Mother’s Ruin is the second episode of Inside No.9 Series 8, since The Bones of St Nicholas was the first episode, as well as the Christmas edition.
Events initially look like two burglars are breaking into a house with ill intent, but in fact, it’s the house that Harry and Edward Blackwood’s (Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith) mother used to live in, and there’s something left behind that they want.
We know it’s specifically important about WHERE she died, and that their actions are carried out within one year of her death, but while we’re aware that Inside No.9 frequently deals with dark issues, the fact Reece draws a pentagram inside a circle on the floor, and starts banging on about “necromancy”, and how they require the blood sacrifice of a parrot, as a way to figure out where their late matriach’s money is stashed, it shows that either they have a solid plan, or that they’re completely barking mad.
One problem for them is that it’s not their house any more. It was bought by Frances (Anita Dobson – Torvill And Dean (2018)) and Reggie (Phil Daniels – Adult Material), but don’t panic, since they’re away on holiday, so they can’t spoil the proceedings, can they?
Naturally no spoilers, but bear in mind to make sure you’ve had your dinner by the time this is broadcast.
Also, amongst the discussion had by the new homeowners, there’s even a mention of BBC1 afternoon drama staple Father Brown. She loves it, but he can’t get on board because he can only ‘see’ Mark Williams in The Fast Show, being all “Suits you, Sir!”.
Overall, Mother’s Ruin is a great episode – with an inspired pairing of Mr Quadrophenia/Parklife and Mrs Brian May, formerly Mrs Dirty Den – and it’s rare that something on TV has me clapping by the end of the episode 😀
Mother’s Ruin is broadcast on BBC2 tonight at 10pm.
Inside No.9 Series 8 is available to pre-order on DVD, ahead of its release on May 29th.
There’s also Inside No. 9: Collector’s Edition: The Scripts: Series 1-3 in Hardcover.
After broadcast, each episode will be on the BBC iPlayer.
Check out reviews of more Inside No.9 episodes.
Also available to buy:
- Series 7 on DVD
- Series 6 on DVD
- Series 5 on DVD
- Series 4 on Blu-ray
- Series 4 on DVD
- Series 3 on Blu-ray
- Series 3 on DVD
- Series 1 on Blu-ray
- Series 2 on Blu-ray
- Series 1 and 2 on DVD together
Episode Score: 9/10
Director: George Kane
Producer: Kim Crowther
Writers: Steve Pemberton, Reece Shearsmith
Cast:
Harry Blackwood: Steve Pemberton
Edward Blackwood: Reece Shearsmith
Frances: Anita Dobson
Reggie: Phil Daniels
Reviewer of movies, videogames and music since 1994. Aortic valve operation survivor from the same year. Running DVDfever.co.uk since 2000. Nobel Peace Prize winner 2021.