Inside Number 9: Episode 8: The 12 Days of Christine

Season 2 finally

gets going, with the

most touching story of the

duo's career.

I finally figured out why La Couchette didn't work properly. It lacked the growing sense of dread that defines the series and makes it so special for me. That sense is not forgotten again however, as this episode is one of the most intense and potent pieces of television I have seen in quiet some time.

The episode stars Sheridan Smith as Christine, in a role that has netted her (and the episode on the whole) much praise and analysis. This praise is defiantly deserved. Smith is very likable here and portrays a character who seems eerie in her realness. This episode rivals The Understudy in how relatable and human it's main character is, and that is far from small praise. Smith, alongside the simply amazing script, is able to condense an entire life of struggle and joy into less then thirty minutes, and makes every moment feel real and powerful. This is certainly the most grounded and affecting the duo's writing has ever gotten, and shows a remarkable level of maturity and skill. The supporting actors also do a great job here, adding to the living-breathing life that Smith forms for here character over the course of a decade, and giving Pemberton a surprisingly downplayed role. It is clear that neither Pemberton or Shearsmith intended to dominate our attention here, this is the story of Christine as portrayed by Sheridan Smith, and that is respected to the utmost.

The twist ending of this episode is perhaps the series' finest yet. A deeply moving and shocking ending, which is open to much interpretation and debate. I am sure this twist will be discussed for long after this season ends, and will be remembered as one of the duo's greatest achievements as writers.

In conclusion, if this is not my favourite episode of the series it is certainly at least close. A tale of loss, heartbreak and love in under thirty minutes. There is genuinely nothing else out there right now like it.

By Jack D. Phillips

A Zoom Film Review

Inside Number 9: Episode 8