Inside Number 9: Episode 9: The Trial of Elizabeth Gadge

Better than La Couchette,

however another 

mixed episode

from the 

second season.

I feel that is safe to say that this season of Inside No. 9 is far less consistent than the last. The first season offered a very consistent level of quality and rarely wavered in that aspect. This season has so far offered a fairly underwhelming episode (La Couchette) and a utterly fantastic episode (12 Days of Christine), and now this installment. The Trail of Elizabeth Gadge is a flawed and fairly confused episode, and is pretty much the opposite as anything that could be described as consistent. 

Let's start with the good things the episode does. For a start, its comedy is generally funny, pacing it far ahead of the considerably less amusing La Couchette. There were several moments within this episode which made me laugh, and overall it succeeds as a comedy in my eyes. Furthermore the epsiode's atmosphere is far more compelling than La Couchette's and brings many unique elements to the series which have not been seen before now. The unique period setting marks a first for the series and unlocks several possibilities for future episodes. 

Finally, the episode features some exceptional performances. Shearsmith and Pemberton deliver their most significant performances of the season thus far, and are exceptional as always. Particular praise must go towards the restraint and dignity of Pemberton's performance. Furthermore, the titular Elizabeth Gadge is brilliantly portrayed by Ruth Sheen and delivers one of the more interesting and complex characters of the entire series.

Then we arrive at the episodes rather hefty flaws. Much like La Couchette the episode's atmosphere is damaged at points due to the presence of broad comedy. It is possibly even worse here due to the intensity of certain sequences, and how brutally they are undermined by the comedy. For example, a scene of horrific torture is soon followed by jokes about an anal probe, destroying any sense of tragedy or horror. The episode is also far to blatant in it's plotting in my opinion, as character motivations are frequently repeated and plot points are hammered in far too many times. Furthermore some of the supporting actors were far to goofy in their delivery and further created dissonance between the tone of the comedy and the tone of the drama.I also dislike the episodes second twist, which honestly felt like something of a minor betrayal to the style and sensibilities of the show, and was painfully predictable despite this.

Overall, this episode is even more confused and jumbled than La Couchette. I overall prefer this episode to the aforementioned and commend the quality of some of the acting and atmosphere. However it's flaws are deep and ruin what could have been a standout portrayal of a subject which I have always found highly interesting.

By Jack D. Phillips

A Zoom Film Review

Inside Number 9: Episode 9