A real change of pace for this weeks "Inside Number 9". Foregoing either broad comedy or outlandish horror, "Love's Great Adventure" instead chooses the naturalistic "Kitchen Sink" drama and the domestic horrors of drug abuse.
Trevor (Steve Pemberton) and Julia (Debbie Rush) are a married couple bringing up their daughter Mia (Gabby French) and Grandson Connor (Olly Hudson-Croker). Their son, Patrick (Bobby Schofield), Connor's father, has a history of drug abuse issues and is not living with them. As they are preparing for Christmas, Patrick returns home, but is in debt to a serious loanshark and fears for his life.
This episode is mostly about the performances, the story is solid and works well tied in with the opening of a day of the advent calendar signalling the forward movement of time. There's isn't a twist, as such - though there is more to the plot than is explicitly stated if you're paying attention. Given how arch Steve Pemberton can be, when the role calls for it, it's easy to forget about the range he has and how natural he can be too. I bought into his relationship with Debbie Rush's character and with the children in his life. It's his relationship with Patrick though, which is the most heartbreaking - desperately defending and covering for his son and pleading for him to get help, despite the personal cost.
Slightly disappointed that this wasn't shown as a Christmas special, as that might have added more poignancy to the episode, but ultimately it's another example of "Inside Number Nine" being one of the most versatile shows on television and that Shearsmith and Pemberton are underrated writers and performers.
Trevor (Steve Pemberton) and Julia (Debbie Rush) are a married couple bringing up their daughter Mia (Gabby French) and Grandson Connor (Olly Hudson-Croker). Their son, Patrick (Bobby Schofield), Connor's father, has a history of drug abuse issues and is not living with them. As they are preparing for Christmas, Patrick returns home, but is in debt to a serious loanshark and fears for his life.
This episode is mostly about the performances, the story is solid and works well tied in with the opening of a day of the advent calendar signalling the forward movement of time. There's isn't a twist, as such - though there is more to the plot than is explicitly stated if you're paying attention. Given how arch Steve Pemberton can be, when the role calls for it, it's easy to forget about the range he has and how natural he can be too. I bought into his relationship with Debbie Rush's character and with the children in his life. It's his relationship with Patrick though, which is the most heartbreaking - desperately defending and covering for his son and pleading for him to get help, despite the personal cost.
Slightly disappointed that this wasn't shown as a Christmas special, as that might have added more poignancy to the episode, but ultimately it's another example of "Inside Number Nine" being one of the most versatile shows on television and that Shearsmith and Pemberton are underrated writers and performers.