Ep 1. Sardines

"Sardines" is the first episode of the darkly comedic anthology series Inside No. 9. Written by and starring Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, the episode is a masterclass in tension and claustrophobia.

The premise of the episode is relatively simple: a group of people gather together in a mansion for a game of sardines (a variation of hide-and-seek in which the players all hide together in one place). As the game progresses, tensions rise and secrets are revealed as the characters navigate the labyrinthine corridors and hidden rooms of the sprawling mansion.

Despite the seemingly innocuous premise, "Sardines" is a masterclass in suspense and misdirection. The tension builds slowly and steadily, as the characters become increasingly desperate to find a hiding place (and one another) in the cramped, labyrinthine mansion. As the game continues and the players become more and more cramped and uncomfortable, the audience is drawn deeper and deeper into their anxiety and unease.

But "Sardines" is also a deeply funny episode, with plenty of dark humor and biting wit to offset the tension. Shearsmith and Pemberton are both known for their skill at crafting twisted, unpredictable narratives, and "Sardines" is no exception. The episode is packed with clever twists and turns, as the characters plot and scheme against one another in their quest for the perfect hiding place.

With its blend of humor, suspense, and masterful storytelling, "Sardines" is a perfect introduction to the world of Inside No. 9. It showcases the show's unique ability to blend disparate genres and tones into a seamless, cohesive whole, and sets the stage for the darkly entertaining episodes to come.