Ep 2. Bernie Clifton's Dressing Room

Bernie Clifton's Dressing Room is the second episode of the fourth season of the British dark comedy anthology series Inside No. 9. The show is created by Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, who also star in each episode.

Like the previous episodes, Bernie Clifton's Dressing Room takes place within a single location, in this case, the dressing room of a faded variety performer named Bernie Clifton. The episode explores themes of nostalgia, showbiz, and the passage of time.

The episode begins with a television interview with Bernie Clifton, played by himself, discussing his long career in show business. We then see Clifton arriving backstage at a theater for a much-anticipated comeback performance. Clifton is joined in his dressing room by his loyal but grumpy personal assistant, played by Steve Pemberton, who seems to be carrying a secret.

As Clifton gets ready for the show, he reminisces about his past, recalling old routines and jokes, some of which are rather outdated in today's culture. We learn that Clifton's career and personal life have both seen better days, with his wife leaving him and his once-packed audiences dwindling. However, Clifton remains optimistic and dedicated to his craft, hoping that tonight's show will reignite his career.

As Clifton puts on his iconic ostrich feather costume, the tension starts to mount. Pemberton's character seems increasingly anxious and preoccupied, leading Clifton to ask if everything is alright. Pemberton's character brushes off Clifton's concerns, but we sense that something is amiss.

The episode takes a surreal turn when a mysterious door appears in Clifton's dressing room, leading to a parallel universe where Clifton's fortunes are much different. Here, Clifton is still a major star, with sell-out crowds and modern shows that have kept up with the times. The alternate universe version of Pemberton's character also appears, although his role is vastly different.

The rest of the episode explores the strange and often unsettling events that take place as Clifton navigates this alternate universe. As the episode progresses, we start to question what is real and what is imaginary, as lines between the two begin to blur.

Overall, Bernie Clifton's Dressing Room is a great episode that plays with the conventions of the anthology format while also exploring themes of nostalgia, aging, and the illusion of show business. The strong performances from Clifton, Pemberton, and Shearsmith help to elevate the already-strong writing and direction, making for a compelling and thought-provoking viewing experience.