Ep 2. Death Be Not Proud

Inside No. 9 season 5 presents an intriguing mystery in the form of a one-act play titled “Death Be Not Proud”. The episode centers around a group of actors rehearsing for a production of Macbeth in a seemingly haunted theater. The episode is a thrilling exploration of the superstitions and legends surrounding theater and will leave audiences guessing until the episode’s conclusion.

From the beginning of the episode, it seems as if something sinister is lurking in the theater. The ominous music and the deep shadows in the background create a mood that is both eerie and tense. The actors are rehearsing a scene from Macbeth in which the witches prophesy that one of the characters will die. As the play progresses, strange things begin to happen, such as actors disappearing and reappearing without explanation. The audience is never quite sure what is real and what isn’t, which creates an unnerving sense of uncertainty.

As the episode progresses, the lines between the world of the play and reality begin to blur. The actors become increasingly paranoid and begin to suspect that something sinister is at work. The theater itself becomes a character in the story, with its dark corners and ominous sounds adding to the tension.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the episode is its exploration of the superstitions surrounding theater. The episode includes references to many common theatrical superstitions, such as the belief that it is bad luck to say the name of the Scottish play (Macbeth) inside a theater. The characters themselves are also steeped in superstition, with one actress refusing to wear a costume that has been used in a previous production of Macbeth because she believes it is cursed.

The performances in the episode are excellent, with each actor bringing something unique to their role. Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, the co-creators of the show, also make appearances in the episode, further adding to the sense of mystery.

Overall, “Death Be Not Proud” is a must-watch episode for fans of Inside No. 9 and anyone who enjoys a good mystery. With its tense atmosphere, intriguing storyline, and excellent performances, this episode is sure to leave audiences on the edge of their seats.