Every Inside No. 9 Twist Ranked
6. Bernie Clifton's Dressing Room - Len Is Dead
Plot: Two members of a variety act (Pemberton and Shearsmith) which didn't quite make it reunite for a new show, but there's still a lot of tension between them due to how things ended for them.
This episode is pretty slow at first, but it sure as hell pays off and delivers an incredibly emotional third act.
It's revealed that Len (Pemberton) is dead and Tommy (Shearsmith) was talking to a ghost all this time. At first, you'll think that this episode will be about the estranged friends finally making up with each other after their variety act ended thanks to Len's alcoholism, but this twist instead turns the story into something painfully bittersweet.
The reveal sets the stage for a beautifully written third act that'll leave many viewers in tears. One of the most shattering moments is when Tommy is given a card left for him by Len, which contains some money Len owed him and a note apologizing for his past mistakes.
The pair could've reconciled had they reunited earlier and this makes Bernie Clifton's Dressing Room a very poignant viewing.
The twist and final act of this episode showcases some of the best writing Pemberton and Shearsmith have ever done for the show and no matter how much it'll break you, you'll feel grateful to have watched it.