17. Outnumbered The Robbers (BBC One, 2009)
Boxing Day is anything but relaxing for the Brockmans as they deal with the aftermath of being robbed. Semi-improvised comedy
Outnumbereds first Christmas special does its best to break away from Christmas sitcom conventions with the episode being set on Boxing Day rather than Christmas Day, and with the story focussing more on the aftermath of the robbery as parents Sue and Pete try to rationalise their planned insurance fraud. Ramona Marquez (Karen) and Daniel Roches (Ben) largely improvised and incredibly natural performances are a real highlight. However, Tyger Drew-Honey (Jake) is beginning to show signs of growing out of the role and doesnt really have the same impact as his younger cast-mates. Its pretty standard stuff but Roche and Marquezs improvisation really takes it to a higher level.
Best Moment: Ben talking about the possibility of the burglars returning when Pete is trying to convince a terrified Karen that they're perfectly safe.