Inside No 9 S7 E6 Wise Owl

Don’t be a “twit-you” - stop, look and listen to my review of Wise Owl, the final episode of Inside No 9, series 7.

Remember, Wise Owl says “like and subscribe”. And we must always do what Wise Owl says.

*****************************

Special Stuff

[soulfoodie]

If ever a character in Inside no.9 deserved a hopeful ending it was Ronnie. As you say that ending was beautiful and powerful

[jacobat]

I really loved the ending of this one - usually I'm more of a sucker for the darker, less hopeful endings but I think this one was done really well

[yoshthenb]

This might just be the first inside no.9 i watched before the recap and, WOW.
This was so wild, disturbing and yet, the one little thing i caught out is actually pretty heartwarming.
~~~












~~~
Ronnie (thats the name, right?) kept his promise to his mom, he didn't do anything dumb! Didn't kill himself, didn't kill the dad, just removed himself from the situation to tell his mom about the events later. That was really well done.

[SamiDC]

American fan here!

The idea to use the nostalgic aesthetics of classic PSAs was a stroke of brillance. I grew up in the 90s, but I still saw my fair share of the ones from the 70s. It truly was uncanny, the resemblance. They just absolutely nailed it.

I've watched this episode 3 times now. Steve and Reece are so adept at misdirection that each time I watch it, I find a new scene to recontextualize. I was once a victim of SA when I was very young by my brothers, but it didn't last long as I spoke out maybe only a couple of weeks after it started. Many don't find that courage so soon. They don't find that courage because their abuser is someone they trust and believe when they say things like 'You'll get in trouble if you tell' and are usually to young to fully understand the gravity of the situation. So it compounds into years of abuse and emotional cripping for the victim. So seeing Ronnie break free of his abuser control felt very rewarding. I almost wish we got to see the results of Ronnie speaking out, but the ambiguity and human imagination work just as well.

I'm so glad we're getting at least two more seasons! This show is just so amazing with it's storytelling.

[konnakeke]

I very heavily related to this episode. I don’t wanna overshare in the YouTube comments but, seeing someone I can relate to (a neurodivergent victim of sexual assault) be able to “win” was so fucking powerful that it left me speechless and in tears. I’ve already seen this episode 5 times and it’s by far my favorite out of the ENTIRE show so far. It also reminded me a lot of Petscop (my personal favorite piece of media ever)
Anyways, thanks to whoever reads this and have a nice day

[nxgan]

Another really chilling part of the episode is specifically when Ronnie's recalling what happened on Joanna's birthday and Wilf/Wise Owl is trying to lure him up the stairs - the "wise owl knows best" said in the scratchy, monstrous voice and the creepy design of the owl really solidifies that for me. I think they definitely nailed the eerie and even scary factor here

[hayleyigbokwewaswhittaker]

I found it equally chilling when the dad said he’d come from an event that had children at it…. Implying he was probably still doing it.

[jamesmichaelmorgan]

as someone who used to binge watch those TOP 50 SCARIEST BRITISH PSA videos on youtube, this episode made me feel so seen <3 djshks it had major charlie the cat vibes.

[soulfoodie]

Thank you for such a thoughtful and sensitive analysis of this episode. I've been wanting to comment here since you posted this but been struggling to find words to express my feelings about this astonishing episode. It turned out to be one of the most powerful pieces of television exploring the issue of child abuse I have seen. As you say Wilf is all too believable and realistic and sadly we have seen too many abusers who operate like him. with his gaslighting and controlling behaviour. Incredibly grateful for how Louise Hooper and Sam O Leary helped tell Ronnie's back story and how the episode showed that while difficult it is possible to break the power of an abuser. And Reece was noting short of astonishing. This episode illustrated why this is such a respected and beloved tv show. We really are lucky to have Steve and Reece

[jsclaimgame]

This episode was absolutely outstanding, it had everything inside no 9 has to offer, dark themes and comedy with a jaw dropping twist. It was a true testament to Steve and Reece’s writing abilities as was this entire season

[brobs]

This had one of the best endings of a no 9. Definitely fit for a series closer, in fact if this was the last ever episode it would be perfect, but then again I’m so glad it’s not. Can’t wait for series 8 and any more no 9 content in the meantime

[davebish]

After 7 series, this has to be one of the best Steve and Reece have written yet. Totally wasn't expecting how dark and hard hitting this episode was, so well acted by Reece.. Loving your reviews, I always watch each episode then listen to your review after to pick up things in the episode I've missed lol

[maldonisthelynx]

Such a truly sensational, groundbreaking episode. This season has been brilliant and I’m so glad this fantastic episode was the one to make it go out with a bang.

[mrdoctorgilmore]

So relieved the episode had a hopeful ending. Was worried when the Dad started talking in Wise Owl voice we were in for another Harrowing, thankfully that wasn't the case as he was too awful of a character not to face justice.

[daverage]

A brilliant episode but definitely one to make your buttocks clench in unsettling discomfort. Pretty hard hitting and yes, that scene where Reece looking in horror at the doorway and then the naked guy in the owl mask steps through made my jaw drop, dreading what would happen next. Great ending though...definitely had to be hopeful. Btw...would love to a video about the creepy PSAs (Spirit of Dark & Lonely water or the one where the kid gets fried getting his kite back).

[jamesmichaelmorgan]

also (spoilers ahead) maybe this says something about me but i almost IMMEDIATELY sussed that Ronnie had been SA'd by the Wise Owl actor. I took one look at Wise Owl and the way Ronnie was behaving and thought, oh something of the Saville has gone down here, poor lad. Then I felt like maybe they wouldn't go that route because it was too obvious, but as the episode went on I was just reaffirmed of it. Something about 70s archival footage is just... tainted with that particular kind of darkness for some reason. Perhaps because so many child predators were big names in the 70s.

[melodyphelan-clark]

I find PiFs really fascinating too! I really love the analytical work of Bob Fischer and his blog, The Haunted Generation, and Diane Rodgers of The Centre For Contemporary Legend, based in Sheffield. both of them really delve into the disturbing content promoted in the 70s and 80s. personally, as an early 90s kid, I'd love to see more about the public broadcasts of the late 80s- 2000s as I feel they don't get as much attention as the brilliant 70s films. love your videos and really loved this episode!

[SamiDC]

I just realized the final line 'Get stuffed' wasn't just a nicer way of saying 'Get fucked, ' it was also referring to the taxidermy Wilf did! Ronnie's double entendre made it more like 'Eat shit and die' which, subjectively to me, is an even more severe dismissal and long overdue

[CatBlackGuitars]

What another incredible episode. I've only watched it once - I was waiting for this review before my next viewing! So happy there's going to be a series 8 and 9.

Btw I have suffered from amphetamine psychosis and have had a nervous breakdown. I didn't get all "stabby stabby" but became a hunt saboteur. So if someone out there is struggling PLEASE don't give up. The light is just around the corner. ❤️

[sadiqurrahman]

These explanation videos make me appreciate this brilliant series even more. Thank you so much.