Famed for its plot twists, Inside No.9 has had some absolute gems of third act contortions over the last 7 years. Like ref Martin Rutherford, Shearsmith and Pemberton are seasoned pros in their art form - deft sleight of hand and false shufflery deflecting attention away from each stories true secrets. Yet sometimes their final dice throws come too far from left field, leaving us a little baffled as to how-the-frick we were meant to see that coming. As Pemberton's Carl sarcastically quips in the series' inaugural episode 'Sardines', their secrets need to be "well seeded." And 'The Referees a W***er' 's nature is just that.
For me, the opening of season 5 is the classic watch-and-repeat from the duo, ready to pop straight back on after so you can re-take the material in, full knowledge of it's characters motivations now clear in your mind. Perhaps I'm alone in only spotting the inevitable twist at the last gasp, deep into the episodes injury time. Whether you catch it then, before half time or after the Final belated whistle, No.9's foray into the seedy world of football match officiating is sure to satisfy those with a keen enjoyment of tightly wound storytelling.
The tale of passion, corruption and inevitable footballing woes (which all of us despairing supporters are bound to know) sets itself in the changing room of a match officials an hour before the final game of a season. It's the big match - United vs Rovers - ones hopes hinging on promotion, the others, relegation. It's also the final game in an illustrious career for David Morrissey's Rutherford, a stern but fair ref whose career has always been "by the book."
Morrissey is perfect casting for the role and brings a wonderful subtlety and quiet humanity to a character flung threw the ringer, experiencing every emotion possible before during and after this action packed match. Life for him will never be the same. Neither will it for all the stories proverbial players.
It must be said 'The referees a W***er' is also very accessible for non-sporting fans too. I watched the episode with my girlfriend who laughed frequently (and only felt the need to nudge my shoulder once to ask what a San Siro was...)
First episode back and hopefully the start of a red hot streak of form for a programme seemingly constantly able to reinvent itself. The opener is a cracking topsy-turvy, but easy to watch drama. Expect something darker next week.
