Ever felt like your wedding vows were a bit…limiting? Well, the Inside No. 9 episode "To Have and To Hold" takes that feeling and runs wild with it, resulting in a darkly comic and surprisingly poignant exploration of marriage.
The Haunted Flat-Pack Bed
The story kicks off with Adrian, played by the brilliant Steve Pemberton, and his wife Liz, portrayed by Nicola Walker, attempting to assemble a new bed. Sounds mundane, right? Wrong! This isn’t just any bed; it’s a symbol of their struggling relationship, and the instructions are about as clear as mud.
Imagine the sheer frustration of flat-pack furniture magnified by years of unspoken resentments. That’s the tone right from the start.
The Vows: A Contract From Hell
The episode cleverly weaves in scenes from Adrian and Liz's wedding video. At first glance, it's typical wedding cheese. But listen closely to the vows; they’re unsettlingly specific and controlling.
Turns out, Adrian is obsessed with Liz upholding every single promise she made. Think "obey" is outdated? Just wait until you see what else is in there!
A Catalogue of Grievances
What makes "To Have and To Hold" so compelling is its relatable core. Beneath the dark humor and outlandish scenarios, lies the universal truth that marriage can be hard work. Years of little annoyances, unmet expectations, and unspoken disappointments can fester.
Adrian's meticulous tracking of Liz's vow adherence is absurd, but it highlights the controlling tendencies that can creep into relationships. He's essentially turned their marriage into a legally binding contract, devoid of warmth and spontaneity.
Unexpected Twists and Turns
Like any good Inside No. 9 episode, "To Have and To Hold" throws in a few unexpected twists. Just when you think you know where the story is going, something shocking happens. A seemingly innocuous detail gains significance, and suddenly the whole picture shifts.
Let’s just say the wedding video holds more secrets than just awkward dancing and questionable fashion choices.
Humor in the Darkness
Despite the underlying sadness, the episode is surprisingly funny. The awkwardness of the flat-pack assembly, Adrian's obsessive note-taking, and the sheer absurdity of some of the vows all contribute to the comedic effect. It’s the kind of humor that makes you laugh uncomfortably, because you recognize a sliver of truth in the exaggerated situation.
The dry wit and perfectly timed delivery from both Pemberton and Walker elevate the humor to another level.
A Heartbreaking Revelation
While the episode provides some dark laughs, it also packs an emotional punch. The final revelation about Liz's actions and Adrian's motivations is truly heartbreaking. It forces you to re-evaluate everything you've seen and to consider the complexities of their relationship.
The ending isn't neat or easily resolved. It leaves you with a sense of unease and a lingering question about the true nature of love and commitment. It’s a reminder that sometimes the greatest horror lies not in the supernatural, but in the everyday realities of human relationships.
Why You Should Watch It
"To Have and To Hold" is a masterful blend of dark comedy, suspense, and emotional depth. It's a thought-provoking exploration of marriage, commitment, and the dangers of unchecked obsession.
If you’re looking for an Inside No. 9 episode that will make you laugh, cringe, and maybe even shed a tear, this is the one for you. Just be prepared to question everything you thought you knew about "happily ever after". And maybe double-check your own wedding vows…
It is definitely a memorable episode.
