"Zanzibar"
Inside No. 9 episode
"Zanzibar" poster, designed by Christopher Clegg
Episode no.Series 4
Episode 1
Directed byDavid Kerr
Written bySteve Pemberton
Reece Shearsmith
Produced byAdam Tandy
Original air date2 January 2018 (2018-01-02)
Running time30 minutes
Guest appearances

"Zanzibar" is the first episode of the fourth series of the British black comedy anthology television programme Inside No. 9. Written by Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, the episode was directed by David Kerr and was first shown on 2 January 2018, on BBC Two. It stars Pemberton, Shearsmith, Rory Kinnear, Bill Paterson, Marcia Warren, Hattie Morahan, Kevin Eldon, Tanya Franks, Helen Monks and Jaygann Ayeh. The episode is written entirely in iambic pentameter.

It received positive reviews from critics.[1][2]

Plot

Fred, the bellboy, introduces the audience to "Hotel Zanzibar".

Prince Rico, and his bodyguard, Henry, enter the 9th floor. Rico enters room 911, and Henry reveals that he plans to kill Rico and take his place. After Henry enters room 912, Rico "orders" a prostitute.

Alice leaves room 918 and knocks on room 915, and Mr Green answers the door. Alice claims that there is a "strange man" in her room. Her son, Robert, comes out soon after, saying that she suffers from memory problems, and brings her back to room 918.

Amber and Gus enter the 9th floor. They attempt to enter room 914, but the keycard does not work, so Gus goes back down to reception. Amber reveals that they have been engaged for 10 years, and that she is doubtful about her relationship. Colette, the maid, helps Amber enter room 913.

Rico realizes that his room number is 911, and wishes to change rooms. Colette moves Rico to room 914. Mr Green opens the door and asks Colette for a bath plug. He reveals that he plans to commit suicide. He had twins, but both were given up at birth, as his wife died, and he was in jail.

Gus comes back and, using a new keycard, discovers that it still does not work. Fred comes back after, mistaking Gus for Rico, and sends him to room 911. Gus says that he has planned to have an apple tart with a diamond ring inside delivered, as his wedding proposal.

Alice leaves her room again and knocks on room 914. Rico mistakes her for the prostitute. Amber, mistaking Rico for Gus, tells him that she is "staying here tonight." Alice comes out, and Rico shoos her back to bed. Amber slaps Rico in disgust.

Henry comes out to kill Rico. He hesitates for long enough for the prostitute, Tracey "Red", to enter the scene, and he will pay Tracey if she will assist in the plot. Henry tells her to pour a sedative into a glass of wine and make Rico drink it. Henry knocks on room 911. Gus answers the door, and Henry mistakes him for Rico. He brings the "tart" into the room. Robert realizes that his mother is missing, and begins a search throughout the hotel.

Colette and Vince, a hypnotist, enter the 9th floor. He is staying in room 916. Colette convinces Vince to hypnotise Amber to fall in love with the next person she meets, and they enter room 913. Rico has "finished" with Alice, and she enters room 917.

Gus leaves room 911, horrified at his "experience". Tracey also leaves, with the glass of wine in her hands. Fred comes, and insists that he pays for the "service". Tracey sets down the glass, and demands a meal. Fred gives her the apple tart, replacing the plate with one of leftovers. They enter room 917.

Vince has finished the hypnosis. He picks up the glass and enters room 916. Colette knocks on room 914, and Rico leads her in. Fred leads Alice back to her room, and Robert comes back to the 9th floor. He knocks on room 913, and as the spell promised, Amber falls madly in love with Robert. Colette and Rico leave room 914, still mistaking Rico for Gus, and tries to convince him to get back his "girlfriend". Tracey leaves the room and demands payment from Rico, "mistaking" him for Gus.

Alice comes out of her room, and Robert runs to her. He asks her where she got all that money, and she says it was from Rico. Tracey attempts to steal the money back. Fred and Colette try to sort the situation out, and enter Vince's room. Rico enters Henry's room.

Gus comes out of room 911. Amber is angry with "him" for having sex with Alice. Gus decides to present the apple tart, not knowing it has been swapped out for leftovers. While this happens, Fred and Colette carry a sleeping Vince out. Tracey reveals that she has eaten the apple tart, and attempts to slap Amber. She ends up slapping Alice instead, and this brings back Alice's memory.

Gus gives Amber a "true love's kiss", and breaks the spell. Rico comes out of room 914, and everyone is stunned by the similarity between Gus and Rico. Alice screams and Mr Green comes out in anger. He realises that Gus and Rico are his twin sons.

Henry shouts, and is holding a knife to Mr Green. He will kill him if Rico does not step forward. At this, Vince wakes up, and casts a spell on Henry. He starts dancing and shouting, and is brought to his room. Tracey brings out the diamond ring, and Gus puts it on Amber.

Fred tells the audience that he hopes "you've enjoyed your stay at Zanzibar," and to "write a nice review on Tripadvisor".

References

  1. ↑ "Inside No 9 review – a gleeful dismemberment of Shakespearean farce". the Guardian. 3 January 2018.
  2. ↑ "Inside No. 9 series 4 episode 1 review: Zanzibar". Den of Geek. 2 January 2018.


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