Inside No. 9

The Riddle of the Sphinx review

The episode is proof, if any were needed, that Shearsmith & Pemberton possess two of the most extraordinary imaginations of any writers working in television today.

Inside No. 9 series 3 episode 3 review

Inside No. 9 series 3 pays homage to Sleuth in a delightfully nasty, slippery story themed around cryptic crosswords...

Inside No. 9 Season 3 Episode 3 review

Some hardcore fans may well demand something more tricksy, more gimmicky - indeed, less traditional. But there are still many pleasures to be had here, if you follow the clues.

Inside No. 9 - 'The Riddle of the Sphinx' review

A young woman asks a favour of a cryptic crossword setter, beginning a chain of unexpected turns...

A brilliant episode of Inside No. 9. Not just because it was a creepy, twisting tale of revenge, based on the riddle of the Sphinx. But because it was also based on, and starred, yesterday's Guardian cryptic crossword (which, of course, you will have completed before watching). Steve Pemberton, who writes and stars alongside Reece Shearsmith, also set the crossword. Hence the answer to 12 across: mystery guest! Genius.

Inside No 9 - The Riddle of the Sphinx preview

Is The Riddle of the Sphinx the best-ever Inside No. 9? It is certainly the cleverest.

How the Guardian's cryptic crossword appeared on IN9

Today's cryptic was from a new setter ... and the BBC's horror comedy series might provide some clues to their identity.

Inside No. 9 review: a devious and outrageous puzzle

Clever, compelling and very, very dark, Inside No. 9's latest standalone story defined 'unpredictable'.

Inside No. 9 review: 'The Bill'

Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith's script is, as always, simply extraordinary, working across several different levels at once.

The kicker for this horror-com's third season had Philip Glenister and Jason Watkins in juicy roles they must have salivated over - a one-act drama featuring their caricatures, subverted - and could have phoned in, but thankfully didn't. This argument over a restaurant bill was dark, biting, often blink-and-you'll-miss-it hilarious, ultimately prosaically disappointing, but that just made me want more. Bring it on.