The Harrowing (Inside No. 9)

"The Harrowing" is the sixth episode of the first series of the British dark comedy anthology television programme Inside No. 9. Written by Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, it first aired on 4 March 2014 on BBC Two.

The episode focuses on Katy (Aimee-Ffion Edwards), a young babysitter arriving at the isolated home of siblings Hector (Reece Shearsmith) and Tabitha (Helen McCrory) to look after their seemingly sleeping brother, diagnosed with an unnamed debilitating illness. The unsettling atmosphere of the house, combined with Hector and Tabitha's odd behavior and cryptic warnings, leads Katy to believe something sinister is afoot.

The title, "The Harrowing," refers both to the frightening experience Katy undergoes and, subtly, to the historical and theological concept of the Harrowing of Hell – Christ's descent into the underworld to liberate righteous souls held captive there. This theme is woven into the episode's narrative through hints of religious symbolism and the unsettling atmosphere within the house. The episode is known for its claustrophobic setting, unsettling sound design, and ambiguous ending, leaving the audience to interpret the true nature of the horrors that unfold. The performances of the cast, particularly Edwards, Shearsmith, and McCrory, are often cited as strengths of the episode.