The latest and final episode of what has been an overall more superior series than It's first one, Seance Time brings a more thematic return to form after last weeks disappointingly ordinary Nana's Party. It revolves initially around Tina (Sophie McShera), a soft-spoken, unassuming twenty something that visits elderly blind Medium Madam Talbot(Alison Steadman). Assisted by her more youthful assistant Hives (Reece Shearsmith), the aged spiritualist proceeds with carrying out a séance which leads to a terrifying event occurring for Tina. However it is soon to be a prank concocted for a hidden camera TV show fronted by It's host Ives who is in fact a arrogant, self centered egotist. With their latest victim caught on film Ives and his small cast and crew await the arrival of their second target. Unfortunately though for the smarmy celeb events will take a chilling turn which will have him forced to confront the sins of his past.
Although not awful and fairly enjoyable, mesers Shearsmith and Pembertons previous offering lacked the twisted bite that they have come to be renowned for. So It's with Seance Time that we see something of a more welcome return to form. In terms of plot it could be postulated that it may owe something of another short Horror story entitled Seance, one which aired in and Anthology TV series, Tales From The Crypt on cable TV in the U.S. Utilizing it's premise of professional con-artists who attempt to swindle money from a wealthy widow by holding a false séance, Shearsmith and Pemberton put their own personal spin on the pseudo-spiritualist gimmick.
Once more employing a host of of accomplished guest actors that includes veteran pro Alison Steadman superbly portraying a has been actress who could only wish she'd really has been. She offers a portrayal of a slightly temperamental woman who's slight irritability is vastly outweighed by that of her obnoxious employer Ives. The veritable antagonist of which the story finds It's main impetus for upcoming events unfolding. Self-serving, opportunistic and generally plain unlikable Shearsmith delivers the key a quality performance which could so easily descend in to caricature which he deftly avoids. Long time co-collaborator Pemberton is also on hand to deliver stirring support as the latter of the two attended prankee's, a somewhat indifferent, boorish ragamuffin although ultimately vulnerable the actor/co-writer himself sidesteps the pitfall of falling victim to cliché.
Weaving mild humor to the unfolding drama which adroitly counterbalances the tragedy that is to come and the lending of some well rounded characters, one of which you find yourself refreshingly finding yourself sympathizing Seance Time although not completely original makes for a predominantly satisfying conclusion to the series. It's marred only by the restraints of It's half hour running time, although perfectly suited to other dark offerings it's plot would have benefited for a more lengthy narrative. The end result being that It's otherwise horrifying denouement feels overly rushed.
Although let down by It's restraints this final entry makes for a mainly rewarding experience, even if not as innovative as some previous outings It's still worth a watch. With still enough of the freshness and innovation that It's co-writers and stars have presented I await a third series with keen eagerness. With some of the uninspired, dire bilge that's passed off as entertainment It makes for a essential injection of quality. And that's never a bad thing!