Black Mirror - Retrospective
No spoilers for any season of Black Mirror are expressed in this article.
At one point in your life, you have to have known what The Twilight Zone is. Whether it is through the discussion with another person or actually watching the show, you learn that this was a unique show for its time. The Twilight Zone created a new world every episode that managed to almost always to be creepy in some way or another and challenge the mind. Charlie Brooker took this type of formula and creates an entirely new take on the anthology genre. Black Mirror gives viewers a glimpse into a completely different near future scenario with every new episode. This allows the show to tackle all kinds of topics, and make its audiences floored with something new every episode. With the recent release of Series 4, I felt before diving directly into the new season that I should take some time to quickly look back and give a quick discussion of the series to this point.
Series 1 and Series 2
Given that Black Mirror only has a few episodes per season, and it's first two seasons had even less than the current average, it's easier to discuss the first two as one. Like stated in the opening paragraph, each episode in this show takes on a new world and new characters, so there are no sequels and continuation. In Series 1 the three worlds explored include present-day England with the kidnapping of a princess, a world where everything is based around digital avatars of themselves, and a memory recording device that plays back everything you've ever witnessed on demand. While episode 1 "The National Anthem" is one of the poorer episodes of the series overall, episode 2 and 3 are both stellar entries into the world. One thing that Charlie Brooker does so well with this series is creating a sense of security for the viewer before pulling the rug out from underneath them. This was quickly learned in this first series as each episode seems to start off well but creates twists and turns that really mess with the viewers head. If I were to pick one standout episode from the first series it would be "The Entire History of You"
Series 2 of the show tackles completely different themes, and even includes an extra long Christmas special that includes Jon Hamm. Series 2 starts off with the stellar "Be Right Back" starring Domhnall Gleeson and Hayley Atwell. Their chemistry is absolutely stellar and manages to envelop you in the world. This is one of the few episodes throughout the entire series that actually made me cry which is something rare for television to do. The second episode, "White Bear", is much creepier and tackles darker themes like punishment and entertainment for masses. "The Waldo Moment" ended Series 2 on a rather poor note, with a world that is eerily similar to that of present-day America. "White Christmas", the Christmas special, is absolutely stellar and revolves around a world where people can block one another in the real world and avoid hearing or seeing them. This premise was fantastic and just when you think you understand what is going on, Brooker does what he does best and pulls the rug out from under you.
Series 3
Series 3 has a total of 6 episodes overall and although there are some down points from the series, it also contains the absolute, without question, best episode of the entire series. "Nosedive" is a fantastic look into a world where everything is based off a thumbs up or thumbs down system. This is of course very eerie as these things are already present in society today. Bryce Dallas Howard kills it in this episode. Second of the series is "Playtest" a very horror-centric episode. Although not my favorite of the series, many believe this is a hidden gem for the entire show. "Shut Up and Dance" is another classic Brooker episode that creates a world you think you understand. After settling in and expecting one thing for the last half of the episode, something entirely different happens and it's incredibly different.
The episode though, that made me watch Black Mirror and why I suggest this show to everyone is "San Junipero." I won't go too deep into this world, but the world of San Junipero is beautiful and unique, taking the viewer back in time for the first time. During my first viewing, I found myself so enthralled with the story that I wasn't able to predict any of it. This felt like a short movie on its own, I laughed and cried throughout the entire episode. Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Mackenzie Davis put in career performances. The one thing that Brooker does unique with this episode: a happy ending. Simply put, San Junipero is incredible television and one of the best hours of TV that I have ever witnessed. The last two of episodes of Series 3 are rather average for the series but good on their own. After San Junipero though, they feel lacking.
Concluding Thoughts
I know this isn't the most descriptive discussion I have ever done, but I struggle to truly describe the brilliance that is Black Mirror without revealing too much. Charlie Brooker has created stories that are eerily in touch with reality and I can only hope that Series 4 lives up to the standards. If you choose to step through the mirror into this world, you need to be willing to have your heart and mind destroyed. I actually was only able to watch one episode per day due to my need for decompression. For anyone jumping into this world, be prepared for anything, but enjoy every minute of it.
Black Mirror Series-to-date: 9.5/10
