LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The latest season of the highly anticipated anthology series 'Black Mirror' is just a few hours away. After a four-year hiatus, the show is finally making a comeback with five all-new episodes that will explore the theme of ordinary individuals encountering bizarre situations involving technology.
Although each and every episode of this unique and thrilling series is packed with unsettling situations and thought-provoking challenges, some episodes have been exceptional. As we eagerly await the new season, let's revisit some of the best episodes of 'Black Mirror' that are worth a rewatch. The following list is presented in the order of their release, but each episode can be enjoyed as a standalone short film, allowing you to choose based on your own preferences.
‘The National Anthem’ (Season 1, Episode 1)
This episode takes you back to square one, introducing the satirical concept and showcasing Charlie Brooker's imaginative storytelling for the series. The premise of the episode revolves around the kidnapping of a member of the British Royal Family, but the ransom demand takes a twisted turn. Instead of money or material possessions, the captors demand that Prime Minister Michael Callow, portrayed by Rory Kinnear, engages in a live broadcast where he must have sex with a pig.
‘White Christmas’ (Season 2, Episode 4)
This 74-minute-long holiday special combines three interconnected stories and is perfect for rewatching at any time of the year. The episode explores two familiar aspects of our online experiences: cookies and the option to block. In this context, cookies are not the sweet treats we know, but rather clones of real people that can be controlled. Meanwhile, the 'block' option allows individuals to diminish someone's presence in their life, reducing them to an undefined white figure.
‘Nosedive’ (Season 3, Episode 1)
In a recurring trend, where the season opener showcases Brooker's most ambitious storytelling, this episode delves into the unsettling concept of individuals being valued based on ratings assigned by others. By transforming real people into commodities, the episode offers a thought-provoking commentary on surveillance, the influencer economy and cancel culture, all tied up in one tidy tale. Directed by Joe Wright, known for his work on period dramas such as 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Atonement', this episode presents a compelling blend of social critique and immersive storytelling.
‘Hang The DJ’ (Season 4, Episode 4)
This episode, despite receiving mixed reviews, presents a distinct storyline within the series. It explores the relationship between Frank and Amy, who are matched on a dating app controlled by an algorithm. The episode delves into the critique of how algorithms can exert significant influence over people's lives and relationships. It raises thought-provoking questions about the control technology has on our personal lives.
‘Black Mirror: Bandersnatch’
In this special movie made for the series, Brooker explored the form of an interactive film with multiple endings for the viewers to uncover. The movie follows the main character Stefan Butler played by ‘Dunkirk’ fame Fionn Whitehead who is a programmer developing a game based on a fantasy gamebook. The viewers are asked to make decisions between the choices presented to Butler which could influence the future and the run-time of the film as all endings have different lengths.
‘Striking Vipers’ (Season 5, Episode 1)
Another season opener, ‘Striking Vipers’ delves into the world of video games and the meta-universe through the characters of two friends. Danny, who is married, and Karl play an immersive fighting game and end up finding each other attractive in the body of their game characters which leads them to have sex with each other.
Season 6 of ‘Black Mirror’ will start streaming on Netflix on June 15, 2023.
