Content Warning: This article contains spoilers for the Netflix show Black Mirror.To declare that Black Mirror has achieved cultural significance would be an understatement. Acclaimed for its Twilight Zone-like storytelling, the series explores bizarre and often shocking narratives that delve into the pitfalls of contemporary technology. Each episode presents intriguing standalone stories that effortlessly capture the audience’s attention and keep them engaged. By the conclusion of an episode, viewers find themselves dissecting the storyline for hidden meanings and insights. Many episodes feature unexpected twists and thought-provoking elements that viewers eagerly anticipate, resulting in some of the most memorable installments of Black Mirror.
Season 6 of this acclaimed Netflix anthology series showcased some of the most bizarre Black Mirror episodes to date (for better or worse). Several of its storylines rank among the finest episodes, highlighting a plethora of shocking revelations and intricate plot developments that contribute to their lasting impact on viewers.
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“Nosedive”
Season 3, Episode 1 (2016)
In the realm of Black Mirror, happy endings are a rare occurrence, and the one found in “Nosedive” is delightfully paradoxical, catching viewers completely off-guard. The character Lacie, portrayed by Bryce Dallas Howard, inhabits a pastel-colored, meticulously curated world, governed by the hierarchy of social media ratings. She seizes the chance to elevate her score at a childhood friend’s extravagant wedding. However, her journey to the ceremony spirals into chaos, gradually enlightening Lacie to the hypocrisy and superficiality that permeate her environment.
This captivating episode delves into the intricacies of social media structures, exploring themes of societal pressure and unattainable expectations, which, while not groundbreaking, resonate profoundly. Each unexpected twist is simultaneously humorous and frustrating, culminating in cathartic closing scenes that leave a significant impact. After her misadventures, Lacie finds herself imprisoned with the lowest possible social media score; paradoxically, this marks the first time she feels genuinely liberated, rendering it one of the more optimistic conclusions in the series despite her confinement. ?Jasneet Singh
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“Fifteen Million Merits”
Season 1, Episode 2 (2011)
Daniel Kaluuya stars in the second episode of the series, set in a dystopian future where individuals pedal on stationary bikes to accumulate credits for basic necessities like food and entertainment. He portrays Bing, a man who buys an expensive ticket for a talent competition to help a woman achieve a better life. However, her aspiration leads her into the adult entertainment industry, prompting Bing to stage a rebellion against the judges that escalates into something far beyond his intentions.
This episode is particularly thought-provoking due to its unsettling parallels with real-life capitalism: the relentless toil for survival, the control exerted by entertainment, and the elusive promise of success dangled before everyone. When Bing’s impassioned speech, critiquing the system’s corruption and cruelty, results in his own show, it serves as a meta-commentary on Black Mirror itself. Although the series grapples with serious sociopolitical themes, it ultimately mirrors Bing’s predicament, remaining entrapped within the very system it critiques while relishing in its own success. The climax raises a poignant question: if presented the same opportunity, who among us wouldn’t make a similar choice? ?Jasneet Singh
18
“Beyond the Sea”
Season 6, Episode 3 (2023)
Aaron Paul and Josh Hartnett star in “Beyond the Sea,” a compelling episode from Season 6 of Black Mirror that portrays an alternate reality set in 1969. The two astronauts, Cliff and David, embark on a six-year mission in deep space, where they are required to perform minimal tasks. Consequently, they spend the majority of their time in their “replicas” back on Earth. However, the storyline takes a dark turn when David’s family is brutally murdered, leading to the destruction of his replica.
When Cliff makes the fateful decision to allow David to use his replica, it complicates the astronaut’s sense of self-identity, especially as David develops an attraction to Cliff’s wife. The unsettling conclusion reveals David manipulating Cliff into remaining on the ship while committing heinous acts against his family, forcing Cliff to experience the same helplessness, isolation, and devastation that David endured. This shocking finale may have caught many viewers off guard, but for those who recognized the signs of David’s deteriorating mental state, it was likely anticipated.
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“Demon 79”
Season 6, Episode 5 (2023)
“Demon 79” stands out in a meta-narrative sense, as the final episode of Season 6 underscores creator Charlie Brooker‘s bold attempt to redefine the show’s boundaries. This darkly comedic episode centers on Nida (Anjana Vasan), a timid sales assistant who endures daily microaggressions at her job. When she encounters the demon Gaap (Paapa Essiedu), she learns that she holds the key to preventing the world’s end, forcing her to make harrowing decisions.
Taking cues from ’70s horror films, classic literature, and contemporary fashion trends, “Demon 79” is a distinctive entry in the series, though its reception remains polarized. It represents a considerable risk, and only time will reveal whether this season’s shift will lead to a reevaluation of Black Mirror Season 6’s impact on the show’s future.
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“USS Callister”
Season 4, Episode 1 (2017)
