After learning about Black Mirror through a friend, I was immediately reeled in by the synopsis she fed me and decided to watch the first season when I got home. It was late and everyone in the house was already asleep. The first episode caused a stir of emotions such as anger and disgust that I didn’t think to prep myself for and afterward, I found myself searching for a light comedy to clear my mind. I’ll have you know that the content gets real and it gets dark. Due to the topics portrayed in this show, Black Mirror is definitely a binge-worthy show that leaves us questioning our use of technology, its role in our lives, and the human condition.
Aside from the production strength in terms of being well shot, Black Mirror will give you something to reflect on after each episode. From government leaders receiving threats to society relying on “likes” from social media, Black Mirror doesn’t stray from modern day norms — instead, it highlights them through the tools of technology we are all so familiar with.
In the first episode, "The National Anthem," a Prime Minister receives a video threat and faces the difficult decision of having to perform an act of bestiality on live television in order to save the life of a young princess. All of this is obviously done through the power of the internet and the minds behind the threat are sure to keep the public updated. If he decides against it, the girl dies. What I found the most shocking was the power that was quickly given to this threat. I’ll let you watch to see what happens, but if this show doesn’t get under your skin then you might be someone to look out for.
We need shows like this because for the most part, we are blind runners. As a society, our mental states are dictated by the world around us and it’s all portrayed through the news and our friends status updates. One of the greatest things about Black Mirror is that it doesn’t focus so much on the evils of technology, instead, it amplifies and twists the evils found within the natural package that comes with being human — our need for affection, acceptance, and attention just to name a few.
When you think in terms of the artistic freedom that radio, tv, and movies have been able to provide us with you conclude on a sense of escape. For example, when we watch a movie we can create an entire universe based off of special effects and immerse ourselves in a new reality for just under two hours.
Now we have this new sense of freedom, but it’s in our hands and at all times of the day. We’re transporting ourselves through memories and creating an endless thread of stories to share with the world. What does this do to the natural balance of good and evil found within us as a species? In a previous article, Don't Believe Everything You See, I discuss the powers of social media and its influence on blind followers during a recent advertising campaign. Luckily, the campaign was done out of good spirits, but Black Mirror doesn’t necessarily see things always turning out that way. Each episode takes a scenario and pushes the notion of power and technology through different story lines. If you haven’t already started this series, please do so and let me know how the use of our black mirrors and its portrayal made you reflect on the possibilities that surround us.
