In a world where movie theaters are dominated by sequels, prequels, reboots and remakes, people have only had one medium to turn to for wholly original stories. With the ever-growing popularity of Netflix and other various streaming services, viewers have taken to their laptops and desktops to start or catch up on new shows that are being hailed as the greatest ever made in television history. While the cinema still holds some promise in terms of showcasing some original and innovative films, many have argued that TV is now the king of visual storytelling, premiering critically acclaimed shows like "Breaking Bad," "Mad Men," "Game of Thrones," "The Walking Dead" and "Sherlock." There is one TV series, however, that seems to be overlooked by too many people. This is strange because unlike other small screen hits, it is perhaps the most timely series ever created in the past few years. Whereas most shows pander to certain demographics, "Black Mirror" is meant for everyone living in a first-world country. If you own a TV, computer, tablet or cell phone, "Black Mirror" is an absolute must-see.
Following the anthology format (similar to that of "The Twilight Zone"), "Black Mirror" takes a look at the dark side of technology. Each episode tells a new story depicting the shocking, all-too-real side effects of modern-day technology and the media. Its satirical themes coupled with stellar acting, dialogue and production design make this smart anthology series both unnerving and captivating.
The series premier, titled "The National Anthem," sets the grim tone that carries over into the other episodes. It is an appropriately shocking and surprisingly disgusting thrust into the show's grim universe, where everyone is unable to fight the compulsion to have a screen in front of their eyes every second of every day.
Following "The National Anthem" is arguably the best episode in the series so far. "Fifteen Million Merits" depicts a claustrophobic future where a reality talent show (a la "The X Factor") ultimately determines just how famous each of its contestants will become. A young man and his crush soon learn that this fame comes with a heavy price. This episode displays an excellent use of visual storytelling, relying on dialogue only when necessary and allowing the budding romance between the two leads occur mostly through affectionate glances. The climax, which is absolutely devastating, solidifies the show's reputation as incredibly pessimistic without beating viewers into a state of depression.
The next two episodes in the series offer inspired visions of what technology can do to better (or in this case, worsen) romantic relationships. "The Entire History of You" depicts a near-future where everyone is able to replay every moment of their lives, while "Be Right Back" shows how possible advances in electronic communication allow one woman to speak with her deceased boyfriend. Both episodes feature great performances, particularly from Toby Kebbell ("Dawn of the Planet of the Apes"), Hayley Atwell ("Agent Carter") and Domhnall Gleeson ("Ex Machina"). These two episodes could be referred to as the crowd-pleasers, as both feature themes, situations and characters that viewers will find easy to connect with.
Of course, not all TV shows are without weaker episodes. "White Bear" does not have a lot on its mind, but it does have one hell of a plot twist revolving around the idea of how much torture some people are willing to watch others go through. The final episode of the second season, titled "The Waldo Moment," decides to go into political territory, resulting in a somewhat lackluster season finale.
These six episodes are not all the show-runners have in store for us. A third season with 12 episodes will be aired on Netflix at the end of 2016, plus there is a Christmas special (starring Jon Hamm of "Mad Men") unfortunately unavailable for streaming, but will hopefully be aired again this holiday season. For now, however, if only six episodes aren't enough for your binge-watching habits, I can tell you that they most certainly are. "Black Mirror" is a series stuffed with more imagination and inspiration that nearly every other TV show currently airing or streaming, proving it to be an unforgettable home-viewing experience.
