The acclaimed series released their sixth season on Netflix this June after a four year hiatus.
Five episodes with five separate story lines linked together through the irrelevant details the creator of “Black Mirror,” Charlie Brooker weaves into each episode. Often referred to as Easter eggs, these minor details are a “Black Mirror” classic. They add to the novelty of the watching experience and give the audience a purpose as they try to link together the puzzle that is the world of “Black Mirror.”
Some episodes have more meaningful content than others. But, as expected this season takes on issues of modern day society, provoking thought through the episodes’ many twists and turns.
Human nature and technology’s role in the state of media today are explored throughout the five unique episodes. This season has a rocking cast including Aaron Paul, Annie Murphy, Anjana Vasan, Salma Hayek, Wunmi Mosaku and even a quick guest appearance by Michael Cera.
The season starts out strong with, “Joan is Awful.” The story follows an average woman named Joan who discovers a streaming platform has created a show that is a dramatized version of her mundane life.
Starring Annie Murphy and Salma Hayek, the episode stretches the mind, challenging the audience to consider the impact that technology, especially AI-like technology, has on the rapidly growing streaming business.
Timed nicely with the current SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, this episode provides funny yet disturbing commentary and acts as a warning for the future of television.
Going in order, “Loch Henry” provides Black-Mirror-loving-crime-junkies the episode they’ve been waiting for. It follows two film makers as they uncover shocking answers to a thought-to-be-solved mystery in a beautiful Scottish town.
It is a nice break from the societal commentary seen in “Joan is Awful.” But it is not lacking in disturbing plot twists.
The third episode,“Beyond the Sea” takes place in an alternate universe where two astronauts are given the ability to transport their soul from their real body in space to a clone of their likeness on Earth. This episode touches on humans’ lack of acceptance for new ideas and technology but loses speed about halfway through the 80 minute long episode.
“Mazey Day” is the shortest Black Mirror episode to date, running for 40 minutes. It is about a young paparazzo, grappling with the ethicality of her job as she follows a young star. Overall, this episode proposes the old and worn-out question: how far will people go for money?
The season ends with a dark twist on the classic narrative of an angel earning their wings. “Demon 49” is the story of a shoe sales assistant faced with a bleak and difficult task after making a life-altering and binding agreement with a demon. The episode plays with your heart rate, bringing attention to an ethical debate of human nature
“Black Mirror” can be difficult to consume and pessimistic in the way it highlights the downfall of society. However, season six is undeniably riveting and worth a watch.
