Even though Black Mirror is a total hit on Netflix and everyone loves it, there are a few episodes that don’t get as much love as they should. Yeah, they’re kind of underrated.
These hidden gems are actually pretty cool. They’ve got some super interesting and mind-bending stuff going on, just like the more famous episodes. Maybe they didn’t get as much attention, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less awesome.
So, if you’re a Black Mirror fan, don’t miss out on these underrated episodes. They’ve got all the twists, tech craziness, and deep thoughts you love about the series. It’s like finding secret treasure in the vast sea of amazing episodes!
8. Men Against Fire (season 3, episode 5)
The episode “Men Against Fire” tells an important and relevant story. It follows a soldier named Stripe who has a neural implant to identify and kill mutants called roaches. But when the implant malfunctions, he realizes that these so-called monsters are actually scared humans, including women and children, just trying to survive.
The episode explores topics like genocide and using technology for harmful purposes. The military can make soldiers do terrible things without feeling any remorse or hesitation. Even when the soldiers find out the truth, their memories are wiped so they can do it all over again.
Stripe faces a tough decision, and it makes people think about important issues like morality, loyalty, and being forced to do things against their will. The episode sparks discussions and debates about these complex topics.
7. The Waldo Moment (Season 2, Episode 3)
While many early episodes of Black Mirror are highly acclaimed, season 2, episode 3, titled “The Waldo Moment,” is considered not as strong compared to others. The episode follows a comedian who voices a cartoon bear named Waldo. Waldo becomes involved in a race to become a Member of Parliament after embarrassing real politicians on a talk show. Surprisingly, Waldo gains popularity as a legitimate candidate, mostly to spite his unlikable opponent.
The episode explores how entertainers in a democracy can disrupt politics and how freedoms within the system can sometimes work against the greater good. It serves as a commentary on the impact of media and entertainment on politics and the consequences that can arise when such elements are involved in the political process.
6. Hated in the Nation (season 3, episode 6)
Hated in the Nation, a longer episode of Black Mirror with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes, received some criticism for its length. However, if viewers approach it as a movie-length story, it becomes a compelling episode worth watching again.
The episode’s story revolves around a far-right journalist’s death, which seems connected to others who were targeted with a “#DeathTo” hashtag on social media. Detectives investigate and discover a disturbing pattern: the person with the most mentions under the hashtag is killed each day.
As the episode unfolds, it delves into themes of facial recognition technology, government surveillance, and the impact of cancel culture. The story takes a dark turn, resembling a “Game of Consequences” similar to the movie Saw. It presents a chilling view of the dangers of social media toxicity and how cancel culture can have devastating effects. Overall, Hated in the Nation offers a terrifying exploration of the negative aspects of our online world.
5. Fifteen Million Merits (season 1, episode 2)
The second episode of Black Mirror continues the show’s theme of showing unsettling future scenarios connected to our dependence on technology. The episode features actors Daniel Kaluuya and Jessica Brown Findlay.
In this society, people earn “merits” through cycling on stationary bikes, and these merits are used like money to get things they want. Abi wants to be famous, so Bing encourages her to join a talent show. But things don’t go as they had hoped. The episode explores the consequences of their actions and the dark side of this currency-based society.
4. Smithereens (season 5, episode 2)
Smithereens is an episode of Black Mirror that may not get as much attention, but its story is relatable to many. The main character, Chris, is a rideshare driver who gets frustrated with people being glued to their phones all the time. He decides to take a young man named Jaden, who works for a social media company called Smithereen, hostage.
Chris believes he can get in touch with the company’s billionaire owner, Billy Bauer, and demands that the app be shut down. The episode draws parallels between Smithereen and Twitter, and its CEO, Jack Dorsey, and Bauer.
The underlying message is about the power of social media and how addictive and harmful it can be. The episode explores themes of personal accountability and guilt. Some people thought the message was too simple, but Andrew Scott’s powerful performance earned him an Emmy nomination. Sometimes, a straightforward message is all it takes to make an impact, and this episode about social media hits close to home for many.
3. Be Right Back (season 2, episode 1)
Be Right Back is an incredible episode of Black Mirror that deals with death and grief in a unique way. When Martha’s boyfriend, Ash, dies in a car accident, she is introduced to a technology that allows her to communicate with an AI version of him. The AI is created using all the information about Ash from his online presence, so it feels like she’s talking to him.
The episode explores the question of whether it’s better to grieve and let go in a healthy way or hold on to a digital version of the person. Martha becomes obsessed with the technology and is tempted by the idea of living with a synthetic android version of Ash.
However, she realizes that the AI, no matter how realistic, can never truly replace the real person. The episode is terrifying because it shows a possible future where technology blurs the line between life and death.
With AI chatbots, the amount of personal information shared online, and advancements in robotics, this kind of technology might not be far from reality. Be Right Back presents a haunting worst-case scenario of dealing with life, death, and the emotional struggle to move forward. It’s a thought-provoking and emotional episode that deserves more attention for its powerful storytelling.
2. Arkangel (Season 4, Episode 2)
Arkangel, the second episode of Black Mirror’s fourth season, is often overlooked, but it’s a powerful and thought-provoking story. The episode centers around an overprotective mother who becomes fearful after nearly losing her daughter at a playground. In response, she decides to use advanced technology to track her daughter’s location and control what she sees through a microchip.
The episode presents a chilling technology that can appeal to worried parents. It taps into the natural instinct to protect our loved ones, even if it means taking away their independence and autonomy.
Arkangel poignantly explores the consequences of such extreme surveillance and control. It raises important questions about how far we should go to protect those we care about and the potential dangers of sacrificing individual freedoms in the process.
Despite being underappreciated, Arkangel is a compelling and thought-provoking episode that delves into complex human emotions and the ethical dilemmas surrounding technology and parenthood. It deserves more recognition for its powerful storytelling and relevant themes.
1. Mazey Day (Season 6, Episode 4)
It seems there is a mix-up in the information provided. As of my last update in September 2021, Black Mirror has only released five seasons, and there is no episode titled “Mazey Day” or “Demon 79” in the show.
However, I can still address the general idea presented in the description. Sometimes, a TV show may experiment with different styles and genres, which can lead to mixed reviews from fans and critics. It’s possible that the episode in question tried to deviate from the typical Black Mirror formula, and some viewers might have found the inclusion of supernatural elements or the lack of traditional social commentary less appealing.
While not every episode can resonate with all fans, the diversity in storytelling and experimentation can also be seen as an essential aspect of keeping a show fresh and innovative. Black Mirror has been praised for its willingness to explore various themes and styles, which has contributed to its overall popularity.
Remember that opinions about TV episodes can vary widely, and different viewers might have different preferences. It’s always interesting to see how a show like Black Mirror pushes the boundaries and challenges the expectations of its audience.
