Black Mirror Review: Season 3

The third season of Black Mirror premiered last month on Netflix. While the first two seasons of Black Mirror aired on the UK’s Channel 4, the third season is exclusively available on the streaming giant. For those who are unfamiliar, the show is an anthology, like The Twilight Zone. However, unlike the Twilight Zone, whose plots could be about all manner of things, all of Black Mirror’s episodes are tied in some way to technology and the ways in which we’ve let it shape our lives. (The title itself refers to a smartphone screen.) [Note: This is a review and discussion of the entire third season. Accordingly, here be spoilers.]

As it is an anthology, the episodes are all self-contained, although there is some suggestion that they take place in the same world. And what an unforgiving world it can be. The Channel 4 episodes, while mostly good, were marked with a cynicism that could leave a bitter taste in one’s mouth. The Netflix season departs from this only slightly, showing glimpses of hope.

This isn’t to say that everyone lives happily ever after, though. Far from it, in fact. But for some characters, in some stories, there is light at the end of the mirror. Take Lacie (Bryce Dallas Howard) from the first episode, “Nosedive,” for example. In Lacie’s world, our need to be validated via social media is taken to its logical extreme. People receive implants that allow them to rank others on a one to five scale and also, see the ranks of others. (If this seems far-fetched, you must have missed the stories about the Peeple app.) It’s unclear from the episode how long this technology has been in existence, but it’s been long enough that your rating can affect everything about your life, including what neighborhoods you can afford to what medical treatments are available to you. Through a series of unfortunate events, Lacie’s score takes a, well, nosedive and she ends up having her implant removed. She looks terrified for only a moment, then she seems to realize how freeing it is to be able to be sad or angry or just human. How can you appreciate happiness if you never know anything else?

Ostensibly, that’s what young Cooper (Wyatt Russell) is trying to do in the next episode, “Playtest.” He’s backpacking around the world, which would be charming if we didn’t know that he was avoiding dealing with his mother in the wake of his father’s early-onset Alzheimer’s and subsequent death. When he gets to London, his bank account is hacked. This is but a minor inconvenience for him, as he just opens up the OddJobs app, where he can get quick work and enough money to get back to the States. A dream job testing video game technology seemingly falls right into his lap, but you should know by now that it’s too good to be true. Encouraged by his recent hookup, Sonja, to get footage he can sell, he leaves his phone on, which fatally interferes with the technology. This episode was fun and scary in parts, but the multiple fake-out endings robbed the real ending of the emotional impact.

The ending of the next episode, “Shut Up and Dance,” on the other hand, was a killer. This episode was most reminiscent to me of “White Bear,” an episode from the second season. In this one, teenager Kenny (Alex Lawther) is targeted by a group of online vigilantes after he downloads the world’s most ironic malware cleaner. They use his webcam to film him masturbating and then use the threat of releasing the footage to his loved ones to get him to dance like a monkey, metaphorically. Their demands become progressively more outrageous, until they finally end, but not before 1) they release the footage anyway and 2) we learn the rotten truth about Kenny. This abrupt reversal of sympathy for him is devastating.

So after the cold shower of that, “San Junipero” comes on like a warm embrace, which is a weird thing to say about an episode that deals with the afterlife. It turns out, though, that in the not too distant future, you could live forever, kind of. So why not do it in a place like the eponymous town? Heaven truly is a place on earth. At its heart, the episode is a love story, about love that transcends consciousness, and it’s the best episode of the season.

It’s a pity, then, that it’s followed by “Men Against Fire.” This one isn’t bad, per se, just a bit of a slog. The title itself refers to a work by combat historian SLA Marshall that claimed that enlisted men (particularly in WWII) rarely shot to kill and encouraged training that would overcome this instinct. In this new imagining, soldiers apparently still have the same problem, so technology has been employed to fix that bug. But what if technology, but too much?

The biggest problem with the episode is both that the emotional beats just don’t hit and that it comes closest to the worst cliches about Black Mirror. Technology is a prison and the real monsters are people, man! Okay, maybe, but take it down a notch.

The final episode, “Hated in the Nation,” runs the risk of crashing against the same problems, but manages to swerve thanks largely, in part, to how great Kelly Macdonald is. Taking Desus Nice’s statement that “Twitter comes for everyone eventually” to its most terrifying conclusion, it shows us a world in which a hashtag is actually a front for a death lottery. And the murders are accomplished with the assistance of robot bees. It sounds ridiculous and it could have played as such, but again, it’s saved by the fine work of the actors. Kelly Macdonald’s determined face goes far and she makes it moving. (This episode is one of those, by the way, that hints that these stories take place in the same world, as there are references to the White Bear case, including the hashtag #SaveTheWhiteBearOne.)

8/10 – When it invests in actual emotion, Black Mirror season 3 soars. It falters when it gets too heavy-handed, when it depends too much on shaming its viewers. You catch more (robot) bees with honey, after all. As a whole, though, the season is pretty darn good. There are some minor weak spots, but it’s in good company. Not every episode of The Twilight Zone was a winner, either.

COMMENTS

Please read our Commenting Policy before you join in with the discussion.

Note: If you have email notifications enabled, please check your email spam folders to ensure emails are not missed.

Name*

Email*

0 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Cookie	Description
_pxvid	This cookie is used for detection of the browser and distinguishing whether it is a real user or malicious bot.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	This cookies is set by GDPR Cookie Consent WordPress Plugin. The cookie is used to remember the user consent for the cookies under the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-non-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Non Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	This cookie is used to keep track of which cookies the user have approved for this site.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-preferences	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Preferences".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-uncategorized	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Uncategorized".
CraftSessionId	This cookie name is associated with the Craft web content management system, where is functions as an anonymous session identifier.
csrftoken	This cookie is associated with Django web development platform for python. Used to help protect the website against Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks
DSID	To note specific user identity. Contains hashed/encrypted unique ID.
JSESSIONID	Used by sites written in JSP. General purpose platform session cookies that are used to maintain users' state across page requests.
PHPSESSID	This cookie is native to PHP applications. The cookie is used to store and identify a users' unique session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website. The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed.
viewed_cookie_policy	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Description
b30msc
btc
CMST
cref
d
gpl
i
icts
ig_did
mdata
na_rn
na_sc_e
na_sr
na_srp
session_depth
visitor-id

Cookie	Description
__gads	This cookie is set by Google and stored under the name dounleclick.com. This cookie is used to track how many times users see a particular advert which helps in measuring the success of the campaign and calculate the revenue generated by the campaign. These cookies can only be read from the domain that it is set on so it will not track any data while browsing through another sites.
__stid	The cookie is set by ShareThis. The cookie is used for site analytics to determine the pages visited, the amount of time spent, etc.
_ga	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, camapign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assigns a randoly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_60765351_1	Google uses this cookie to distinguish users.
_gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
ad-id	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content
demdex	This cookie is set under the domain demdex.net and is used by Adobe Audience Manager to help identify a unique visitor across domains.
DigiTrust.v1.identity	Registers data on visitors’ website-behaviour. This is used for internal analysis and website optimization.
dmvk	This cookie is set by DailyMotion who display videos, it registers statistical data of visitors' behaviour on the website.
gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
GPS	This cookie is set by Youtube and registers a unique ID for tracking users based on their geographical location
is_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
sc_is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
v1st	This is set by DailyMotion to display videos.

Cookie	Description
__asc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__auc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__qca	This cookie is associated with Quantcast and is used for collecting anonymized data to analyze log data from different websites to create reports that enables the website owners and advertisers provide ads for the appropriate audience segments.
_cc_aud	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_cc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_dc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_id	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_kuid_	The cookie is set by Krux Digital under the domain krxd.net. The cookie stores a unique ID to identify a returning user for the purpose of targeted advertising.
_px2	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxff_tm	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxhd	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
ab	This cookie is generally provided by agkn.com and is used for advertising purposes.
ad-privacy	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content to the users.
ayl_visitor	This cookie registers data on the visitor. The information is used to optimize advertisement relevance.
bafp	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bafp_t	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_pl	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rf_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rt_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_t_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_td_2d31c94105a0aa6d1ceaea0c86c6b656	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bito	This cookie is generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bitoIsSecure	This cookies are generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bsc	The cookies is set by ownerIQ for the purpose of providing relevant advertisement
CMID	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPRO	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPS	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
dc_id	This cookie is used to deliver adverts more relevant to you and your interests. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement as well as help measure the effectiveness of the advertising campaign. They are usually placed by advertising networks with the website operator's permission. They remember that you have visited a website and this information is shared with other organisations such as advertisers.
did	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
didts	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
dpm	The cookie is set by demdex.net. This cookie assigns a unique ID to each visiting user that allows third-party advertisers target that users with relevant ads.
eud	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
euds	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
everest_g_v2	The cookie is set under eversttech.net domain. The purpose of the cookie is to map clicks to other events on the client's website.
evo5_popin_instance	Prevents an interaction from reoccurring for visitors not accepting 3rd party cookies.
id	This cookie is set by DoubleClick (which is owned by Google) to build a profile of the website visitor's interests and show relevant ads on other sites.
IDE	Used by Google DoubleClick and stores information about how the user uses the website and any other advertisement before visiting the website. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile.
io.narrative.guid.v2	This cookie is generally provided by io.narrative.io and is used for advertising purposes.
KADUSERCOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
KTPCACOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
matchliveramp	This cookie is provided by w55c.net and is used for advertising purposes.
mc	This cookie is associated with Quantserve to track anonymously how a user interact with the website.
mxpim	This cookie is generally provided by mxptint.net for advertising purposes.
na_tc	This is a Social Media sharing tracking cookie.
NID	This cookie is used to a profile based on user's interest and display personalized ads to the users.
nnls	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxrc	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxvid	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
rlas3	The cookie is set by rlcdn.com. The cookie is used to serve relevant ads to the visitor as well as limit the time the visitor sees an and also measure the effectiveness of the campaign.

Cookie	Description
__jid	Cookies set on the website by the third-party commenting platform Disqus.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
disqus_unique	These cookies are set by Disqus so that users can comment on website/platform.
G_ENABLED_IDPS	The cookie is used by Google and is used for Google Single Sign On.
mid	The cookie is set by Instagram. The cookie is used to distinguish users and to show relevant content, for better user experience and security.
na_id	This cookie is set by Addthis.com to enable sharing of links on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter
ouid	The cookie is set by Addthis which enables the content of the website to be shared across different networking and social sharing websites.
ov	This is a generic functional cookie that provides enhanced functionality and personalisation.
ts	This cookie is generally provided by PayPal and supports payment services in the website.
vuid	These cookies are used by the Vimeo video player on websites.

Black Mirror Review: Season 3

You might also like

FIND THE TOPICS YOU WANT...

Recommended for you