Black Mirror
Wasn't sure if it was worth making a thread about a show most americans probably can't legally watch but if utopia gets
So who scanned the QR code at the end of episode 4 (Plaything)?
Episode 4 was the worst Black Mirror episode ever, for me.
Somewhat shook that no one at Netflix HQ or Charlie Brooker production studios had the courage to say 'uh are we not risking leaning into the deranged autistic murderer trope a little too hard this season'
"deranged autistic murderer trope" or visionary seer trope?
Having watched the Callister continuation I recognise that Robert Daly himself was in this model too.
On reflection I wonder if this is just an isolated spate, or it's somewhat endemic to Black Mirror stories. Looking back at some storylines there seems to be a lot of social isolation and alienation, but this feels like the first times they've been leaning into these tropes, particularly this heavily and often.
Social isolation and alienation are pretty much at epidemic levels in recent years and it seems natural that a futuristic series would focus on this.
Social isolation and alienation are pretty much at epidemic levels in recent years and it seems natural that a futuristic series would focus on this.
Yes. And it's gone further with these episodes by leaning into pre-existing tropes with regards to autism, combining the social isolation and alienation with stereotypes like an inability to understand or enjoy social interactions, be into niche, nerdy interests such as being perenially online, to the point where they don't value human welfare the same way neurotypicals do. If the point they're making is 'neurodiversity is going to become more of a problem in the future', well I don't much like that point and don't think it's true, but is harmful and kinda lazy.
I stayed away from this thread to avoid spoilers, but just finished episode 5 and wanted to see what others felt. So far:
Episode 1
Spoiler
Enjoyed it, picked up on the ad instantly with the coffee. Felt a bit similar to Netflix’s journey I’m surprised they allowed it.
Episode 2
Spoiler
Got too over the top at the end. Obviously not the most realistic in terms of future possibility, but tried to put myself in the shoes of how I would react if everyone around me denied reality, pretty scary. Thought they pushed the villain too quickly making it less realistic
Episode 3
Spoiler
Premise and execution were good, but the ‘love story’ just didn’t feel realistic. Maybe didn’t do a good job of conveying the length of time she was trapped in that reality. Def felt like the San Juniepero attempt of the season
Episode 4
Spoiler
Did not enjoy.
Episode 5
Spoiler
By far my favorite episode in a long time. Probably since a shut up and dance. Maybe because I am getting older, but that kind of reflection and regrets really get to me. Unfortunately an episode like this won’t be as good on future watches if you remember the story arc, so it won’t get better with more viewings.
really enjoyed the U.S.S. Callister sequel...some nice twists.
