Black Mirror. The British Probe of The Twilight Zone. REVIEWED on Science Fiction Reality

by guest blogger, K. Sims

I can thank Netflix for my recent—but belated—introduction to Black Mirror. This science fiction drama is a dark side British psychological thriller which first aired in 2011 with three episodes. It returned in 2013 with another three episodes and in 2014 featured a Christmas Special staring Jon Hamm of Mad Men, the American TV period drama.

I can tell you now—two episodes in—that I highly recommend the show.

If you are a fan of The Twilight Zone—which if you’ve made it to this blog, I imagine you are—you may agree that this is as close as it gets to the classic. This is also a great show for all those techies out there that love the gadgets of 007.

Creator Charlie Brooker explained the series’ title to The Guardian in the following way:

“If technology is a drug – and it does feel like a drug – then what, precisely, are the side-effects? This area – between delight and discomfort – is where Black Mirror, my new drama series, is set. The ‘black mirror’ of the title is the one you’ll find on every wall, on every desk, in the palm of every hand: the cold, shiny screen of a TV, a monitor, a smartphone.”

Spooky. Right?!

Sounds like The Twilight Zone in the 21st century to me. The series definitely invites the viewer to consider the impact technology plays in our lives…and on our fears that things could easily get out of hand…quickly.

The series asks some important questions much like The Twilight Zone did when it posed the scary queries of what the future could bring. Some of which have come to be 21st Century truths.

I will admit that the first episode is a doozy. In fact, watch the first 5 minutes and if you hate it then skip to episode two, 15 million Merits.

Don’t think less of yourself. I’m still not sure what episode one was trying to accomplish, but I’d be thrilled to hear your theories in the comments below if you have seen or choose to watch episode one.

It was certainly an attention grabber that pulled ratings (ironically) due to its outrageous content, but tinged a bit too far on the side of hard to watch.

I promise, episode two you will love.

Note: Each episode is independent of the others, with different stories, characters, settings, and actors. You won’t miss a thing by skipping around.

Below is an unofficial trailer of the first three episodes. Just a heads up, this is probably PG 13, perhaps even NSFW.

Needless to say, the science fiction drama projects major promise. With a new season coming up shortly, and perhaps even a spin off movie from episode three, I predict that Black Mirror will be here for awhile.

The acting is strong, with guest actors coming from such greats as Downtown Abbey, Game of Thrones, Skyfall, Mad Men and The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo. The production value is equally impressive. Each episode commits to the story and the massive amount of stage setting required. This could be why Booker is taking it slow to release each episode. Whatever the case, it is certainly worth the wait and anticipation. Check it out on Netflix. I’ll be anxious to hear what you think.

K.Sims is an artist living in New York and a Science Fiction Reality blog fan.

(Side Note: Robert Downey, Jr. has optioned the BLACK MIRROR episode The Entire History of You with the possibility of making it into a movie.)

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Thank you K. Sims for the great blog. You have definitely motivated me to watch.

K. Sims and I would love to hear your opinion of Black Mirror.

blog post #81 by Science Fiction Author Clara Bush

The Science Fiction Reality blog is a little science, a little fiction, a little about writing, a little real, and a lot of weird. (Name change SOMETIME after the new year.)

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Clara researches and writes on things with unknown explanations or origins. Like monsters, ghosts, fairies, lost civilizations,extraterrestrials... Blog ideas, guest bloggers and writers are welcome. Contact her. READERS feel free to share blogs and/or comment on things you like and don't like.

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8 replies on “Black Mirror. The British Probe of The Twilight Zone. REVIEWED on Science Fiction Reality”

I just started watching Black Mirror too, i’m loving it! The show is fantastic, deep, intense. A much needed return to the deeper exploration of the human experience sci fi can sometimes take. The issues the shows explore are vital considerations on how technology affects us and how sick it can make a society. At the same time you are sitting here watching these futuristic societies and part of you goes “OMG, that would be so cool” and then half way through the episode you go, “oh, eeep, they are right, that is exactly how people could begin to use that technology.”

Then of course you are left saying, “Oh, but would I?”

Wow! Black Mirror has everyone talking.

Hi Dillo,

Your insight is profound, and I love your last question.

I would have never thought I would get so caught up in technology, but here I am blogging away.

It is startling. Alarming. Scary. And so damn exciting all at the same time.

Hope we earthlings are able to control IT before IT controls us—or worse.

I shall watch this series immediately and be back later for conversation.

Hi Frosty,

So glad to hear from you. Let me know what you think as soon as you watch it.

We will compare notes.

I must say this does look intriguing. It may be on the watch list after Game of Thrones

Hi DDU,

Love the name. And so nice to hear from you.

I have been warned that BM is very scary in a very real way.

Can’t wait to hear what you think. Thank you for commenting.

I already have considered delving into Black Mirror. Now I know I can’t deny myself something that sounds so right up my alley. Thanks for the recommendation!

Kelly Atkinson

Hi KA Anonymous-

Thank you for commenting. I will delve with you into the darkness of BM.

That’s sounds a little wrong. The whole dark BM.

Sorry. Rephrase.

I too will be watching Black Mirror and comparing notes.

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8 replies on “Black Mirror. The British Probe of The Twilight Zone. REVIEWED on Science Fiction Reality”

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