Black Mirror Might Be Losing Its Edge

Key Takeaways

• Black Mirror‘s decline in quality may be due to lack of edgy storylines & overuse of star-studded casts.
• The shift to more recognizable stars has not necessarily resulted in successful episodes.
• The show’s struggle may also stem from trying to address technology’s dark side in a world where it’s already commonly seen.

As a long-time fan of Black Mirror, I must say that watching this series has been quite the journey. From its inception in 2011 to its upcoming return in 2025, it’s been a rollercoaster ride, filled with both thrills and disappointments.

For quite some time, each new season of Black Mirror was eagerly anticipated due to its unique ability that no other program possessed. Since the original Twilight Zone, a show has seldom delivered science-fiction tales as thoughtfully illuminating the human condition. Since the revamp of The Outer Limits series, no show has presented science fiction stories of any sort. The initial seasons of Black Mirror are undeniably exceptional television.

It appears that recent episodes of Black Mirror aren’t as captivating as the early seasons, which leads to speculation. Some attribute this change to Netflix’s ownership, suggesting that the show no longer needs to take risks due to its backing by a major streaming platform like Netflix. However, it’s also worth considering that Netflix isn’t shy about taking chances with original content, and many of their shows are critically acclaimed. This leads us to ponder: Has Black Mirror lost its unique appeal, or have our expectations for the series become excessively high? Could it be that the show skyrocketed in popularity so quickly that it was destined to struggle to meet such high expectations at some point?

Star-Studded Offerings Bring Double-Edged Swords

It’s safe to assume that the enduring popularity of “Black Mirror,” both then and now, can be attributed to its powerful debut episodes. The series premiere, titled “National Anthem,” featured an extraordinary premise where the Prime Minister of Britain was forced to perform a disturbing act with a pig. Each time it seemed like one of the world’s most influential leaders might escape this ordeal, the plot against terrorists would unravel. It’s challenging to top such a captivating storyline. What sets this episode apart, in addition to its shocking conclusion, is that it didn’t rely on big-name stars to carry the narrative. Instead, the emphasis was placed on the compelling tale itself.

As a devoted fan, I’d like to clarify that having famous stars in an episode doesn’t necessarily spoil it. For instance, “Fifteen Million Merits,” one of my favorite episodes from the series, showcased Daniel Kaluuya, who later became known for his role as Black Panther. Even before he joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he was a familiar face to many. Similarly, Jessica Brown Findlay, recognized for her work in Downton Abbey, graced our screens in this episode. I’m sure most viewers would have recognized Rupert Everett too. The second season’s “White Christmas” episode, coming hot on the heels of Jon Hamm’s Mad Men fame, was another standout episode despite his presence.

There’s a point of view that the fame of the actors in each episode has been given too much emphasis over creating a genuinely daring narrative. The opening episode of Season 6, titled “Joan is Awful,” served as a prime example of this. This episode primarily focused on promoting Annie Murphy, one of Schitt’s Creek‘s main actors, in its marketing. Additionally, it featured Michael Cera, Salma Hayek, Ayo Edebiri, Ben Barnes, Rob Delaney, among others. However, despite the star-studded cast, this episode started the season with the lowest ratings (based on IMDb). It’s important to mention that not all episodes had such a large ensemble. It’s clear that while having famous actors is a factor, it doesn’t explain every issue the show has faced.

Maybe Black Mirror Is Just Out Of Ground Breaking Ideas

A common point made is that one reason people think Black Mirror‘s quality has decreased is because some episodes feel too realistically portrayed. In today’s world, where we witness the negative aspects of technology everywhere, it becomes challenging to caution about potential dangers when they are already so prevalent.

One standout series episode titled “Hated in the Nation” brilliantly illustrates the concept that online cruelty can lead to unintended consequences, a notion supported by numerous real-world occurrences. Contrary to popular belief, robotic bees aren’t taking lives, but the impact of social media negativity is undeniably severe – from losing employment opportunities to being expelled from school and even experiencing relationship breakdowns. The idea that drone attacks could become a reality isn’t far-fetched or sensational; instead, it seems like the inevitable progression of such harmful behaviors.

There’s a point of view that sometimes the series seems uninterested in its own foundation material. For instance, the last two episodes of Season 6, “Mazy Day” and “Demon 79,” were mostly about supernatural elements rather than technology. It appeared as though Black Mirror had strayed from its path. Let’s hope that Season 7 brings it back to its original style. If not, the show risks demonstrating its lack of innovation and potentially losing its audience.

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2024-10-23 03:03