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General => Movies and TV => Topic started by: TioJorge on December 25, 2015, 10:23:23 PM
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Couple things before beginning:
1. I thought there was already a Black Mirror thread but couldn't find one so I'm starting this one, if there is then go ahead and merge puhleeeze.
2. I'm still confused on the whole TV thread given the whole sub forum for movies/TV so I'm assuming the TV thread is defunct and we just create whole topics for shows/movies now. I was about to start a whole other TV thread and realized that'd probably be redundant...but I'm still not sure. There isn't a TV thread anymore, is there? I dunno. I dunno what's going on, guys. I have had zero sleep the past day sooo...lezgo
REFLECTING DARKNESS! This show is amazing if anyone hasn't seen it yet. Watch it. Just watch it without knowing anything. Done? Kcoolletstalk.
I just finished White Christmas and holy shitfire that was amazing. It's basically a Black Mirror movie but better. Netflix is going to have it's own Black Mirror season and I'm really hoping that they hit the ball out of the park like White Christmas did. The whole series is fantastically amazing but White Christmas was on another level, I thought. It's a perfect blend of techno-horror-mystery-drama. There is really nowhere they can't go with this show, which is the greatest thing about it. I hope Netflix brings the creep with the new season and keeps pumping it out, that would be ideally awesome. I am super excited there is a lot more than we have gotten in the past and am equally worried because...well, most oftentimes quality dips with quantity. If they can balance the two though...I will be one elated fornicator of mothers.
Anyway, I'm not too sure there is enough interest in the show for this thing to last long at all, which is why I thought of posting it in a general thread first but it seems entire threads for shows are the only way to go now so here it is you curmudgeons.
Has anyone seen White Christmas? What do you think of it? Anyone excited for the new Netflix season? If you haven't seen it go check it out if you like mystery/pseudo-horror/techno-creeps.
Is anyone's mirror actually black? If so, how dat mirror get so black? Did you paint it? If so, how is it still reflective?
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Black Mirror is awesome!
White Christmas was great, though not as great as some of the individual episodes. My favourite has to be White Rabbit - that is some bleak, devastating shit right there. Blew me away the first time I saw it, and I saw it again recently and it was still crushing, even when I knew what was coming.
Not sure why Channel 4 chose not to pick up any further seasons of the show, but am very glad that Netflix did instead. As long as Charlier Brooker still has these great ideas, they should keep making the show.
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Yeah White Rabbit was my favorite before White Christmas, it's fantastic and probably my favorite above WC in the moments where I want something a little bleaker and more dystopian.
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Finally got round to seeing all the episodes for this show. Amazing series. I know this is an older thread but just had to point out that the posts above me are referring to the title of episode 2 of season 2 incorrectly. It's white bear and not white rabbit. Anyways I think White bear and White Christmas were my favorite episodes. I was lukewarm to the 15 million merits one and didn't really care for the Waldo one even though it had some funny moments.
I can't wait to see what Netflix do with it but really hope like mentioned quality doesn't suffer when there is so much more quantity.
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Finally got round to seeing all the episodes for this show. Amazing series. I know this is an older thread but just had to point out that the posts above me are referring to the title of episode 2 of season 2 incorrectly. It's white bear and not white rabbit. Anyways I think White bear and White Christmas were my favorite episodes. I was lukewarm to the 15 million merits one and didn't really care for the Waldo one even though it had some funny moments.
I can't wait to see what Netflix do with it but really hope like mentioned quality doesn't suffer when there is so much more quantity.
What did you think of 'The National Anthem'?
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Ahhh yes, White Bear. Wow I forgot about this thread. I'm ready for a new season, damn it. It feels like an eternity ago when Netflix announced their partnership with the creators even though it hasn't been all that long.
I know the question wasn't directed at me but The National Anthem is by far and away my least favorite episode. Not just because of the cringe worthy material but it's just not all that interesting to me. It probably says something that I have zero interest in politics though so I suppose it makes sense it's my least favorite. Even then it's social commentary at it's finest; pretty much what the show does. It just did so in a way that bored me a little and made me heavily cringe as opposed to the others which fascinated me and made me want to delve deeper into the mythos of whichever episode.
Be Right Back is one of my "newer" favorites. I didn't pay much attention other than just morbid fascination originally but I watched the series again a few weeks ago (I think I watch the series every few months...) and liked it a lot more for whatever reason. It's really great.
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That was awesome too. I think my favorite episode in season 1 was the last episode. I didn't hate any episodes of the show. They were all great and dealt with great themes with each episode just thought those two I mentioned before were not flat out amazing but more like average alright episodes.
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That was awesome too. I think my favorite episode in season 1 was the last episode. I didn't hate any episodes of the show. They were all great and dealt with great themes with each episode just thought those two I mentioned before were not flat out amazing but more like average alright episodes.
Oh yeah. I don't remember much about the 'Waldo' episode - I didn't have much fun with it. I did like the '15 million merits' episode.
Still, 'The National Anthem' is my favourite from season 1. Which is weird, since it's the only episode which doesn't feature any sci-fi or futuristic technology. It could easily happen right now.
Be Right Back is one of my "newer" favorites. I didn't pay much attention other than just morbid fascination originally but I watched the series again a few weeks ago (I think I watch the series every few months...) and liked it a lot more for whatever reason. It's really great.
Which one was that? The one in which the girl starts speaking to her dead boyfriend?
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Which one was that? The one in which the girl starts speaking to her dead boyfriend?
Right that's episode 1 from season 2 with agent Carter and General Hux.
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I finally got started on this show. I just finished the first episode, and while it wasn't my preference for reasons stated by others, I quite enjoyed it. Many familiar faces, and the quality of writing was very good. Can't wait to dig in to the rest!
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IMO It keeps getting better each episode. So Netflix has announced the release date for six new episodes (season 3) will be Oct.21. Can't wait!
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Is it still the same people creating the show? It will be strange basically doubling the number of episodes at once. :lol
I'm only 10 minutes into the next episode, and already loving it. It has the main actress from Killjoys, and the premise is right up my alley. I recall I read the plot for this one years ago while looking into the show, so I think I kinda sorta know what happens, but I don't care.
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Same creative minds I believe, writer and all.. I think Netflix are just producing it and releasing it.
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Cool, that's good to hear.
Finished Fifteen Million Merits, and absolutely loved it. The whole scenario was an interesting and fun extrapolation of certain aspects of society, and I loved the irony of the ending. The writing again was really good. When it got to the part where he was grinding to get another 15 mil, I realized how cleverly they'd set up lots of little points without being blatant or obvious.
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The more I think about the episodes of this show the more I love it and want to rewatch them. Like I mentioned all episodes are fantastic but some more than others for me. Not a single dull moment in any one of them. I've mentioned before but my absolute favorite episodes are the christmas series finale (series finale at the time) and White Bear. Those two are hands down my favorite and are perfect episodes.
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Niiice! Awesome to hear there's a release date. I am so hyped for that! :metal
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The more I think about the episodes of this show the more I love it and want to rewatch them. Like I mentioned all episodes are fantastic but some more than others for me. Not a single dull moment in any one of them. I've mentioned before but my absolute favorite episodes are the christmas series finale (series finale at the time) and White Bear. Those two are hands down my favorite and are perfect episodes.
Can't wait to get to those, given how great the ones I've already seen have been!
I just watched The Entire History of You. That was awkward and intense in the best way, another great episode. That shit would wreck me. I'd have used that razor on myself, not the memory implant. :lol
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I remember a while back that Downey Jr. had bought the rights to the story (or some such) to make a movie for it. I wonder if that's still happening because if done right and expanded in the right ways, that'd make a great movie and Downey Jr would rock that shit. That was a while ago though so it might be dead in the water. Then again...might just be taking a while to get going; I think they bought it in 2014 or so.
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Charlie Brooker is a genius. I was worried when Netflix got this that Charlie would have less involvement in the show - but looking at the credit of the newly announced 6 episodes he solo wrote 5 of them.
Also if you can get your hands on it, it's really worth seeking out his 'Dead Set' show.
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Charlie Brooker is a genius. I was worried when Netflix got this that Charlie would have less involvement in the show - but looking at the credit of the newly announced 6 episodes he solo wrote 5 of them.
In that case, consider me pumped!
I just finished Be Right Back. I was a little concerned at first it would go with the angle of it being so convincing that you believed it was really him, but the whole point ended up being going in the completely opposite direction. A nice little exploration of humanity, although I'm not sure the ending was completely satisfying for me. Another great episode though.
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Charlie Brooker is a genius. I was worried when Netflix got this that Charlie would have less involvement in the show - but looking at the credit of the newly announced 6 episodes he solo wrote 5 of them.
In that case, consider me pumped!
I just finished Be Right Back. I was a little concerned at first it would go with the angle of it being so convincing that you believed it was really him, but the whole point ended up being going in the completely opposite direction. A nice little exploration of humanity, although I'm not sure the ending was completely satisfying for me. Another great episode though.
If you are watching them for the first time in order your in for an absolute treat next!
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Yup, first time, and going in order. I've been meaning to watch it for years, but only just now getting around to it. I'll easily finish them all off today, because I got nothing better to do. :lol
I see the next episode is White Bear, which seems to be highly regarded here, so I'm looking forward to that, and I don't know anything about it.
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although I'm not sure the ending was completely satisfying for me
If you're looking for satisfying endings, I'm not sure Black Mirror is the right show. :lol
And yeah I absolutely loved White Bear, but there's a huge risk that it's been over-hyped for you now! Interested to get your thoughts once you've seen it.
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although I'm not sure the ending was completely satisfying for me
If you're looking for satisfying endings, I'm not sure Black Mirror is the right show. :lol
And yeah I absolutely loved White Bear, but there's a huge risk that it's been over-hyped for you now! Interested to get your thoughts once you've seen it.
Nah, it's not overhyped at all, I've literally just seen a couple of people in this thread say it's a favourite. If it's even on par with the rest, I'll love it.
I've found the conclusions of the other episodes quite satisfying, especially Fifteen Million Merits. I guess it felt a bit too middle ground-y and meaningless for me, and didn't really make me think as much as what preceded it. But I don't want to blow it out of proportion, because it was a minor nitpick on another great episode. When you have an anthology show, some episodes are always going to resonate more than others for each individual.
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White Bear - I love when you're just dumped into a new scenario and have to figure out what's going on, then just as you think you're starting to get an idea of where this episode is going, it throws you that curveball 3/4 in that explains it in a way you never saw coming. Even though I've preferred the previous more future-y scifi episodes a bit more, this still had that similarly strong message to it that I liked.
The Waldo Moment - Hm that was also an episode. I didn't find anything likable about the main guy or Waldo, and didn't feel any reason to root for them. It wasn't a bad episode, but with so few episodes, it feels like the one dud so far for me.
Best for last?
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Yeah White Bear doesn't have as much of the techy side of things as some other episodes, but from an emotional perspective I thought the twist was mindblowing and easily the best thing the show has done.
And yeah Waldo Moment was definitely less impactful. That and the very first episode are probably the ones I like least, though they're still pretty good.
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I'd agree with Waldo and The National Anthem being the ones I like the least, but even they were still an enjoyable enough watch. If The Waldo Moment is as bad as it gets, I'm ok with it.
The twist in White Bear wasn't my favourite moment, but it was definitely one of the best, and you could tell it came from that same mind. It's the kind of moment that Black Mirror is all about for me.
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"The Entire History of You" was by far my least fav episode, I'd actually go as far to say I didn't like it. The other 6 were all very good (even Waldo).
Anyone else here seen 'Dead Set'? Brookers Big Brother meets Zombies pre Black Mirror show. High recommended if not.
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I'll have to check out Dead set sometime. 'The Entire History of you' was actually my favorite of season 1.
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Just finished White Christmas. The whole blocking concept annoyed me, and with the ending felt somewhat flawed. The whole mind copy idea was even more flawed.
That said, it was a very well told story with those elements, and had little callbacks to previous episodes that I enjoyed. I figured out what was happening pretty early on, so it was fun seeing it unfold. I enjoy the techy futuristic ones like this the most.
The show so far is everything I hoped it would be. Can't wait for the new episodes now! :tup
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White Christmas blew me away the first time, definitely my fav chapter. Pumped for the new season :metal
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Having watched them all, I feel obligated as a member of DTF to now rank them. :lol
Fifteen Million Merits
The Entire History of You
White Bear
White Christmas
Be Right Back
The Waldo Moment / The National Anthem
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I just started this show.
That first episode was, well, really something.
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:lol A fine assessment. I figured you might have already watched the show.
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:lol A fine assessment. I figured you might have already watched the show.
Nope. I had heard good things, and I read that Netflix was bringing it back, and since there are so few episodes already, I figured I would try to catch up.
It was really well-made. I look forward to continuing.
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+1 for 15 Million Merits - I loved that one.
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Just saw the first and second episodes of the first season with my wife, quality stuff!
The one thing that kept coming to mind is that if someone told me Roger Waters wrote and directed these episodes, I wouldn't be surprised :lol
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Helll YEESSSSS trailer time (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDiYGjp5iFg). I am way too hype for this shit. Looks like the classic Black Mirror with higher production value. I'm hoping they have the same draw, intrigue and emotional oomph as the original seasons.
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Saw the trailer earlier. I can't fucking wait.
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My body's ready.
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Haven't seen the trailer and won't as I usually don't but man cannot wait for this to drop. Best part is that it's dropping on Netflix so all episodes are go from the onset.
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Heads up people, just a few hours away from season 3 coming out. I wished I was working from home tomorrow so I could "work" while keeping an eye on the show. ;-p
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I'm just sitting here all day, so imma watch this asap! :metal
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First episode was as good as ever, very reassuring. The same cynical look at society through a scenario that's a little too close to reality to be comforting.
Second episode was a bit of a mindfuck. I liked it a lot. :lol
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Watched the first 15 mins of the first episode, amazing vibe and setting so far.
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Man, these episodes are so good, among the best. I just finished Shut Up and Dance, which was a great concept done well. I'd probably rank the three I've seen so far above the previous existing episodes, except I think Fifteen Million Merits is still my favourite, but Nosedive isn't far behind that.
Now on to San Junipero.
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First episode was amazing! Can't wait to dive into the next ones, might have to watch them later tonight. Feels like the show didn't skip a beat.
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Yeah, the show hasn't lost a thing from the 3 I've seen so far.
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God damn, San Junipero. Now I have something in my eye.
You could be forgiven for not realizing what show you're watching for most of the first half, it seems like a typical romantic drama story set in the '80s (typical as far as an interracial lesbian is concerned). I knew it must have been set in a different period for a reason, and there are little hints along the way, but it wasn't quite what I expected, and it was nice to have no clue at all. But then the payoff in the second half once it brought in the scifi was lovely. I'm so glad to have these great new episodes, and still two more to go.
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Finished up Men Against Fire. Another very good episode, almost felt like the premise out of a Star Trek episode with its scenario and message. Some elements were obvious from the start, others took longer to figure out, but I liked the direction.
Last episode will have to wait until tomorrow.
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With work reaming my ass, I totally forgot about this. Holy fuck I am so excite! Just got into the meat of the second episode. This is awesome. So fucking awesoooommmme! I really hope tons of people watch this shit so we can get even more. I am such a greedy fuck, I already know I'm going to be pining for more and I'm not even halfway through the second episode. :lol
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First episode was amazing! Can't wait to dive into the next ones, might have to watch them later tonight. Feels like the show didn't skip a beat.
All of this.
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THIS SHOW IS SO FUCKING AMAZING AAAAAHHHHH.
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And now I'm done with the new episodes. Not a single weak episode among them. I can't wait for more. How long do I have to wait for the next batch? :D
I enjoyed that last episode too. It was an interesting futuristic crime drama, with yet another clever usage of social media behaviour.
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I had to stop on the final episode to get some sleep but I can't wait to come home from work and chill to the final techno mindfuck.
Yeah, this needs to be a regular thing. Such a refreshing series among the usual bullshit. Not that Netflix is filled with it or anything; they had a streak of some shitty shows but then a series like this will come out and totally knock it out of the park.
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Fucking hell just finished the second episode. Wow.
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On the last episode right now and noticed there are 4 actors from GOT this season. I know there was Maester Leywn in the very first episode.
Show has been amazing and every episode has been great. I love the visual aesthetic of the show particularly episode 1 & 5.
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I remember the dude from the first episode (who was also Rassilon from Doctor Who). I've spotted several GoT people in previous seasons, but what were the four this season?
Obviously there's Bronn in Shut Up and Dance, and I'm not sure whether you're counting Hannah John-Kamen from her minor role with the Dothraki (who was also in the episode Fifteen Million Merits, and currently in Killjoys). Not sure whether I'm forgetting them or just didn't spot them. Probably the latter.
I've recognized a lot more people from Doctor Who though. This season, San Junipero had Martha's sister, the main guy from Men Against Fire was a minor Time Lord recently.
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Got done with them all. Amazing as expected, I think episode 1,2,5 & 6 were my absolute favorites. Loved the others as well but those were just out of this world. I believe the show is already renewed for another six episodes so the bad news is we have to wait for next year for a new set of episodes.
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It's very hard to rank them when they were all so excellent, but if I had to roughly rank them, it would go-
Insanely amazing
San Junipero
Nosedive
Playtest
Regular amazing
Shut Up and Dance
Hated in the Nation
Men Against Fire
The consistency of this batch is ridiculous.
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Talk about a real world-Black Mirror crossover, this is insane if it's really true
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/china-surveillance-big-data-score-censorship-a7375221.html
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Saw that one earlier, insane. Also, finished chapter 4 and holy fucking shit. The previous two chapters were amazing as well. So glad the series is back :metal
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Finally finished it. I did not expect that from the last episode given how it was a slow burn to begin. Holy shit.
I...Fuck. I want more NAAAOOOO. :lol I knew this would happen. Series is too good. Too fucking good.
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Finally finished it. I did not expect that from the last episode given how it was a slow burn to begin. Holy shit.
I...Fuck. I want more NAAAOOOO. :lol I knew this would happen. Series is too good. Too fucking good.
They should have called the last episode "Attack of the Killer Robot Bees" or "Hive Mind" or something.
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Yeah some of the episode titles are quite odd for their content but I suppose that's par for the course.
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I was just kidding. Most of the titles are fine. I just find it funny that it ends up being a story about killer robotic bees, and yet manages to not be cheesy or silly. If it was called "Attack of the Killer Robot Bees" though, you'd know you were in for a B-grade treat!
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Right, definitely not that title, but ones like "Shut Up And Dance" and "Men Against Fire" seem a little odd. Maybe I missed something though. BETTER GO REWATCH THE SEASON. :laugh:
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I think Shut Up and Dance is like when the bad guy has a gun and is shooting at some person's feet and says "dance!", because you've got all of those people being made to do stuff for someone's amusement.
Men Against Fire I think is possibly a reference to the fact they had to come up with this tech because the soldiers were against firing upon other men?
I ALSO BETTER GO REWATCH THE SEASON.
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Finally finished the season, wow. Had some reservations, but it totally delivered, awesome season :metal .
Top 3 chapters overall would be:
1. White Christmas
2. White Bear / Playtest (can't fucking decide)
3. Shut Up and Dance
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Best I can do is-
Fifteen Million Merits / San Junipero / Nosedive
Playtest
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Late to the party, I just started watching so I've seen only the first two episodes of season one: the pig one, and the 15 million credits one.
Both good, but 15 Millions Credit was just a nightmare. It started so great, with the "wake up app" that made me think it would be cool to live in an house like that, and then it slowly unfolded the cruel reality of that dystopian world.
Do you think the judge at the end was smart, in trying to break down the protagonist's spirit and talk him out of a rebellion or even his suicide, or he was so self-absorbed that he was truly convinced the guy just wanted to rant and it was all just a performance?
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Late to the party, I just started watching so I've seen only the first two episodes of season one: the pig one, and the 15 million credits one.
Both good, but 15 Millions Credit was just a nightmare. It started so great, with the "wake up app" that made me think it would be cool to live in an house like that, and then it slowly unfolded the cruel reality of that dystopian world.
Do you think the judge at the end was smart, in trying to break down the protagonist's spirit and talk him out of a rebellion or even his suicide, or he was so self-absorbed that he was truly convinced the guy just wanted to rant and it was all just a performance?
Maybe a bit of both. As the guy said in his speech, the people didn't really care about anything real and meaningful, they just cared about being spoonfed empty entertainment and trends, and the judge saw the opportunity to exploit this guy's 15 minutes of fame for just that. Whether he did it to corrupt/exploit the guy, or just to keep him out of trouble probably doesn't matter, because the judge knew the audience wouldn't take any real meaning from it, just jumping on it as the latest fad. The irony of it was delicious.
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From a recommendation of a friend, we watched 'San Junipero' last night.
Yes, it is a Season 3 episode.
We will now watch the other 'scarier', or 'quirkier' episodes starting with the first. But, now we are hooked. On a scale of 1-10, it's an 11 compared to what else is mostly offered on the tube. Looking forward to the rest of the shows, and to seeing this again
and again
and again
Beautifully done.
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I really enjoyed the new series. The only episode I didn't think much too was 'Shut Up and Dance' - chilling ending, but to much mucking around to get there.
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Finally watching the new season.
Nosedive was a great setting and a lot of really good stuff, but I found it just slightly below par. Not the concepts, but some of the storytelling felt a bit forced.
Playtest was excellent though, pretty brilliant all round. Especially after they'd hit you with a couple of twists already and then hit you with the final twist right at the end.
EDIT: And just caught Shut Up and Dance this morning on my commute. Again excellent concept, mostly really great and pretty soul-destroying (the use of Radiohead's Exit Music at the end was haunting). A couple of fairly forced clichés again though, don't remember feeling there was as much of this in the first two seasons but maybe there were - feels a bit like they needed to pad the story out slightly to a full hour. On the flipside, I would say this was the scariest episode yet as there's nothing "futuristic" about it - every other episode has been based around some sort of logical extension of the direction technology and its use are going in, whereas this one literally happens already.
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As I said before, I'm late to the party.
Yesterday I watched the second episode of the second season, White Bear... now that was a twist I didn't see coming! (In the sense that I didn't even figure out something was amiss)
The killer basically didn't know why she was punished, and when she learnt it, she got her mind erased again anyway, but then again putting her in a bad situation without knowing why it was happening and being filmed during it was the entire point of the retribution. But since this was happening day after day, the line between proper punishment and voyeur torture is starting to get thin.
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I haven't read this thread because I'm worried about spoilers but I'm starting Black Mirror tonight. I've heard (and I don't know how accurate this is) that it's like a modern day twilight zone.
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I haven't read this thread because I'm worried about spoilers but I'm starting Black Mirror tonight. I've heard (and I don't know how accurate this is) that it's like a modern day twilight zone.
That would be accurate.
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The comparison to Twilight Zone is actually the reason I checked the show out, and was not disappointed. Black Mirror is generally more focused on particular aspects of society, while Twilight Zone was often more random and diverse, but it's definitely the closest comparison, and some common themes show through from each show's main writer.
Both shows are amazing though. :hat
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Just finished up San Junipero. Finally an episode that didn't have a soul crushing ending :lol
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Just finished up San Junipero. Finally an episode that didn't have a soul crushing ending :lol
Literally the only one. :lol Wonderful episode though.
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Yeah, don't get used to the happy endings. :lol
I thought it was amusing that the most upbeat ending is the one where the quadraplegic coma old lady and the terminally ill old lady have themselves euthanized. But it worked so well! I had tears at the end of that one.
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I almost didn't enjoy the ending because I was expecting the hammer to drop at any second but it never did.
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I think I enjoyed the ending more because I wasn't expecting it to end well. With most shows and movies, you can assume the happy ending, but with Black Mirror you assume otherwise, so that made it more rewarding for me.
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Just finished a good binge watch of this show, and I watched everything out of order.
I didn't watch The National Anthem till like 3rd to last, as I don't think that's a good episode to start with. I started with White Bear and it turns out it's my least favorite, though I still really enjoy it.
My top 5:
1. Fifteen Million Merits (Bing's speech probably the best scene of the entire show)
2. The Entire History of You (Heartbreaking, and an easy one to relate to in terms of having trouble letting things go.)
3. Nosedive (Bryce Dallas Howard did an incredible job and arguably the best ending of the series, I love the name calling between the two in their cells. I imagine they ended up together after that)
4. White Christmas (Probably the best written out of the series, great acting and a mindbending story)
5. San Junipero (Very well done, beautiful story)
Enjoyed every episode. I found The Waldo Moment to be very enjoyable and sad (reminds me of USA 2016). Playtest was super fun and creepy. Shut Up and Dance made me sick to my stomach. The most oddball episode to me was Hated in The Nation. Felt more like a Fincher film than it did a Black Mirror episode. Good stuff though. Can't wait for the next six!
I really love and hate the feeling of finishing a wonderful show (or at least catching up to the most recent stuff). I love it because it was one hell of a ride watching these episodes, and I hate it because it's hard for me to transition into something new without thinking so much about what I just watched it. I had the same problem with Six Feet Under --> The Leftovers. I thought the first season was just pretty good but I couldn't stop thinking about how great SFU was. It wasn't until a rewatch of The Leftovers until I really appreciated the first season. There's plenty of great things to watch but I might have to take a little break.
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Continuing to catch up, I watched White Christmas. I figured out a bit before the twist what was the deal with the two guys in the room, but I didn't see it coming from afar. The whole blocking thing, probably a parody of blocking on social media, would be very terrifying if it would exist, and it probably would lead to way too many crimes or act of violence out of sheer frustration.
The cookie thing also has a bit of a dilemma like the one of The Prestige (you know, the movie with Batman and Wolverine which isn't a superhero movie), and the whole clones deal - why would the rich woman condemn "herself but not really herself" to a lifetime of servitude to herself? she either didn't understand the implications or just didn't care? would you do that to "you but not really you" knowing that at the very same time you'd be both happy and tortured for eternity?
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Watched the first season last night. Very interesting series. National Anthem was ate up, peculiar take on 'art' but the ridiculousness of it is the point i suppose. some of the things that people get away with while claiming 'art' or the at their exercising some 'right' is getting carried away.
15 Million credits was such a great statement and dig at society in general it's not even funny. I agree with FlyingBiscuit that Bings speech was awesome, and the subsequent 'selling out' and becoming part of the thing he hates makes a perfect, true statement.
The entire history of you was tough to watch, especially since i ruined my first 'serious' relationship due to raging jealousy in nearly the same manner that dude did. Couldn't get over my GF's past and due to my own insecurities i went a tad psycho.
Very neat series.
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Just started watching. First episode was great. Looking forward to watching more.
Edit: Just finished Fifteen Million Merits. That was brilliant.
Episode 3 was very good too. Very sad, but so were the previous 2.
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The entire history of you was tough to watch, especially since i ruined my first 'serious' relationship due to raging jealousy in nearly the same manner that dude did. Couldn't get over my GF's past and due to my own insecurities i went a tad psycho.
Sorry to hear that. Same thing happened to me with my ex.
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The entire history of you was tough to watch, especially since i ruined my first 'serious' relationship due to raging jealousy in nearly the same manner that dude did. Couldn't get over my GF's past and due to my own insecurities i went a tad psycho.
Sorry to hear that. Same thing happened to me with my ex.
Yeah.....it was a learning experience for sure. I was only 20-21 during that time and as I said it was my first 'serious' relationship But i was in no shape mentally or emotionally to handle it. My insecurities ran my life and that point in time and I was a mess. Large, frequent use of alcohol didn't help either. You live and learn though....I'm where I'm at today because of it and I wouldn't change that in a million years.
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Men Against Fire was really, really good, maybe my favorite. White Bear and San Junipero are up there too. On to the last episode.
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Men Against Fire was really, really good.
Lol just came here to say exactly this. It's not my favorite, but I think it's one of the best. Not sure why it's the second lowest rated episode on IMDb.
Anyway, I gave all of the first 5 episodes of Season 3 9/10. Only one episode and it's over... :(
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I think one of the things that drives the ratings is that seasons 1 and 2 were several years ago so they've marinated with people and are cherished for that initial run. The newer season is very new so there's that "old vs new" thing that comes up since the series changed platforms. We're in the boat of watching it all for the first time so every episode is on that same level. Honestly, there really isn't a bad episode.
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I totally expected/wanted Extreme Ways to start playing at the very end of the last episode.
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Mentioned earlier, we watched 'San Junipero' first, due to a friend's recommendation (she gave us a 'San Junipero' tee shirt for xmas, btw).
Done with Season 2. Thank goodness that we didn't see 'The National Anthem' first. I don't think I would have continued on to all of the brilliant episodes that have followed. Troubling, but brilliant.
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Yep, I did the same exact thing with a lady friend who now loves the show. She STILL hasn't seen National Anthem but I'm telling her to wait to have it be the second to last episode she watches. It shouldn't be the end note and it shouldn't be the beginning. Honestly, I wouldn't mind taking it out of the equation at all and it's the ONLY BM episode I genuinely dislike. It's just not very good in my opinion. Not a strong enough tech presence for the show's entire concept and not a strong enough political opinion or statement to warrant the subject matter. But she started off with San Junipero and from there got addicted.
Big jump from someone who loves shows like Gilmore Girls and Parenthood. :rollin :lol Says a lot about the show.
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I watched the first three episodes of this last night. What the fuck am I watching? I absolutely love it and loathe it at the same time. It's a very weird feeling.
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I watched the first three episodes of this last night. What the fuck am I watching? I absolutely love it and loathe it at the same time. It's a very weird feeling.
Totally get it. That's where I'm at. I have two episodes to go then I'm finished and caught up. I dont think there's been one I didn't like but i certainly have favorites.
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Finally watched Season 1 episode 2 "Fifteen Million Merits".
That was pretty cool. Very effective piece of television.
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I'm not sure if I messed up watching this show or not. Victoria has been in control of the remote this whole time, so I never actually selected the episodes we watched. For whatever reason, Netflix defaulted to playing Season 3 first. So it turns out I haven't watched the first four episodes and instead have watched the the last four.
I really enjoy this show. It's an extreme case of the feels and it seems to hit you where it hurts no matter where you stand on a given topic. It's brilliant.
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Men Against Fire was really, really good.
Lol just came here to say exactly this. It's not my favorite, but I think it's one of the best. Not sure why it's the second lowest rated episode on IMDb.
My feeling with this episode was it was enjoyable, but nothing we haven't seen before. Lacked the originally of the better episodes.
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I'm not sure if I messed up watching this show or not. Victoria has been in control of the remote this whole time, so I never actually selected the episodes we watched. For whatever reason, Netflix defaulted to playing Season 3 first. So it turns out I haven't watched the first four episodes and instead have watched the the last four.
I really enjoy this show. It's an extreme case of the feels and it seems to hit you where it hurts no matter where you stand on a given topic. It's brilliant.
Yeah. It's listed in reverse order on my Netflix as well, if you're not paying close attention it's very easy to start with the last episode of season three.
I agree about the feels as well....this show seems to be one big social commentsry with seasons two and three directed entirely at the whole technology aspect of our lives and culture.
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Saw 'White Christmas' last week.
In '92, I grabbed an EMI UK holiday CD, because it had Queen's 'Thank God It's Christmas' included. Had never heard it before. The same goes with Wizzard's 'I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day' (I like them both in small doses). Maybe they should have shown the video of this in the episode for a little more effect ;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM_H4CAAYxc
Oh, and yet another great episode. Facebook 'blocking' set to the ultimate extreme.
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Just watched 'Playtest' and 'Shut Up and Dance' over the past week
sunuvabeech....those were harsh. Stories good, and creepy as all frick.
Glad we get to watch 'San Junipero' again next.
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Here's the new teaser for Season 4:
https://youtu.be/oH85obU350E
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Here's the new teaser for Season 4:
https://youtu.be/oH85obU350E
Dang that looks great! Cannot wait.
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I just finished the first episode of the new season, USS Callister, and it was great. I was most curious about this episode because it seemed so un-Black Mirror, and I'm glad they didn't give away anything but the Star Trek scenario, because when you see the episode, it's very Black Mirror. A very fun parody of Star Trek, woven into a great episode. A lot of funny lines, and an interesting scenario. The main guy did a good job doing the Kirk-y style accent and speaking style without going over the top.
Slight spoiler:
My only criticism is that the characters shouldn't have had their memories from the real world.
edit:
Finished the second episode, Arkangel. A more typical Black Mirror episode, and another very good one. I was expecting something more at the end, but I do like the way it mirrored the start of the episode. An interesting message in there too.
The third episode Crocodile got fucking DARK AF. Literal bloodbath at the end, and it got worse from there. Damn!
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Cannot wait. May only be able to watch one or two later tonight but I’ll certainly get this knocked out this weekend.
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Just finished Hang the DJ, which I guess is the San Junipero equivalent of the season. Not as good as San Junipero (just because that was absolute perfection), but still a damn great episode. The dating method would be incredibly terrible in real life, and nobody would stick it through. :lol Also, the first girl the dude ended up with was a total fucking bitch cow. The ending brought it all together nicely.
Metalhead - Pretty simple story of woman being hunted by robot dog, really. :metal I liked the robot dog thingy and how it adapted to the situation. Quite a short episode, probably due to the simplicity of the story and the cost of essentially having a full CG character throughout the story, but it didn't need to be a longer episode for what it was. I don't know why they went with black and white, maybe to hide the CG a bit better, but it worked fine. The last shot was a bit of a kick. Solid enjoyable episode, not one of their best though.
Black Museum - Excellent episode! I loved how the museum was filled with things from previous episodes to spot. The episode sorta felt like a mini anthology series in itself, and I was waiting to see how it was all going to connect in the end, and it delivered a great payoff. The main guy played a good skuzzball, and I liked the dark humour.
Overall another consistently good season. I'd say maybe last season had a bit higher highs, and this season might have been a bit more consistent, but it definitely delivered again. I managed to get through the entire season in one solid sitting. :blob:
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Metalhead - Pretty simple story of woman being hunted by robot dog, really. :metal I liked the robot dog thingy and how it adapted to the situation. Quite a short episode, probably due to the simplicity of the story and the cost of essentially having a full CG character throughout the story, but it didn't need to be a longer episode for what it was. I don't know why they went with black and white, maybe to hide the CG a bit better, but it worked fine. The last shot was a bit of a kick. Solid enjoyable episode, not one of their best though.
Black Museum - Excellent episode! I loved how the museum was filled with things from previous episodes to spot. The episode sorta felt like a mini anthology series in itself, and I was waiting to see how it was all going to connect in the end, and it delivered a great payoff. The main guy played a good skuzzball, and I liked the dark humour.
After watching the series, I read a few reviews/commentaries, and a few journalists seem to agree on the B&W/CGI thing. I don't know - I also think it could have been some sort of homage to old horror movies/thrillers, Hitchcock, etc. Or they just wanted to experiment a little bit more with format.
As for "Black Museum": yeah, it was some sort of TV version of a prog-rock suite. I too liked some of the humour. :D
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This are a few things I've been wondering about; maybe you can help me out?
- In "Metalhead", we never learn what the hell could have happened to the world (and the woman's family) that a teddy-bear was so worthy of risking life. After watching "Black Museum", I reasoned that the woman was looking for one of those monkeys with a conscience installed, but no: they are bears. So - what could be the reason? :huh:
- Also, when the woman enters the room and stares at the piano, I was reminded of the The Astonishing post-apocalyptic world without music. A few people have analyzed the series and posted the supposed timeline of the episodes (according to evidence throughout the 4 seasons), and apparently "Metalhead" would be the last. Apparently the dogs would have destroyed humanity (and other animals like the pigs referred at the beggining of the episode). Another possibility -based on post on a table in the house- is that we are watching a digital hell - kind of what's happening in "White Christmas".
Here are a few 'supposed' timelines, with explanations, in case you are interested:
https://heavy.com/entertainment/2017/12/black-mirror-timeline-order-episodes-chronological/ (https://heavy.com/entertainment/2017/12/black-mirror-timeline-order-episodes-chronological/)
https://screencrush.com/black-mirror-easter-eggs-connected-timeline-theory/ (https://screencrush.com/black-mirror-easter-eggs-connected-timeline-theory/)
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Just found a few short (written) interviews with Charlie Brooker about the new episodes. Here they are:
- About 'USS Callister': https://ew.com/tv/2017/12/29/black-mirror-u-s-s-callister-interview/ (https://ew.com/tv/2017/12/29/black-mirror-u-s-s-callister-interview/)
- About 'Arkangel': https://ew.com/tv/2017/12/29/black-mirror-jodie-foster-arkangel (https://ew.com/tv/2017/12/29/black-mirror-jodie-foster-arkangel)
- About 'Crocodile': https://ew.com/tv/2017/12/29/black-mirror-crocodile-interview/ (https://ew.com/tv/2017/12/29/black-mirror-crocodile-interview/)
- About 'Hang the DJ': https://ew.com/tv/2017/12/29/black-mirror-hang-the-dj-ending (https://ew.com/tv/2017/12/29/black-mirror-hang-the-dj-ending)
- About 'Metalhead': https://ew.com/tv/2017/12/29/black-mirror-metalhead-interview (https://ew.com/tv/2017/12/29/black-mirror-metalhead-interview)
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In "Metalhead", we never learn what the hell could have happened to the world (and the woman's family) that a teddy-bear was so worthy of risking life.
I actually kind of liked both of these because the idea of explaining either would sort of take away from the episode. To clarify: We're pretty much drowning in post-apocalyptic type things in current media as it is so to even explain what caused it or what is happened would open up more criticism in terms of 'did they properly handle the world that X caused correctly?' if that makes any sense. Additionally the whole thing with the bear is a great sort of black comedy aspect of 'wait, that's what was at stake?' because it works very well as a payoff at the end unless you're absolutely committed to critiquing the decision in the principle, which is countered by the fact that the woman in the episode even admitted multiple times that it was a mistake. It's a really good slice of life in the moment episode and I think trying to break into the metaworld beyond what is presented in it is self-defeating. I also wonder if the black and white is a throwback to a Twilight Zone type episode because while I've never seen TZ from what little I know about it this should fit the mold of one of those episodes where all of the badness happening (her escape from the dog) is centered around something stupid (looking to get a teddy bear).
As a whole I did enjoy the season although I'm not quite sure it had the highs of the last season. It's still a very solid show and my only main complaint throughout the entirety is that the trick/reveals either aren't as clever or are given up too early which is what made episodes like White Bear and Shut Up And Dance have more of a gut punch.
I guess a good example of what I'm getting at is that while something like Crocodile got dark and then slowly descended into getting something completely dark there was a sort of ease to it whereas you had literally a couple minutes to even digest how disturbing Shut Up And Dance got before the end credits.
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The way I interpret the ending of Metalhead is that even under the most bleak circumstances where mere survival was tough, they still tried to maintain their humanity, and valued the happiness of a child, trying to protect them from the horrors of the world. Kind of like what the mother was trying to achieve in Arkangel, blocking out all the scary things.
I liked that reveal of what were they willing to die for? What was this important to them that they'd go through this hell? And it turns out it's completely frivolous and unnecessary in any logical way, it was an emotional decision.
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I've only watched the first three episodes thus far....but all in all it's been another good run of episodes.
USS Callister:
- Like Blob stated...I'm not sure how their consciousness would have been captured and inserted into the game as well? I get the physical DNA part could be reproduced
but don't understand how their consciousness would have been
- Why did Robert put Nanette inside the game? All the other crew were people that had 'did him wrong'. What did she do wrong? The only thing she did was change her
demeanor after Shania talked to her at the coffee bar. I thought maybe he put her in there as a love interest?
- Jesse Plemmons was a perfect choice for Robert Daly
- At the end of the episode when Robert is trapped in the old, now deleted interface....can't he just be found and woken up eventually? Or, are we to assume his
consciousness is trapped until his body dies?
- And I loved the continued Breaking Bad connection with Aaron Paul being the voice of the other captain the crew ran into once they'd reached the 'cloud'. :lol
Really neat episode though. And like much of the things this show has postulated and presented as 'real' in the future.....probably an eventual thing.
Arkangel:
- Holy Cow...what an interesting take on helicopter parenting. As a father of three young sons I understand the fear first hand that can grip you when thinking of your
kid(s) being lost and have even had a couple instances where the exact location of our kids were not know for a few minutes. It's a frightening feeling.
- It was interesting to learn that Jodi Foster directed this episode as it had a very theatric tone.
- Nothing out of the ordinary other than the implications of trying to protect your child from everything....and the certainly intentional irony of the effort that Marie goes
through to protect Sarah and not lose her is the very thing that drives her daughter away to where she does lose her.
Hang the DJ:
- I agree with Blob that this was Season 4's answer to San Juniper yet it didn't quite reach that level of awesomeness....yet it was still really good.
- I'm assuming that the app or program or whatever it was that their personalities were 'inside' that offered the 99.8% guarantee of finding 'the one' would have been a
high dollar service? Meaning, it would be different than dating apps that we are accustomed to being that it was promising to find 'the one' for them. With that
assumption can we assume that Amy and Frank live happily ever after?
Crocodile:
- I thought this one was just dark. I get the 'tech' aspect that makes it black mirror....but from get go when they chose to dump the body it was just going dark. The
entire episode was one dark choice after another, with the payoff being tech farmed memories from an animal. Just as weird, dark episode.
Hope to get the other episodes knocked out soon.
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Absolutely loved it. Definitely different than past series in the overall feel of all the episodes. There is still that sense that it's Black Mirror of course, but it's clear they're trying to push it towards new-ish ground and not let it get stale, which I love. In that same scenario, there's going to be hit or miss aspects and I definitely felt that in certain portions of a few episodes. Namely, Crocodile felt more or less like a shock/gore thriller that never went anywhere, and Arkangel felt far too predictable and after the initial reveal of what the device was, didn't really do anything with it aside from, again, a couple shock scenes (that weren't really shocking since they could be seen a mile away).
Other than a couple disappointing moments, I still loved every episode for the most part and Black Museum was an amazing homage to the series in a fucked up little love letter. More than that, I loved the other mini homages that this season had, mainly in Crocodile with the song and Wraith Babes from Million Merits, that really got me in my nostalgia feels. A bit of a different season but it still felt like Black Mirror and it was still a really fun ride. I'm already ready for S5, so that really says it all. :lol
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Looks like I skipped 'Black Museum' yesterday.....so I have that and 'Metalhead' to go. Depending on what time our guests leave tonight I should be able to knock those out.
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Watched USS Callister last night and I think it may be my favorite of the new season. It's just so great to see something so new work so well in the form of dark comedy turn into pure dark terror. I know we've had a bit of dark comedy in the series before but this was new territory for the most part for the show, especially in terms of the cinematography and that classic overlay in the beginning. Which also seems to be a new shtick with the whole b/w episode, which I was lukewarm on...
Fucking. Todd.
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Finished them up. I liked Metalhead for what it was. It was a pretty simple story, but like as has been mentioned....I'd like to have learned 'how' that world got to where it was at? Seems like a Terminator scenario which kind of devalued the whole thing for me since it's been done before but the 'dog' was an interesting take on a killing machine. The way it deployed the trackers was cool and it's determined, clever pursuit was chilling.
Seeing so many of them in the closing shot makes me wonder how anyone has survived. And, seeing that they were going after a toy for a kid made it that more brutal. Trying to hold on to the last vestige of humanity and keeping a kid a kid for as long as possible seems like a losing cause in that situation.
Black Museum was killer! Really liked it. The 'side' stories in the museum were cool and they could have easily made entire episodes out of each of them if they'd wanted to. I like the fact we got the cliff note versions of them, and that the guys daughter was able to enact revenge on that dude.
All in all a good season but at least for me not may favorite season. It's gonna be pretty tough to beat Season 3 IMO given every episode in that season was incredible in my eyes. Not that there haven't been other killer episodes but from start to finish Season 3 is the most solid across the board IMO
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^ Definitely agree on that last part. I think this season was very trial and error in the writing area, for whatever reason. Season 3 hit the g spot of all g spots for my imagination. This one teased it.
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Just got finished with the season, amazing stuff as always. I think I enjoyed it just as much as season 3. Not sure but right now probably Hang the DJ is favorite right now.
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I'm 4 episodes into the new season. The one with the 99.8% matchmaking app is definitely the front runner so far.
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Loved Callister and Hang the DJ, Black Museum was a lot of fun, Crocodile and Metalhead were pretty forgettable while Arkangel was total crap, worst episode of Black Mirror by far.
Weakest series for me so far. No episode had that 'shock you to the core' ending twist moment that BM has done so well in the past.
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Weakest series for me so far. No episode had that 'shock you to the core' ending twist moment that BM has done so well in the past.
This is how I look at it. There were some good episodes but they all lacked that 'Black Mirror Factor' IMO. Sure hope they aren't already tapped for fresh ideas....but if they are then it was fun while it lasted
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I knew that Black Mirror had a third season. I was continously telling myself "sooner or later I'll watch it" and then I ended up starting it right now, while there's actually a fourth one out :lol time flies.
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Just started watching the show. My first episode was from season one where everyone had the implant where everything you see and hear is recorded and saved and you can just re-visit everything over and over again. And other people can see it as well.
Boy that is some terrifying stuff and I could see this being a reality in the not too distant future. I could see people lining up for it as well, and from there the scenario in the episode is probably gonna play out many times. The episode was super thought provoking and chilling. Wow.
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Just started watching the show. My first episode was from season one where everyone had the implant where everything you see and hear is recorded and saved and you can just re-visit everything over and over again. And other people can see it as well.
Boy that is some terrifying stuff and I could see this being a reality in the not too distant future. I could see people lining up for it as well, and from there the scenario in the episode is probably gonna play out many times. The episode was super thought provoking and chilling. Wow.
Cool! Enjoy the series! It’s a trip and you’ll find yourself saying that a lot.....that you can see how ‘insert episodes theme’ could happen in real life.
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Just started watching the show. My first episode was from season one where everyone had the implant where everything you see and hear is recorded and saved and you can just re-visit everything over and over again. And other people can see it as well.
Boy that is some terrifying stuff and I could see this being a reality in the not too distant future. I could see people lining up for it as well, and from there the scenario in the episode is probably gonna play out many times. The episode was super thought provoking and chilling. Wow.
And the "worst" thing - the dude was right. It would have been easier if the message was "Look, the guy got paranoid and jealous for no reason", but he was right and he did the right connection and he was actually clever in figuring out the details once his suspicions arose. That's what makes the episode more interesting and the debate about the technology more difficult.
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This has become my new favorite show. I just watched Nosedive and man its so spot on. Its basically what we already have with social media but just taken to the next level. But they nailed the psychological dynamic. Just crazy.
I was pretty much getting nauseous at how fake she was being just to get validation, but its real. So unbelievably real. It was terrifying to get a glimpse of what life was like in that nightmare world.
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This has become my new favorite show. I just watched Nosedive and man its so spot on. Its basically what we already have with social media but just taken to the next level. But they nailed the psychological dynamic. Just crazy.
I was pretty much getting nauseous at how fake she was being just to get validation, but its real. So unbelievably real. It was terrifying to get a glimpse of what life was like in that nightmare world.
That episode was fantastic. It really magnified what our society has become.
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My basic impressions of Season 3, which I finally started to watch only when I realized a fourth season was already out:
NOSEDIVE: I took it mainly as satire, even though I read that there's a chinese rating system implemented somewhere I'd like to believe we'd never get THAT far. But as a metaphor of the abuse of social networks and seeking online validation is spot on. I like how the "wedding speech" at the end was a rambling mess - only in movies you come out with the perfect speech (be it what she originally wanted to do, or a fierce F U to the whole system), in reality, you'd just embarass yourself in that cringeworthy way.
PLAYTEST: Triple-quadruple twist was maybe a little too much, and the very final one made half the episode "useless", but I see the irony of how the game was supposed to make you face your biggest fear, and if the dude had actually faced that fear, what happened at the end would have not happened.
SHUT UP AND DANCE: Wow, this was so intense. We root until the end for the poor kid, only to find out he has a terrible and disgusting affliction. When Bronn was coming home all relaxed and elegant I figured he was in the whole thing, and that he organized it all, but no, he was victim of the hackers too. Possibly the most nihilistic episode of them all.
SAN JUNIPERO: Stunning piece of work! for once things are not so grim, and the technology does not ruin somebody's life nor is selfishly abused. Very touching and emotional episode, probably the most worth a rewatch to catch all the little details from the first hafl which at the end become so clear (Even though I find it a bit weird that elder people when given a younger avatar they just fall back to their 20's personality and prioritize dancing and making out above anything else).
MEN AGAINST FIRE: Didn't figure out the twist until it happened. It's only historically true that people don't really want to kill and it's frightening to think how advanced technology could work around the issue of seeing the enemy as something else than human. All in all the weakest of them all however. Michael Kelly on the other hand is awesome in this. He's got the "gentle but subtly creepy" thing perfect by now.
HATED IN THE NATION: Another intelligent commentary of today's society and the abuse of social networks, and most of all, an amazing thriller. I was thinking "if the dude despise haters, while he gives haters what they want?"... and of course there was the absolutely horrible catch. And of course is the stupid man in a suit to ruin things for everybody. A very convincing and tight episode, despite the movie-length. Oh, and since first I mentioned "Bronn"... I had to read in comments online that Blue is the Waif from Game of Thrones. Didn't recognize her at all.
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I thought Nosedive was a bit ridiculous upon first viewing since I try as hard as I fucking can to stay entirely out of the social media world for the sake of my freedom (and do, since I'm not on any, lest you count this site).
...Then my blinders were broken when I read about a girl who shot her boyfriend a mere few feet away with a desert eagle to get views on Youtube and "accidentally"killed the poor fool (I put that in parentheses not because I think she did it on purpose but because you need to be declared mentally disabled if you do this without thinking that the person is almost certainly going to die a hard death). Went back for a fourth viewing after that and...shit is NOT unrealistic. :|
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I've got 3 episodes left and White christmas is still my favorite episode and perhaps one the greatest pieces of film/tv I've ever seen period. Utterly incredible.
But anyway, I just watched the Star Trek episode, and I laughed my ass off. I loved it. And Todd continuous to do one hell of a job of being a creepy psycho fuck :lol
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I've got 3 episodes left and White christmas is still my favorite episode and perhaps one the greatest pieces of film/tv I've ever seen period. Utterly incredible.
But anyway, I just watched the Star Trek episode, and I laughed my ass off. I loved it. And Todd continuous to do one hell of a job of being a creepy psycho fuck :lol
I liked the cameo voice of Aaron Paul being the captain of the first ship they encountered when they made it to ‘freedom’
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Yeah White Christmas is still probably my favorite, but much like my musical tastes, Black Mirror has too many amazing aspects for me to have a consistent favorite.
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Just watched Arkangel and it might be the most terrifying episode yet. Just the thought of my parent implanting a chip in my head (without my consent) just because they are frightened of the world, and now they have total control over what I see and hear. Fuck that.
I would throw myself off a cliff (with my eyes wide open, the whole way down). Parents are already putting RIFD chips in their children so its already partially here.
But anyway, this episode was captivating. White christmas still reigns supreme, but this one is number 2 for me. And very decent directing by Jodie Foster.
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Hang the DJ
Another very thought provoking episode. Probably the first episode where I wouldn't mind the technology assistance. To know when a relationship will end would have been super helpful with my last relationship. It absolutely should have ended months before it did, but instead it died a slow, torturous and miserable death because I didn't have the strength to walk away from her.
But on the flipside, the lessons I learned experiencing and working my way through all that pain made me the person who I am today, the person who I want to be, so its all a lot to think about.
Of course the episode had a different lesson, which was still great but I am still pretty intrigued by the idea if a system knew when a relationship will end.
One last thing I took away from the episode was that a healthy relationship that can stand the test of time needs Trust, communication and mutual respect, or maybe that's just my own thoughts, but regardless a very decent episode.
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Crocodile
Loved it and it really shows how quick things can get out of control. Got to love the social worker with superb detective skills even though she was unintentionally tracking a serial killer (which was another cool twist on a detective story). That one little line about the baby being born blind, I was like damn...
Great episode and its like: you want to just go wandering into people's minds? Well, you better be ready for the crazy shit you might find. Or maybe just stay out of there in the first place.
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Machine head
Loved it and this was a super cool and unique episode. The black and white was perfect for the tone and vibe of the story. I'm acutally glad they didn't give too much back story. For me, this was more of a journey more important than destination situation if that makes any sense. And in my imagination, it was just a new military weapon that got out of control, essentially man has once again flown too close to the sun and here are the consequences. I also got the Terminator vibe from this episode. That relentless pursuit.
Her outsmarting it, despite its advantages was very compelling. And I took the ending as her calling back to base and they were already wiped out, so she really has no home to come home to.
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Overall I loved Season 4
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I was looking for something to watch that wasn't about politics, so I fired up Netflix. They recommended Black Mirror, and I wasn't doing anything else so, what the fuck. I fired up Season one Episode 1 and I am now a traumatized gibbering mass of melted flesh. I'm not kidding, I may not be able to get that shit out of my head for a week.
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You might as well watch the next episode then. Especially as it's one of the best. :biggrin:
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Yeah, you definitely should watch the next episode.
OR
cut right to the chase and watch White Christmas ;D
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White Christmas is very good, but it ain't all that imo.
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That episode, in my eyes, as well as a bunch of other fans, is by far and away the worst one of the series. So watch more for sure. It only gets better (or worse? Betterly worse. Yes.)
White Christmas is still one of my favorites, but I don't want to over hype it. I think I like it so much mainly because of Hamm, who I would gladly marry and have children with.
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That episode, in my eyes, as well as a bunch of other fans, is by far and away the worst one of the series. So watch more for sure. It only gets better (or worse? Betterly worse. Yes.)
The National Anthem and The Waldo Moment are the only two episodes I'd say are not very good. The rest are all worthwhile.
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That episode, in my eyes, as well as a bunch of other fans, is by far and away the worst one of the series. So watch more for sure. It only gets better (or worse? Betterly worse. Yes.)
The National Anthem and The Waldo Moment are the only two episodes I'd say are not very good. The rest are all worthwhile.
As the most UKcentic episodes I probably got more out of the National Anthem than most here - I really like it, same with Waldo - not a classic by any means, but I'd take it over half the episodes of the recent series.
Arkangel is by far the weakest episode for me, actually thought that was total crap.
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While none of the episodes in Season 4 were horrible IMO it was by far the weakest season. I read a BS statement in an article a while back where basically they tried to play it off as they intentionally toned down the shock and awe aspect of the show because there was so much 'bad news' going around they didn't want to contribute anymore consternation to the political and social climate. What a load a crap :lol Just admit you took a step back and try to correct it next season.
For me, the third season is far and away the best season as every single episode is awesome.
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Gonna agree that S3 is the best overall. Very consistently great, and San Junipero is possibly my favourite BM episode. I still thought S4 was consistently great, but overall it didn't feel like it had as much to say, and didn't make me think as much. Still loved it from start to finish though.
It's not really fair to compare seasons unless we lump 1&2 together imo, because they were so short (dumb UK seasons). If rated that way, I'd say that would be the weakest season for having the only two dud episodes, but the other episodes are as good as anything.
Kinda splitting hairs though. I love the whole show, and I'll take an average BM episode over the best of just about any other show.
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Season 1- the only episode I liked was The entire history of you. The american idol episode dragged IMO and the pig episode did nothing for me. Felt almost like a totally different show.
Season 2- The waldo episode I found annoying more than anything. White bear was just ok for me. Be right back was pretty good, pretty fucked up to keep the dude in the attic. Just kill em or return him or do something. Don't just leave him in the attic forever, especially since you supposedly loved him. Good from a tragic story perspective though.
Season 3- Here's the first season I totally loved
Season 4- I've seen people not to into this season, but I think its my favorite. Behind white christmas, Arkangel and the star trek episode are my favorite episodes of the series. Just so damn good. Hang the dj was pretty good, but I LOVE Metal head. And crocodile is nice and twisted the way I like it. Black meuseam was pretty good as well.
I really love this show though
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I'm the opposite. I prefer the dark and gritty (and yeah OK cheaper) look of the first two series. I enjoy the Netflix version as well, but it's far more glossy - aside from 'Shut Up and Dance' which feels more like a return to tone to the first two series.
Perhaps the reason I love 'The Nation Anthem' is the reaction it got in the UK after it aired - that was THE talking point for the next week in the or so. The premise of the episode is just brilliant, the first 10 minutes sets it up - then the next 30 minutes your waiting for the last minute get over clause to happen...........but that doesn't happen - Welcome to Black Mirror. The final reveal of it being a performance artist is just the cherry on the top.
Anyone here seen 'Dead Set'? It was Brookers pre Black Mirror thing - very Black Mirror in style.
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Black Mirror: Bandersnatch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XM0xWpBYlNM
Comes out tomorrow apparently
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I'm very excited and curious about how it's going to play out. It's apparently a movie where you, yes YOU THE VIEWER, make choices and the movie takes a turn according to those choices.
They have shot some 5 extra hours of footage so the story goes along differently based on choices. Man can't wait to take the plunge, hopefully, I'm able to watch it tomorrow.
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I read about that earlier, really curious to see how it works if true.
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Just watched Bandersnatch and it was wild and surreal.
My head is spinning and once again I must give respect to black mirror for pushing things in different directions. Boy does this thing go ALL over the place, lol. But I think that's the point. The choose your own adventure gimmick was interesting, but I can see how people are not gonna like it.
Regardless, I recommend checking it out.
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I plan on watching it tonight, can't wait to try it out.
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I think I spent 2 1/2 hours with it. Very cool, though at times I wanted to interact more with certain characters. I enjoyed it. Saw some great choices, fun thing to try and might try it again a few days from now.
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I started it last night with my lady and we had fun for the first few choices and had to call it early thanks to work. I'm suuuuuper excited! Such an awesome concept that basically amounts to a mini Black Mirror interactive-movie demo. I'm sure to do a multi-episode thing of this would take YEARS but it'd be so incredibly epic. It'd put to shame things like the TellTale games, I think (even though there's a few actual games out there that already do that).
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I'm having a lot of fun with it. It's like playing a video game. There's one sequence where I had to type in a phone number using flashbacks from previous parts of the movie. It was really cool.
Also, an Easter egg that happened after I finished it and went back and redid some choices. It involves Netflix and I was laughing my ass off
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I’m 3 hours in to this just having a blast! Such a cool idea. I know it’s not ‘original’ as far as choose your own adventure but it’s new for a show to do this. Every time I think I’ve exhausted possibilities I’m seeing new scenes.
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I too can't wait to go back and try other combinations, I made a note of all the previous choices. Will try to get to other endings as well. There are reportedly 5 endings and I think I have seen 3 of them.
Plus someone already made a chart of all choices so far. I'll take a look at it later after I've exhausted all my choices.
So much fun!
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Is there a happy ending? I know this is Black Mirror and all, but still, just had to ask
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Is there a happy ending? I know this is Black Mirror and all, but still, just had to ask
(https://media.giphy.com/media/wYyTHMm50f4Dm/giphy.gif)
EDIT:
Well, actually, yeah, kind of. I can't remember how I got to it, but I was laughing
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I too find this concept quite interesting as I go through previous choices and find the different paths and seeing the Easter eggs, but I just don’t care about the characters of this story enough to be ‘obsessed’ by the whole thing. Looking forward to the future of this type of interaction.
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Judging from what I've read online about the possible endings and scenes.....I believe I've seen every incarnation/combination of scenes and possible endings.
although....there is the implication there is more to be discovered. I've tried a few times at altering/changing the choices and have found that I'm now just seeing the scenes I've already seen. So, maybe there's a combination out there I've yet to explore that triggers something new and fresh....but at this time I'm a solid 6 plus hours into navigating the show and feel I've experienced it all.
Really cool concept and had fun with it.
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Trailer season 5
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bj6QM2XOrwU
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Looks really interesting. I'm a tad bummed it's only three episodes though.
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Looks really interesting. I'm a tad bummed it's only three episodes though.
Apparently it's because Bandersnatch was meant to be part of this season (and sort of is) but they separated them out, largely because as an interactive movie it couldn't play on all devices, and they didn't want to cause confusion among viewers so thought it was best to make it a separate entity. Which does make sense.
But anyway, the first two seasons were 3 episodes each so it's just a return to that.
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Looks really interesting. I'm a tad bummed it's only three episodes though.
Apparently it's because Bandersnatch was meant to be part of this season (and sort of is) but they separated them out, largely because as an interactive movie it couldn't play on all devices, and they didn't want to cause confusion among viewers so thought it was best to make it a separate entity. Which does make sense.
But anyway, the first two seasons were 3 episodes each so it's just a return to that.
Yeah. I figured Bandersnatch had something to do with it....and like you said....they've had three episode seasons before. I was just really hoping for another six episode season due to how cool the show is :lol
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I was gonna say, anyone that's been around pre-Netflix buyout is used to this, but I'll conceded to letting them spoil me. But it is what it is and as others have said elsewhere, it doesn't matter if these 3 episodes are the best thing Black Mirror has done so far. As usual, zero expectations because I love that we really don't know what to expect except (huh?) for the unexpected. :huh: :loser: :metal
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So, anyone watched the new season already? What did you think of it?
I actually liked "Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too" a bit. It's the show not taking itself too seriously, is it? For some reason, I laughed after seeing the police car with the word "police" written on it. :) (Plus, I had been hoping for an episode centered around music/the music industry.)
I also enjoyed Topher Grace's role in "Smithereens". His character comes across as both an asshole and a good guy.
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Completely forgot it was available.
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Episode 1 Striking Vipers, the VR video game one. Pretty cool. Probably my favorite episode of the season and I could definitely see that kind of technology existing within our lifetime.
Episode 2 - The social media one - Scary that the social media people are informing the cops on information that they have that the cops don't. The guy with the gun played Moriarty on Sherlock and always does a good job. Topher Grace was fantastic as the social media CEO. PERFECT casting. Ok episode.
Episode 3- Miley cyrus episode. It was fine. Cool to have a NIN song in the show, even though they overplayed the fuck out of it. and now that we have the DIO hologram being milked world wide, the hologram performer was even more relevant. Another just ok episode. Might have liked it better if Miley acted more like a more sympathetic character instead of just playing her insufferable self :P
And that's how I feel about the season as a whole, just ok. The razor sharp edge that this show brought to the table is not present this time around. Nothing was all that haunting, or thought provoking. Oh well, I will watch Season 6 whenever it comes out.
**Bandersnatch was a cool concept and everything, but If I knew that season 5 would have had less episodes, then I absolutely would have preferred to have more episodes in Season 5.
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^ Really nothing more to add than that, almost my exact thoughts. I didn't hate it like some others did but I'm also not anywhere near as excited to discuss this season or think on it much more than when I was actually watching it. So yeah, a bit disappointing. I think there's still more talent in this season than in a lot of other shows on now, and I barely even have time to watch this much so I'm not complaining too much. Definitely excited for more and I hope the crew gets some inspiration to make something truly intriguing or horrifying for next time.
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I liked the season a lot. Definitely more subtle than previous seasons, I wonder if that was intentional. No mind-bending concepts or soul-crushing endings but good stories and characters and lots of nice thought-provoking moments.
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I agree. My friend brought up how stale the "OK now how is this show going to gut punch us this episode?" way they had been doing things was getting. I wasn't crazy about the first episode but I was perfectly entertained by the other two.
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I liked the season a lot. Definitely more subtle than previous seasons, I wonder if that was intentional. No mind-bending concepts or soul-crushing endings but good stories and characters and lots of nice thought-provoking moments.
I’ve only seen the first episode....the Viper one.....and, honesty I’m not tuning in to Black Mirror for subtle, ‘safe’ character shows. The ‘thought provoking’ in that episode wasn’t ground breaking or original. This was run of the mill content I can find in thirty other spots now days.
Give me back the ate up crap and ‘real’ thought provoking storylines. Not this watered down stuff. I’ll watch the other two episodes but as far as I’m concerned this show....starting with last season....has begun its trend down and has leveled off to ‘just another show’.
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Striking Vipers was anything but "safe" in terms of character stories.
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Striking Vipers was anything but "safe" in terms of character stories.
I feel like that narrative has been done before. It was a 'boring' sex life between married couples who both discovered they get more turned on by outside....exciting....encounters who then decide to have a semi open relationship by allowing their partner to cheat on them once a year.
They may have added a couple garnishes to the plate to disguise it but that's essentially what it was. Nothing groundbreaking about that IMO.
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That was one aspect (the more straightforward one). The other aspects I found interesting were the questions it raises about sexuality and about what impact technology can have on what sexuality even means, particularly in Karl's case.
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That was one aspect (the more straightforward one). The other aspects I found interesting were the questions it raises about sexuality and about what impact technology can have on what sexuality even means, particularly in Karl's case.
Yeah....I can see that and get they were shooting for something like that. But honestly, (and I don't want to ruin or derail the thread) but instances where movie makers or whomever want to push or explore how man can increase the levels of perversion in our culture tend to turn me off. No pun intended.
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See, even just the fact that you interpret it as "perversion" is something I find interesting.
But yeah I get that the ideas the episode explores won't interest everyone. Same with most episodes really.
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See, even just the fact that you interpret it as "perversion" is something I find interesting.
But yeah I get that the ideas the episode explores won't interest everyone. Same with most episodes really.
IDK, I think his use of the word “perversion” is fine. Maybe I’m wrong.
per·verse
/pərˈvərs/
adjective
* contrary to the accepted or expected standard or practice.
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See, even just the fact that you interpret it as "perversion" is something I find interesting.
But yeah I get that the ideas the episode explores won't interest everyone. Same with most episodes really.
IDK, I think his use of the word “perversion” is fine. Maybe I’m wrong.
per·verse
/pərˈvərs/
adjective
* contrary to the accepted or expected standard or practice.
Yeah...I intentionally used 'perversion'....and, was/am hoping not to turn it into a huge P/R debate. My position is really at what point does it stop as far as inventing or consenting to ways that take sexual pleasure to the 'next level'? This 'need' to take sexual exploits further and further into a very 'singular' and selfish world is ever increasing. There's some push out there that says 'I deserve' this sexual satisfaction no matter the consequences...if this delivery system is not there that makes me happy then we need to meet it somehow. I feel like the more and more we push to find these bigger and better delivery methods we're only getting more perverse as a whole.
But again....I'm sure I'm in the minority on this issue. Maybe that episode was fantastic....but for me it was just 'ehh'.....as it's just another attempt at blurring the lines even more.
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The three episodes I felt were too long, I get that they're not trying to do too many crazy things and just want to settle in. A big takeaway being that social media is just dominating everyone's lives. I liked the stories for all of the episodes but really felt they could've been shorter.
Did you guys hear the reworked NIN nails songs in the Miley Cyrus episode? I thought it was a good remix of the two NIN tracks 'Head like a hole' & 'Right where it belongs'.
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Liked the second one, the social media centered one. I thought Andrew Scott was awesome in it. If not for his performance it’d have been so so......and the story itself again wasn’t very ‘outside the box’ or in the vein of what I’d come to expect from Black Mirror. But he made it respectable
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Man, I was not wooed by any of these episodes. They were ok, I guess, but yes, nothing great. I do think each episode could've trimmed the fat a little as they all kind of dragged on a bit, IMO.
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Finally watched the last one....the Miley Cirus one. I mean, it was ok. For me....especially this season.....the show has lost what separated it from all the other shows. The mojo is gone. It's just another series now but it's certainly not the show it used to be. Maybe they can re-capture it next season but I'm not holding out hope. It began to "decline" for me last season as those episodes were watered down as well....and these three episodes were shells of what I had come to expect based off the first three seasons.
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Bumpety bump for I have seen season 5 as well, finally.
As others have said, they were all cool but the "mindfuck" factor was missing. Enjoyable and at times not so serious, but not mind bending as previous episodes were.
STRIKING VIPERS was weird, slow in the first part then starting the action in the middle. I know that you have to suspend disbelief, but I wonder how could a programmer come up with fully interactive and virtual human bodies, to the point that they can feel pleasure, and not realize that this would have been exploited. C'mon, "the internet is for porn" anyone? :D they should have made them asexual, just like not-Todd / not-Matt Damon did in the USS Callister episode.
SMITHEREENS was interesting, I didn't find it overly long. "Oh, look, there's Moriarty, what he's gonna do?"... and of course he's gonna do a Moriarty again. Perfect psycho rant, and probably with a bit of unintended sarcasm / irony, when he flipped out about not being able to discern one's age anymore (when he realized he kidnapped a young intern).
Who else figured that the CEO of Smithereens had to be an important and older businessman? I was surprised to see he was a young and easy going one. Basically it all came down to a parable of "don't spend too much time obsessed by social media".
RACHEL, JACK AND ASHLEY TOO was weird, but enjoyable. The shift from serious to wacky was done nicely after all, and I had legit laughs in seeing the doll ranting and cussing without all the sugary filters. Once again a sarcastic commentary on the plastification and planned commercialization of music, and I too thought of the Dio and Zappa hologram, and I hope that it won't become a trend even more developed in the future.
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Bump... I just started watching this show last week. I find it odd how few episodes it has per 'season' but I also greatly appreciate the varied lengths of the episodes. Some are as short as 45 minutes, some are well over an hour. Just some quick thoughts on my favorites so far:
Fifteen Million Merits - absolutely loved it. Fascinating concept, loved watching it play out. Main guy's acting in the climax was wonderful.
Be Right Back - This is tied for my favorite episode of the series so far. The premise itself is exciting but the execution was fantastic imo, and the end on the cliff was heartbreaking and terrifying at the same time. Great acting in this.
White Christmas - The other tied for my favorite of the series. Just brilliant storytelling with some great surprises and an awesome twist ending and it's almost the length of a short movie. A+ episode imo.
I also really like White Bear but there are parts of it that annoy me from a conceptual standpoint (like, how many days in a row do they do this, liability for any injured spectators, the relentless humiliation and torture) but I get it's supposed to be dystopian. Striking Vipers was the first episode I saw, somehow, and the premise is interesting, but also very weird and I'm not sure I enjoyed the acting from the fighters. Not my least favorite, but I didn't love the episode either.
This show rules, can't wait to get to Bandersnatch and the rest of the series.
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White Christmas is a favorite of mine as well.
The show is all over the place in quality. The highs are some of the best tv I've ever seen and the lows leave a lot to be desired.
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S6 Trailer.....looks great!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jY1ecibLYo
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Season 6 dropped yesterday. Watched first two episodes and they were both great. First one 'Joan is awful' was hilarious yet typical black mirror mindfuck, thought it was a great use of famous actors. I really enjoyed Loch Henry too, Podrick from GoT was great in the episode. Will watch the other 3 sometime during the weekend.
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Season 6 dropped yesterday. Watched first two episodes and they were both great. First one 'Joan is awful' was hilarious yet typical black mirror mindfuck, thought it was a great use of famous actors. I really enjoyed Loch Henry too, Podrick from GoT was great in the episode. Will watch the other 3 sometime during the weekend.
Same. First two were great.
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Got done with the rest of the episodes, much much better than season 5. I liked all the episodes, each one different in vibe than the others. The last one Demon79 was probably the funniest in the usual Black Mirror fucked up way. Good strong season with so many stars this time round.
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I see quite a lot of criticism on season 6 but I also see it ranked high when online outlets do season rankings. I quite enjoy it myself. Still have Mazey Day and Demon 79 to go. I thought Beyond the Sea was fantastic.
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I see quite a lot of criticism on season 6 but I also see it ranked high when online outlets do season rankings. I quite enjoy it myself. Still have Mazey Day and Demon 79 to go. I thought Beyond the Sea was fantastic.
Really? I haven't seen or read anything but haven't looked too hard either. I really liked the season. It wasn't quite as 'Black Mirror' as it has been in the past but I enjoyed the tone and feel of the season.
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From what online feedback I've seen of this season the only dud episode was the paparazzi one which is understandable as it's kinda all over the place. All others have gotten a good or positive overview. I really enjoyed season six, it was a welcome surprise from the borefest of season 5.