Many popular television series are humorous, family friendly and relatable, but not all of them are so upbeat.
Originally produced as a British science fiction anthology series created by Charlie Brooker and Annabel Jones, “Black Mirror” examines modern society and the insane possibilities of the future.
The ideas can generate sincere fear in the audience through violent, vulgar and cynical ways. There aren’t many episodes that leave the viewer feeling warm and fuzzy, but rather fearful of the darkness of humankind.
This fear makes it difficult for me to watch the show, and is why I find it astounding that viewers continue to come back for more. Each episode is unique and thrilling, but it often puts me off, even more when I am already struggling through a tough time.
According to a 2017 Huffington Post article, the “truly unsettling terror of the series lies in its futuristic yet relatable tales about the dangerous, depraved and immoral depths humans slump to if technology takes over.”
I have a problem with the show displaying dangerous and scary people who have the power to destroy a civilization, or at the very least brainwash the morals of others. Not to say I don’t enjoy dramatic plots or a variety of television genres, but this series is more difficult to grasp because every plot is so intense, misanthropic and heartbreaking.
The very first episode, “The National Anthem,” aired December 2011, and brought attention to the flaws of humankind, rather than technological innovations showcased in later seasons.
The plot focuses on the British Prime Minister Michael Callow awakening to horrible news that Princess Susannah, a much-loved member of the Royal Family, has been kidnapped, and will be killed unless the Prime Minister has sexual intercourse with a pig on national television.
Of course, Callow has sex with the pig to save his and Susannah’s lives, while the show makes the scene disgustingly realistic with Callow sweating and appearing horrified.
Some of the 1.3 billion-member audience in the show were appalled at the event, while others were amused and entertained.
Right off the bat, I was an insulted viewer. The scripts for the episodes are intriguing, but often times are too offensive and uncensored to make an hour-long episode feel worthy of my valuable time. Many episodes focus on unwanted sexual interactions, forms of killing that lead to gruesome deaths and the overall disgusting darkness that human nature has the potential for.
Although each episode is incredibly written and performed, I feel obligated to take a shower after watching, to rid myself of the violent and immoral circumstances witnessed, even if just through a TV screen.
The show has continued to gain popularity because of its short seasons and thought-provoking plots, but I believe that it can bring more stress than enjoyment. After a long day of school or work, this series fails to relieve any stress in comparison to other shows that utilize humor and simple stupidity to brighten my mood.
Perhaps more shows need to embrace cleverness and ultimate brilliance, but this show crosses the line of how horrible things can happen when the wrong people are in complete control of powerful technologies.
If every episode wasn’t so repulsive and sickening, it would make a more successful form of entertainment rather than more of an emotional investment.
Some may say there are lessons to be learned about humanity itself through “Black Mirror,” as the importance of who is in power and who has the best access to resources is its main focus. The plots seem far removed from reality at first, and after a few episodes, it is still grueling to fear future habits and normalities society may embrace someday.
Allison Spain can be reached at [email protected]