The premise to Black Mirror is not too dissimilar to The Twilight Zone. Each episode has its own unique characters fight against some form of technology. The Twilight Zone focused on the moral goodness and hope for humanity while Black Mirror can be far more depressing and reflect the negative tendencies of society.

My favorite aspect of the series is the negative effects of technology. I don't think that has been a part of conversation in society, but it is true. Netflix's recent documentary The Social Dilemma highlights this, but Black Mirror takes this concept forward. There is so much we don't understand about our existence and our place in the world: our existence, extraterrestrial life or the unknown effects of greenhouse gasses that are rapidly causing climate change. We keep discovering and exploring, but at a certain point we have to realize we need to stop.

This is the focal message of Black Mirror: understanding the negative effects of technology and of human nature. I think this show was needed before the pandemic to wake people, to make them realize technology and people have faults. I do not think something like this is needed at this time, it will most likely just make our current situation feel more depressing.

I am optimistic about the existence of humanity. We need to learn from our mistakes and realize the massive potential we have to cause our extinction through technology or other means. Technology is painted as something that causes humans to be cruel, which is true just not to the degree portrayed in the show. Certain episodes seem to display technology as a way to be cruel and mask or expose their insecurities. Charlie Brooker is a complete genius because every episode captures these feelings no matter the different technologies used.

I love the show even though it can be slightly depressing depending on the episode. I highly suggest to skip the first episode about the British PM, it scarred me for months before I could watch any other episode. Brooker has a real message behind every single one of his episodes and that is why I love watching them. Maybe season 5 was not his best work, but I am excited to see how this pandemic has inspired him to create innovating, daring stories going forward! Please watch this show, it is definitely worth your time!