‘Black Mirror’ Season 6 Review: Classifying New Episodes from Best to Worst

"Stream or Skip? Your Guide to the Essential Episodes of the 'Black Mirror Season 6.'"

Charlie Brooker's captivating anthology series, Black Mirror Season 6, has made its much-anticipated return to Netflix (NFLX). Known for its mind-bending narratives that offer insightful and sometimes chilling commentary on the impact of relentless technological progress on our society, this season takes a bold step into the realm of the supernatural—with intriguing outcomes. While previous episodes often focused on the perils of runaway technology, the most exceptional installments of this season delve into a deeper concern: how our own indulgences have led to our consumption and dehumanization. The series embarks on a meta journey, forging a stronger connection with its viewers and evolving for the better.

Discover the ultimate guide to the latest season of Black Mirror as we rank and review all five compelling episodes that demand your attention.

1.) Episode 3: “Beyond the Sea”

Black Mirror shines brightest when it ventures beyond the perils of advanced technology and instead weaves compelling narratives that delve into the depths of the human experience. "Beyond the Sea" exemplifies this approach, centering around Cliff (portrayed by Aaron Paul) and David (played by Josh Hartnett), two astronauts on a futuristic space mission set in 1969. The plot introduces an intriguing concept where individuals can transfer their consciousness into robotic replicas, enabling them to return to their lives on Earth. However, when an unforeseen tragedy strikes David and his replica, Cliff and his wife Lana (brought to life by Kate Mara) make a difficult decision to allow the grieving man to inhabit Cliff's body.

While the circumstances that set the stage for this story may seem fantastical and gradually lose relevance, the core of the episode lies in the exploration of body-swapping and its profound impact on three individuals grappling with their own emotional wounds. It serves as a poignant reflection on themes of loss, toxic masculinity, and the disillusionment experienced by a mid-century housewife. Aaron Paul delivers a stellar performance, skillfully distinguishing between the characters of Cliff and David, and crafting distinct emotional journeys for each. Kate Mara adeptly portrays the complexities of her character's relationship with her husband and his colleague. "Beyond the Sea" transcends its initial premise of deep space and robots to delve into the complexities of a troubled marriage and the overwhelming weight of grief. Although the episode succumbs to a slightly exaggerated ending (not every episode needs an outrageous twist, Charlie!), it leaves viewers with a disconcerting conclusion that lingers long after the credits roll.

2.) Episode 2: “Loch Henry”

In the gripping episode "Loch Henry," we delve deep into society's fascination with true crime. Davis (portrayed by Samuel Blenkin), a young filmmaker, and his girlfriend Pia (played by Myha'la Herrold), embark on a journey to Davis' quaint Scottish hometown with the intention of creating a profound nature documentary. However, Pia becomes captivated by the local legends surrounding a series of grim murders, leading them on an unexpected path. As they uncover hidden secrets, they find themselves perilously close to the dark truth behind the crimes.

The episode skillfully oscillates between a nuanced appreciation and a scathing critique of the true crime genre. While Davis and Pia diligently work on their film, the audience is treated to a captivating blend of media, including filmed re-enactments, archival footage, and police evidence. Through a montage, the episode captures the passion and excitement driving such projects, while also shedding light on the glossy surface that true crime often places over genuine tragedy. These narratives have become a staple for many streaming platforms, a fact that Black Mirror astutely acknowledges (as evident when Pia cleverly responds to a question about a Netflix series, "About the guy who killed women? Maybe narrow that down"). Although the episode's major twist may be somewhat predictable, it leads to a genuinely suspenseful sequence that rivals any beloved slasher film (albeit with a slightly underwhelming conclusion). Ultimately, "Loch Henry" offers true crime enthusiasts ample food for thought, serving as both a compelling standalone story and a cautionary tale about the personal toll exacted by these tales.

3.) Episode 5: “Demon 79”

One of the standout supernatural episodes of this season centers around Nida (portrayed by Anjana Vasan), an unassuming retail worker who finds herself entangled in a deal with the devil—specifically, a pact with Gaap, a suave demon masterfully portrayed by Paapa Essiedu. Set in 1979 amidst the backdrop of rising racist and fascist politics in Britain, Nida, as one of the few brown individuals in her town, becomes the target of her prejudiced fellow townspeople. As the microaggressions pile up, Nida's suppressed anger towards her tormentors steadily grows.

While the episode presents an enjoyable viewing experience, it deviates from the typical Black Mirror style. Incorporating elements reminiscent of '70s slasher films, such as the opening titles, grainy camera work, and throwback prosthetic gore, it adds a touch of genre flair. However, it doesn't fully commit to embracing that level of entertainment and is slightly weighed down by its 74-minute runtime. Nonetheless, the chemistry between Vasan and Essiedu makes them the most captivating duo of the season. Instead of conveying a clear message through these characters, the episode offers a twisted sense of catharsis, which proves to be a refreshing choice.

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4.) Episode 1: “Joan is Awful”

In the episode titled "Joan is Awful," we explore a relatively straightforward premise (by Black Mirror standards): What if you could witness your entire life unfold before your eyes on television? For Joan (portrayed by Annie Murphy), this bewildering experience begins with a perplexing recommendation on Streamberry (a playful analog of Netflix) but quickly consumes her existence. Every aspect of her life, from risky text exchanges to therapy sessions, becomes readily available for viewing. However, as her life plays out on the small screen, Joan's reputation crumbles, along with her sense of privacy and autonomy, despite the distinction of being portrayed by Salma Hayek in the TV version of her life.

Ultimately, the episode operates on multiple meta levels, tackling the significance of cinema within an industry dominated by AI and algorithms. The allusions to Netflix, while slightly self-indulgent (given that Black Mirror is one of the streaming platform's most prominent shows), do raise valid points about the current state of streaming. Annie Murphy delivers an outstanding performance, capturing her character's escalating anxiety, and her interactions with Hayek are a delight to behold. However, the episode escalates its narrative a bit too rapidly, resulting in an inconsistent internal logic within a show known for embracing the fantastical. Furthermore, the final twist feels somewhat contrived. While the inclusion of mind-boggling set pieces and a star-studded cast undoubtedly make this episode a highlight of the season, it falls just short of meeting the high standards set by its own allure.

5.) Episode 4: “Mazey Day

The episode "Mazey Day" stands out as a significant departure from the usual Black Mirror format. Firstly, it serves as a period piece set in 2006 (indicated by a radio announcement about Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes' first child). Unlike other episodes, it doesn't introduce groundbreaking gadgets; instead, it revolves around a reluctant paparazzo named Zazie Beetz, who earns a living by capturing photographs of Hollywood's most sought-after celebrities. When the enigmatic starlet Mazey Day (portrayed by Clara Rugaard) seemingly disappears, our protagonist is offered an irresistible payday in exchange for obtaining a picture of the actress. What ensues is a stalking ordeal that even the likes of Britney Spears would find astonishing.

The episode's premise, taking place during a period of celebrity culture we'd rather forget, sets the stage for something exceptional. However, regrettably, the potential remains untapped. Beetz portrays a woman who fully comprehends the parasitic nature of her career, yet her nuanced performance is overshadowed by a truly bewildering twist that lacks both suspense and genuine horror. What initially appears to be a thinly veiled metaphor about fame ultimately crumbles, standing out like a sore thumb amidst the other episodes. Ultimately, "Mazey Day" devolves into a subpar B-movie experience—though not the enjoyable kind.

Conclusion

"Black Mirror," the groundbreaking web series, concludes its captivating journey with a thought-provoking and unsettling finale. Throughout its episodes, it has masterfully explored the complex relationship between technology and humanity, challenging our perceptions and raising profound questions. With its unique blend of sci-fi and social commentary, "Black Mirror" leaves viewers both intrigued and introspective.

FAQs

1. How many episodes are in season 6 of Black Mirror?

Answer : their are total 5 episodes in Black Mirror Season 6

2. Who wrote Black Mirror season 6?

Answer : "Charlie Brooker" wrote Black Mirror Season 6

3. What is the most romantic episode of Black Mirror?
Answer : “San Junipero” Series 3, Episode 4

4. What is the darkest episode of Black Mirror?
Answer : "Beyond the Sea" season 6, episode 3

5. What is the most disturbing Black Mirror episode?
Answer : "Shut up and Dance" Series 3, Episode 3

6. What is the shortest Black Mirror episode?
Answer : "Metalhead" 41 Minutes, Series 4, Episode 5

7. What is the longest episode in Black Mirror?
Answer : "Hated in the Nation" 81 Minutes, Season 3, Episode 6