Much like the technology it features, Charlie Brooker's anthology show, Black Mirror has transformed and evolved over its run. The show started off on the British Channel Four before Netflix snapped it up and the rest is history.
Black Mirror reinvented and revitalized the anthology genre, taking technology (whether familiar or futuristic) and giving it a dark twist. Black Mirror covers a plethora of dark topics and many of the episodes end on a particularly bleak note. Due to the nature of the show, every episode offers something different but each season varies in quality.
Season 5
The most recent season of the show was highly anticipated but right from the get-go, it had a few things working against it. Since Netflix bought the show, fans had become used to six-episode seasons so reverting back to fewer episodes was always going to be tricky (with a six-episode season, there's bound to be an episode for everyone).
While casting Miley Cyrus as a troubled young musician may be somewhat ironic, a story about a teenager saving their favorite celebrity seems misplaced in this show. It's always fun to subvert audience expectation but this was perhaps a step too far. The other two episodes of the season are more typical of Black Mirror but it feels like they're retreading old ground. Ultimately, all three episodes of season 5 seem to lack the gut-punching twists fans have come to expect.
Bandersnatch
Although not technically a season, a Black Mirror ranking wouldn't be complete without including the movie, Bandersnatch. The movie contains some great and memorable performances from the likes of Fionn Whitehead and Will Poulter and the meta nature of the interactivity makes it a fun watch.
That being said, the movie seems over-reliant on the interactive element of the film. The actual plot of the movie is rather thin and never really seems to get going. Sure, a film that allows its audience to choose what the characters do is a great concept- but it shouldn't come at the expense of a good story.
Season 2
Season 2 is a fairly mixed bag but in four episodes (if you include the Christmas Special too) it certainly covers a lot of ground. At this point, the show was still fresh and regardless of the quality of the episodes, each one feels different and unique. "White Bear" is an exciting thrill-ride that keeps audiences guessing until its killer twist ending, "White Christmas" is both tragic and harrowing and gives fans one of the most memorable scenes from Black Mirror and "Be Right Back" is quiet and understated but utterly heartbreaking.
That being said, this season has the unfortunate honor of including "The Waldo Moment," perhaps the biggest miss of the show as a whole. This episode seems almost too grounded in reality and is far too focused on politics and stops this season from ranking any higher.
Season 1
When Black Mirror first aired, no one knew what to expect. Season 1 focuses on a variety of different themes including corruption, exploitation, and jealousy; the season provides a small but effective showcase for what is to come. It's fun to look back at this season and spot the stars of the future; Doctor Who's Jodie Whittaker and Get Out's Daniel Kaluuya put in stellar performances in their respective episodes.
"The Entire History of You" introduced fans to the memory 'grain,' using technology to elevate the relatable emotion of jealousy. Meanwhile, the shocking premise of "The National Anthem" may seem ridiculous at first but the episode provides the perfect opening to the show, promising the horrors to come in later episodes.
Season 4
Even four seasons in, Black Mirror was still daring to be different and experimental. Starting the season in 'space' (or so it seems) really shows how far the show has come and "USS Callister" perfectly blends the real world and Daly's simulated one. Although "Arkangel" plays it a little safe and the black and white episode, "Metalhead" may be an experiment too far, this season still manages to pack a punch.
Mia's slow descent in "Crocodile" is truly jaw-dropping to watch and the seamless interweaving of three different stories (as well as the many Easter eggs) in "Black Museum" proves an interesting watch and sees Letitia Wright in one of her best roles.
Season 3
With the show's move to Netflix came a bigger budget and the opportunity to explore grander stories. Even though some of the stories were larger in scale, season 3 didn't forget the show's routes. Audiences are treated to yet another shocking twist in "Shut Up And Dance" and "Nosedive" perfectly explores the relatable fear of public rejection and humiliation. While episodes like "Playtest" and "Men Against Fire" aren't quite on the same level as the others, they're still strong stories that explore the darker side of technology.
What truly elevates this season though is "San Junipero" which is arguably one of the best Black Mirror episodes. The aesthetics of this episode are sublime, the lead characters are endearing and the performances are masterful. "San Junipero," like many Black Mirror episodes, deals with some tragic themes but the relationship between Kelly and Yorkie is heartwarming and the ending is uncharacteristically uplifting. Every episode of this season manages to leave a lasting impression and shows just what makes Black Mirror so effective.