"Black Mirror: TV series"

Well, I'll be damned - there is intelligent life somewhere out there - it seems that people actually create something interesting, intriguing and worth watching on otherwise mind-dumbing TV, but we just need to find it under garbage of all those advertisements, quiz shows, celebrity gossips and movies that overflow with violence and special effects. (God, do I sound like a old fart right now). Completely casual remark from one of my acquaintance brought me to this UK series that continues with the spirit of The Twilight Zone with unexpected twists and feeling of slight (but thrilling) paranoia. Each episode is a story with beginning and the end so its not really important in what order you watch it, though naturally I started from the beginning, completely unprepared for what I am going to experience, in fact I expected some horror (because of the title) and it took me two episodes to realise that title hints at something more perfidious and dangerous than any imaginary monster, its actually dark reflection of our computer screens and all electrical gadgets we got so accustomed and addicted to. 

"The National Anthem" starts with the real bang - highly ranked member and beloved member of royal family has been kidnapped and video that kidnapper already posted everywhere on the Internet (and is watched by millions later on the news) demands that prime minister must have sexual intercourse with a pig, live, on national television or else the young Duchess will be killed. The genius of this particular story is that swiftly moves away from shockingly bizarre plot into frightening power of media and certain mentality of people around the world, who seems to be obsessed with opinions about everything - at first, public stands together with prime minister but with clock ticking (time of pig incident is specified in details) suddenly the pressure starts building to a fever pitch and public perverse fascination with everything eventually turns this act of political terrorism on its head. Even though the footage is backed by the sound irritating to human ears and government asks people to stay away from TV, the seductive call is too strong - streets, roads and whole towns are completely empty. The whole country watches in fascination. 

"Fifteen Million Merits" is even better - in fact, it stayed with me much longer as it actually forcefully puts a question of public obsession with entertainment shows (and our fascination with new electronic gadgets). Its happening in a future world where people live underground and daily must cycle on exercise bikes to earn some currency (called merits), living joyless lives and are constantly brainwashed with huge TV screens that are impossible to ignore (if you switch them off, you are punished financially and merits are taken away). Two lovers see popular talent show as the only escape from this life and once they dare to enter the contest, manipulative judges (and audience consisting of avatars instead of real people) basically abuse them and force them into different kind of prison. Their intelligence and innocence is horribly re-packed and sold later like just another product on TV channels. Its truly heartbreaking and horrifying, unforgettable episode . 

What is so fascinating about this program is that it touches certain nerve so its impossible to watch it like just another instant product on TV - its disturbing because it forces the viewer to face himself and understand our reality that overflows with products and consumerism. Brilliant but definitely you need to watch it one episode at the time, otherwise your brain won't switch off later.