Set in a world that is not too dissimilar from our own, Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror is a frightening exploration into technology and the dark, twisted psyche of the human race.

With the first episode of series 5 being dropped on Netflix today (28.12.18), I wanted to share with you my ten favourite episodes. Don’t worry, I have avoided spoilers 🙂

10. San Junipero (Season 3, Episode 4)

Do you ever wish you could take a break from reality and truly be yourself? Want to experience the music and fashion of another decade? TCKR systems creates a simulated reality where you can do just that.

Soon though, you will learn that everyone has their own reasons for visiting San Junipero.

Seen it? Read this… (possible spoilers)

9. Hang The DJ (Season 4, Episode 4)

This episode introduces us to a dating programme that puts an expiry date on all your relationships until it gathers enough information to pair you with your Ultimate Match.

What would you trust? Science or your heart…?

Seen it? Read this… (possible spoilers)

8. Arkangel (season 4, Episode 2)

As a parent, what lengths would you go to, in order to protect your child? The ‘Arkangel’ technology allows you to take parental controls to a whole other level, but at what point does being over-protective cause more harm than good?

7. The Entire History of You (Season 1, Episode 3)

The Grain is an implant that stores all your memories and actions, and allows you to replay them back at will. As good as it seems in principle, surely no good can come from that surely….

6. Black Museum (Season 4, Episode 6)

Through a series of flashbacks, we learn the histories of some of the criminological artifacts on display at the Black Museum. All leading up to the main, interactive attraction. Oh, and don’t forget your souvenir.

5. White Bear (Season 2, Episode 2)

Ever since the ‘Signal’ appeared on TV and mobile phone screens, the vast majority of the population have been turned into passive, emotionless voyeurs who just watch and film as a group of hunters chase down and kill those who are unaffected.

It would be understandable to believe that this episode is a metaphor for living our lives through our screens and being de-sensitised to the suffering of others; but this is Black Mirror and nothing is as it seems on the surface.

4. Shut Up and Dance (Season 3, Episode 3)

We have all done things we are not proud of, but are they bad enough to be used as blackmail?

3. White Christmas (Season 2, Episode 4)

In this Christmas special, three new technologies are introduced to us through three inter-connected stories. Be warned: you my not want to listen to a certain Christmas song ever again.

2. USS Callister (Season 4, Episode 1)

Forget VR, USS. Callister shows us the next step in gaming is a fully immersive experience, where you use your own DNA to create a digital clone of yourself. If you could, what kind of world would you build? What kind of leader would you be? How would you treat the people who have wronged you? But remember, Karma is a bitch.

1. Nosedive (Season 3, Episode 1)

In a world already dominated by how many likes, followers and subscribers we have, Nosedive is one of those episodes that you can truly see being just over the horizon. It already feels as though our lives are run by the opinions of other people but how would we actually cope if that was our reality?

Seen it? Read this… (possible spoilers)

Do you agree with my top ten? Would you have included different episodes? Let me know.