Bête Noire

Bête Noire is an episode that builds up incredibly well to its final conclusion. While it is somewhat predictable in a few moments, it still manages to deliver a suspenseful and gripping experience from start to finish. The atmosphere is tense, the pacing is strong, and the ideas it explores are genuinely interesting - More interesting than any episode from last seasons Red Mirror Episodes.

My only real complaint is that the ending felt a bit silly compared to the stress and pressure the rest of the episode built up. Still, it seems fitting-the message being that unlimited power can eventually turn someone into exactly what they despise.

Overall, it was a fun and thought-provoking watch, my hoodie has bite marks all over it now. Definitely standing out above last season's average.

In Bête Noire, the second episode of Black Mirror Season 7, the narrative delves into the unsettling intersection of technology, memory, and personal trauma. The story follows Maria, a high-ranking executive at a confectionery company, whose life is disrupted by the reappearance of Verity, a former schoolmate. Verity's arrival coincides with a series of inexplicable alterations in Maria's reality, leading her to question the nature of her experiences and memories.

As the plot unfolds, it is revealed that Verity possesses a device-a pendant connected to a "quantum compiler"-that allows her to manipulate reality, effectively rewriting the world around her. This power enables Verity to exact revenge for past grievances, blurring the lines between victim and perpetrator. Maria's struggle to reclaim her sense of self and reality becomes a poignant exploration of the impact of unresolved trauma and the ethical implications of wielding such transformative technology

Bête Noire challenges viewers to consider the consequences of altering reality to serve personal narratives. It raises critical questions about the morality of using technology to reshape the world according to individual desires, especially when such actions infringe upon the autonomy and experiences of others. The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the seductive nature of control and the potential for technology to exacerbate, rather than heal, psychological wound

If given the power to rewrite reality, would you use it to heal your past-or to make others suffer for it?

I'm gonna go a bit clairvoyant here and say that you rewound or will rewind back to near the beginning once you hit roughly sixteen minutes and forty five seconds..

Am I correct? Then be sure to hit the thumbs up lol.

A good episode, and seemed so much like real life in parts, for someone who suffers from a severe condition. I genuinely think you need to be in an extremely happy mood before you start this season, only 2 episode in and it's a bit depressing or is it? Lol.

Really had 'Inside No 9' vibes, so obviously that made me like it even more.

Amazing as always, I don't know how Charlie Brooker keeps being so consistent with each series. Brilliant plot, acting and premise. Again adding to the masterpiece that is Black Mirror!!

There was a real sense of anticipation as I watched this episode-it builds nicely, with believable characters set in a competitive work environment that feels grounded and relatable. While it does lack a bit of subtlety in how the antagonist is introduced, and the plot moves at a rapid pace, there are still enough "ooh" moments to keep you engaged along the way.

Unfortunately, the final act completely unravels. The ending feels rushed, undercooked, and veers dangerously into something almost Benny Hill-esque-if that's even a thing! It was such a jarring tonal shift after the promising set-up.

That said, the acting throughout is solid, and the performances deserved a more thoughtful resolution. It's hard not to wonder if the whole thing was hurried out to meet a deadline, because the climax feels like it skipped a few drafts. A strong start, but ultimately a frustrating finish that left me disappointed.

This is the tragic season episode I honestly regret watching. The episode begins with a promising build-up, giving the illusion of depth and intrigue. But just when it seems like the story is going somewhere meaningful, it collapses under the weight of its own concept. The sci-fi angle feels forced and ultimately breaks apart, leaving little to reflect on. I can imagine some viewers finding value in its ambition, but it's definitely not for me. What I love about Black Mirror is its ability to make you question society, ethics, and technology. This felt like a throwaway idea with a flat, uninspired ending. Easily one of the worst episodes of the series, right alongside episode 4, "Plaything." Very disappointing.