The National Anthem

I can see why people are so pissed of with this episode? I get it. But giving 1 and 2 star to this episode is far from acceptable. There is a detestation club running on for this episode, sorely for the purpose of diminishing its rating.

While the core idea might seem implausible, its presented in such a neat way that it starts to look feasible. The narrative is very good, and most of the performances are also decent. The screenplay is clever and satirises sharply on obsession of technology and its ill effects.

With such type of preposterous idea the episode could have easily turned into an awful course, but deft direction makes sure that it's on point and stays witty and perspicacious. Yeah, the climax was a bit disappointing as the motive is not much very much compelling, but from the narrative and thematic point of view, it makes sense. The whole idea is to test whether a population would like to watch such an indecent act or not. And surprisingly, they do. That's what the whole point of the artist to show our obsession with technology and public figures. It also explores the fragility of society's mindset under such huge threats.

So, overall a very unique idea explored in an incandescent manner. A nice watch...

I would not go as far as writing that I "liked" this episode, but for sure it attracted my attention.

It works very well as a critique of a media-obsessed world, populated by hypocrites and voyeurs.

It also strikes very close to our present situation and due to its dark nature, it is distubing. Likable, not so much, but definitely attention-grabbing.

BC UK, quite clearly you're not one for viewing between the lines. The point of this film is not it's plot but it's implications for just how plausible this event is, and just how little privacy or control of information we have these days. It's an 'open your eyes' kind of film.

Superb acting, writing and camera-work. The choice of people to show as 'joe average's were well thought out and don't seem clichéd. Also the setup is genius in it's simplicity. Genuinely thought provoking TV.

My only criticism is of the ending which I think should have ended with the 'twist' regarding the kidnap, with the reaction from the PM's wife put beforehand. Then again I don't know how that could make chronological sense.

The National Anthem is a disturbing and thought-provoking exploration of modern society's relationship with media, power, and morality. It forces viewers to confront uncomfortable questions about the limits of human decency in the face of public spectacle and political crisis.

At its core, the episode examines how social pressure and media influence can shape public perception and dictate the actions of individuals, even in matters of extreme ethical consequence. It highlights the role of technology in amplifying collective hysteria and how quickly morality can become secondary to entertainment and voyeurism.

Beyond the political crisis at the heart of the episode, The National Anthem raises deeper concerns about the dehumanization caused by mass media. It suggests that in an age of instant information and viral trends, people can become more focused on the spectacle itself rather than the human cost behind it. The episode critiques the erosion of privacy and dignity in the digital era, making it unsettlingly relevant to contemporary society.

Ultimately, The National Anthem serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of mass manipulation and the fine line between reality and entertainment. It leaves viewers questioning their own role as passive consumers of media and whether society has become too desensitized to real human suffering. The episode challenges us to reflect on our values and the price of our collective curiosity in the digital age.

This is my opinion. Black Mirror is not for everyone.

The National Anthem was a great start for the series. Without any expectations, I was completely shocked by the unique story.

To get straight to the point however, I really appreciated how this episode put sneaky emphasis on the human condition. Despite all the chaotic scenes between the main characters, the main focus- to me- was the fictional audience that gathered and anticipated for the shame and cruelty. That was the punch of the episode. It makes you walk away from the t.v. and ponder on how we as a whole really are wicked.

Sure, I aim to be entertained. But it's a rare feeling to look at the world in a different perspective after a show. Black Mirror does just that. I recommend if you have time, keep watching!