Hated in the Nation

In my opinion, the third season of Black Mirror has been very shaky. Each episode has had its own major attributes and its own major flaws. This one is the least flawed of the season. And while it may not quite achieve the moral intensity of "men against fire" or the interpersonal chemistry of "San Junipero", these elements were strong enough to be serviceable, and much better balanced with each other. As a result, this is the most polished and watchable episode of the season.

The plot focuses on the investigation of the mysterious death of a hated journalist. While this starts out as a commentary on the social media age, it gradually builds in more futuristic elements until it is full-on science fiction horror. I was pleasantly surprised by just how dark and terrifying it got by the end of the episode. This was the right episode to put at the end of the season, and it is probably the strongest overall.

"Black Mirror" (2011) remains the best science fiction show on television; I'd rate the six-episode third season a perfect 10. The show continues to succeed at every level with its story concepts and their execution. And I think it's actually getting better.

It's getting darker and harder hitting, too. I'd guess that this season's blackmailing-hackers episode ("Shut Up and Dance") would be the one that the majority of viewers find the most disturbing. For some reason, the man-vs.-monster story of "Men Against Fire" is the one that really got under my skin.

I was surprised to learn that nearly all of "Black Mirror's" episodes are penned by series creator Charlie Brooker. I'm still surprised at how many clever ideas and lean, smart scripts could spring from one writer. I was so impressed that I looked Brooker up on Wikipedia -- but was surprised to discover I'm unfamiliar with nearly all of his other work. The one exception is "Dead Set" (2008) -- the truly fantastic British zombie horror miniseries that I've been recommending to friends for ages. That makes sense.

Anyway, I am fully and happily converted to "Black Mirror's" cult following, and I enthusiastically recommend it to people who ask about it. (The show's popularity is still growing -- I believe it appeals to the same kind of fans as those who flocked to the various iterations of "The Twilight Zone" and "The Outer Limits" of generations past.) But I might actually suggest that newcomers begin with the second or third season, rather than the first. Season 1 is terrific, but it's three episodes are more subtle and thematic, while the latter seasons follow a more conventional story structure that might better appeal to more mainstream audiences. (They have more satisfying twists and emotional payoffs, too.)

And a quick caveat -- I'll reiterate that this show is indeed dark. There is a strictly human element to most of "Black Mirror's" twists that is intended to surprise the viewer by provoking anxiety or dread. For a show that relies on technological story devices, it succeeds even more with its old fashioned psychological horror.

Hated in the Nation is such an episode. It shows a craft, a skill, an intelligence, and proves that story telling is indeed an art. The imagination behind this is nothing short of genius, almost every element stuns.

The fantastic story is equally matched by the superb performances, Kelly MacDonald and Elizabeth Berrington stand out for me, but everyone plays their part.

Anyone who wants to combine between investigation, technology and mystery let him watch this episode! I liked it too much! It's my favorite type <3 {spoiler}....I questioning why they didn't cover their ears, noses and mouths? I think that could save them!

Black Mirror always manages to enthrall and entertain, and every so often it manages something verging on utter brilliance, Hated in the Nation is such an episode. It shows a craft, a skill, an intelligence, and proves that story telling is indeed an art. The imagination behind this is nothing short of genius, almost every element stuns.

The fantastic story is equally matched by the superb performances, Kelly MacDonald and Elizabeth Berrington stand out for me, but everyone plays their part.

I don't want to imagine a world without bees.

Feature film feel and quality, this is one of the best. 10/10