Crocodile

The first two from series four have been very good, quality episodes, but this one puts Black Mirror firmly back at the top of the drama genre, this particular episode is unlike anything else I've ever seen. The story is mind blowing, and the delivery is sublime. Massive plaudits for every cast member, in particular Andrea Risborough, she is nothing else but spellbinding, an incredible performance from her. The ending was almost unwatchable, tragic and harrowing, delivered in a way that ties all parts of the plot together, all the minor incidents fit together nicely. Incredible, 10/10

The third episode in the fourth season of Black Mirror was Crocodile; it is an episode that shows the budget and scale that the show now has in its locations. Throughout the episode the selection and use of locations is impressive in the beauty of the Nordic landscape and even the use of interiors and specific places. Read any professional and amateur review and you'll find they all praise this. Part of the reason for that is that it is true, but the other reason is that the episode is unfortunately sufficiently lacking that this single aspect stands head and shoulders above the others.

In terms of technology and darkness, the episode has both - which is usually the core of these episodes working. In this case though, the technology is used to setup the scenario but there isn't really a feedback loop onto the technology as it is in the episode, and as it connects to us now. This lack of connection to the device weakens the episode, but what makes it not work is that the darkness is so pointlessly bleak, and the lead character seems single-minded without any hook for the viewer to try to connect to her actions or feelings. Instead we see characters murdered without involvement - only watching. It is surprisingly dull in this regard, and is pretty disappointing in all ways apart from the scenery.

A decently written episode, but they do the brain implant/virtual reality theme absolutely to death.

It's my biggest qualm with later seasons, they just do episode after episode of the exact same thing. One of the earlier seasons' greatest strength is the variety of tech themes that they explore. The implications of brain implants/VR are interesting, but there's an inherent lack of creativity on the writers' part by falling back on it over and over again.

It's almost guaranteed that 3/4 new episodes are going to be brain implants/VR.

I am amazed at the negative reviews; this is a train wreck episode and I mean that in a good way. It is compelling television- The twist is not something you would expect and maybe some of these haters just didn't like it- The setting in Iceland is stark and it is a brutal story. Brilliant.

I am very shocked at the number of derogatory comments about this episode. I thought it was excellent. Black Mirror is fictional drama, it's not real life and the posters who are questioning the logic of the programme really are missing the point. Logistics and technology out of the equation, it really is just confirming that bad things can get progressively worse when not addressed properly. I thought the acting was superb, the location of filming was isolated and desperate (like the main character) and I would say this is my second favourite Black Mirror after San Junipero.