I have never understood this kind of rant when it comes to Black Mirror. Why does the definition of the show have to be so narrow? Why can't there be some horror-based episodes? Why can't there be some episodes that don't rely upon the danger of ever-evolving technology as its theme? Loch Henry and Demon79 were my favorite episodes of Season 6, and, yes, they may have departed from the original theme, but who cares?
I think back to The Twilight Zone. There were some episodes that dealt with extremely progressive science fiction, like episodes that took place in the future or in outer space. Then there were very small episodes that took place in rural towns or the Old West. That classic with William Shatner (Terror at 60,000 Feet) was horror, not sci-fi. But just as each subgenera of Twilight Zone had their adherents, why can't Black Mirror possess varying themes that appeal to a varying audience?
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congratsihateyou (3)
10 months ago
Because that is literally how the show describes itself? "An anthology series exploring a twisted, >>>high-tech<<< multiverse where humanity's greatest innovations and darkest instincts collide."
If you go into a bar that from the outside advertises itself as "beer bar" and you go in and you find out they only serve wine you are going to be disappointed. They set themselves up for this. They should've just started a new IP, but Hollywood figured out that riding on the coattails of already established IPs is way easier.
I didn't even hate this season; i thought it was fairly great except for episode 1. I enjoyed all the episodes, but it wasn't what i expected of Black Mirror. It felt more like an American Horror Story spin off sometimes. If i had to rate them as Black Mirror episodes they would all be below 5 stars. If i would rate them without the Black Mirror IP in mind i would probably on average give the entire season an 8.
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CalvinJarrett (287)
10 months ago
Your bar analogy is an interesting one, congratsihateyou. I would ask you this follow-up question:
If the bar is old, often times there will be a Lowenbrau or Schlitz sign out front. Once you enter, however, you find that the establishment hasn't carried Lowenbrau, Schlitz, or whatever the signage indicates for 10-15 years. Do you punish the bar by leaving because they never took down that sign and are guilty of false advertising? Or do you recognize that a multiyear tavern like a multiyear TV show goes through changes from its original presentation and stay to order/watch something from their current menu?
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123Guy (6314)
10 months ago
The Simpsons didn't stop being about the Simpsons after all this time.
The show literally describes what we were after and then mostly doesn't deliver that. Shame.
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Boricanator (1376)
9 months ago
I would punish the bar by not giving it anymore of my business. If they say they have something I want and then don’t have it, why should they get my business?
A TV show needs to stick to what it is. If it can’t do that, then it needs to end. A new TV show can start with new stories.
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CalvinJarrett (287)
9 months ago
The market speaks in both taverns and television. If enough people feel the way you do, Boricanator, the bar will close or the series will end. For the sake of Black Mirror, I hope there are a few other fans like me who are more forgiving to the producers/writers. Hopefully, there will be a market for Black Mirror for many years to come.
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123Guy (6314)
10 months ago
I don't find it's normal position narrow at all. Maybe they need more writers?
But not doing what it normally promises is not a good idea at all. It's nothing like what the viewers fans want or expect.
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