Black Mirror Season 5 (2019)

One of the best TV shows today is the British anthology science fiction horror series Black Mirror. Each episode is like a stand alone mini movie which explores visions of how advancement in technology may be used in the future. Often the tale will show how the technology works against us with devastating results but sometimes an episode may provide some glimmer of hope for mankind. All these are thanks to the genius creative talent of Charlie Brooker who wrote practically all the stories. For the as yet uninitiated, the title "Black Mirror" actually refers to the screen of every computer display, handphone, or TV which looks like a black mirror when it is switched off.

We are now into season 5 already but sadly this year, the season only has three episodes. Having seen all three episodes back to back in eager anticipation, I have to report that two of these were excellent and in top "Black Mirror form" but one episode was regrettably, quite a disaster ...

Episode 1 "Striking Vipers" is an ambitious take on how virtual reality games can be taken to a different level with unexpected consequences on real life relationships. The whole episode was given a light hearted touch although it touches on very real issues. It had some great performances from the cast of familiar faces including Anthony Mackie (Avengers' Falcon), Judi Lin (Power Ranger's Zack), Pom Klementieff (Guardian of the Galaxy's Mantis without the feelers) and Yahya Abdul Mateen II (Aquaman's villain Black Manta). The names may not be familiar but their faces probably are to the regular movie fan. Its uncomfortable but weirdly positive conclusion, cap off what I consider as the best episode of the three.

Episode 2 "Smithereens" starts off being unique in that instead of being set sometime in the unknown future, the tale takes place in the present time! The episode belongs to Andrew Scotts who plays of role of an Uber driver that mysteriously takes a hostage to demand to speak to the head of a social media giant company. Andrew's performance is perfect and I dare say more than a tear will be shed so have your box of tissue paper ready. The episode shows how current technology can provide information about a person almost instantaneously and how such data is no longer privy to the law enforcement. One of the great things about this episode is that nobody ends up being painted as a villain here despite the violation of the law. All we have here are victims of the society and technology landscape that we all live in today. Another strong episode.

Episode 3 "Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too" has Miley Cyrus headlining the cast playing a young singing sensation who have to suffer under the mismanagement of her aunt. This episode is done firmly tongue in cheek and in the tradition of a kids caper comedy. In other words, it feels totally out of place with the preposterous and ridiculous plot. To be fare Miley Cyrus tried to make the best of her role but I kind of thought her toy robot self, named "Ashley Too" commanded more attention on screen.

End of the day two out of three hits is a lot better than what we can expect from many TV series today so Black Mirror Season 5 still comes across as highly recommended viewing.