Charlie Brooker's Black Mirror - Series 1 [DVD]

Charlie Brooker is known for his cynical and satirical yet highly humourous outlook on the world and in particular the media, both in his writing and in his televison shows. With "Black Mirror" he has proven that his writing is constantly improving and becoming sharper and that he can branch out from black comedy to dark and compelling drama. Not for the first time I know as he was also responsible for "Dead Set" too but this series is even better.
"Black Mirror" is a three part series which is very well written indeed and takes a not too distant look into the future in terms of politics, the entertainment industry and a new angle on infidelity in relationships.It also shines brighter still with some excellent acting performances from the likes of Rory Kinnear(Quantum Of Solace),Daniel Kaluuya(Psychoville)and Toby Kebbell( Dead Man's Shoes).
Kudos must also be given to Brooker's co-writers Jesse Armstrong(Four Lions) and Brooker's wife Konnie Huq for helping to put the final touches on what I thought was, along with "This Is England '88", the best British TV drama series of last year. If only TV would invest more in such thought provoking and intelligent shows rather than force feeding us mind numbing drivel like "Take Me Out" (Can you believe that was actually nominated for an award?)then I wouldn't be struggling to find good shows to watch so often.

Watching Black Mirror is a bit like seeing a horrific car crash. It's bleak, frightening, horrific; but somehow, you just can't look away. These three individual tales of a dark dystopian future are all equally compelling. The first is a twisted political fairytale, the second a commentary on reality TV and the third, a look at the way technology has started to impact on things we could hardly imagine, like memory. Each offer up a terrifying future not altogether unrealistic given our reliance on technology. Each tale is also tragic- nobody ends up happier or better off for using whatever technology is showcased.

I think the first episode was the most terrifying because it's set in the present day, and the technology that leads to the tragedy is freely available as I type. I also thought it was the most compelling episode, waiting to see whether or not the PM would have to commit the 'indecent act' and seeing the story unravel.

The second was, I think, the weakest. It's still fascinating because the concept is familiar; every year more and more reality TV shows are churned out for every 'skill' you can think of, and the idea of us as zombies glued to the TV screen is one bandied around in current media. When you think about it, the reality in this episode isn't exactly a million miles from now. Loved the judges from Hot Shots!

The third episode was the most intriguing concept to me. I hear that it's been optioned for a Hollywood film, which I think will be one I will go and watch to see how the concept of being able to replay memories with video clarity will play out in feature length. We've all cursed the fallibility of the human memory at least once. Wouldn't it be great if you could just rewind your thoughts and see where you left your keys? Maybe, but this episode showcases the perils of video-graphic memory to the extreme.

Thought provoking and shocking, I will definitely be watching the upcoming series 2.

At the time of me writing this, there's a single bad review which seems to be based on the shows failure to make the reviewer laugh. Was this ever billed as comedy? If so, that billing passed me by. Obviously, it's a question of taste, but I thought Black Mirror was disturbing and thought provoking in equal measure. I think running it down as too dark or not funny is like bemoaning the believability of your average Sly Stallone movie. It's missing the point.

If bleak, distopian drama which obliquely comment on the modern world is your bag, you'll appreciate this slice of inspired genius from the consistently inspiring Brooker.