All aboard the Black Mirror hype train! I’ve been hearing about this Channel 4 (UK) show since it hit Netflix Instant. Tons of praise is being thrown at it and after watching the six episodes in two days, I can see why.

The easiest way to describe Black Mirror is a modern day Twilight Zone that utilizes not-to-distinct-technology as the fulcrum of the story. Each episode is a contained tale with unique characters; there is no continuity so you can watch them in any order.

Black Mirror is so fascinating because each episodes starts in a unique and interesting way, with a certain technology spinning the characters into a crazy scenario. The ideas in this show are so cool, intense and thought provoking that I’m going to skirt around the real details of each. I think the show works best when you don’t know what’s going on and you see the twists and turns unfold in front of you. Half the fun is seeing how an episode ends. The technology is all stuff that’s in our near future. Bio-implants, various angles on social media, privacy and voyeurism, social justice, digital footprints and ghosts in the machine.

This so is so well cast, acted, directed and presented. The glimpses of what is quite possibly in our future and how they are presented make each story so believable. Right now it’s science fiction but in the next 20 years, much of what we see here could be science fact. It’s the best futurist stuff I’ve seen since watching the fantastic Her. There is some truly frightening stuff in here. It’s the kind of stuff that Luddites could point to and say, “See! This is what I’m talking about!” Also fair warning, this show isn’t for children. It’s low on violence, but there is sex, swearing and serious adult issues being discussed and examined.

Being a British programme, Black Mirror has very short seasons. Three episodes in two seasons (about 45 minutes each) and a Christmas special so far. I’ll give very brief impressions of each episodes.

The National Anthem: The Prime Minister is given a very uncomfortable ultimatum when one of the Royal family is kidnapped. This is a hell of a way to start a show.

Fifteen Million Merits: A take on talent television shows and popularity contests that I didn’t find that great. Easily the low point of the series for me.

The Entire History of You: Biological implants, the technology that will most likely follow the likes of Google Glass and the “smart” watches that are trying to get a foot hold now. What digital recording and always on internet connectivity could lead to. Amazing episode.

Be Right Back: This one is a fascinating and tough look at what our digital footprints could be used for…will we ever really die in the future? This one is an emotional ride.

White Bear: WOW! I’m not going to say any more. Watch this and hold on for dear life, it’ll twist your brain in knots. Probably my favorite, I didn’t see where this one was going at all.

The Waldo Moment: This one is an interesting political tale. I’d put this one in fifth place.

White Christmas: This is the holiday special that recently aired. I haven’t seen it yet, but it stars Jon Hamm, so it automatically gets a bonus point for having a bloke I know in it.

If you haven’t heard about this show yet, someone is going to bring it up to you very soon. Get in on it now so you can join in on the conversation!