Black Mirror Analysis | The National Anthem

I have just acquired Sony Vegas, the quality of the editing could have been a lot better, but I'm still getting the hang of it. In the words of George R R Martin, this one was a bitch and a bastard.
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[@OfficialAndies]

Wait a minute, this was made in 2011? Just watched today and it feels so fresh and relevant

[@PeterKuypers]

Ehrm: 2011 is ONLY 6 YEARS AGO...

[@StephonZeno]

Many things can happen within the span of six years

[@anallyons1262]

Lol I know, right?

[@AndreasTabuMuntu]

It was actually shot in 2009. Cause Daniel Kaluuya recently mentioned that that's when he shot his episode. And he was in Season 1.

[@PschocatIII]

he predicted piggate

[@jamieklein8269]

I love the detail that before the act happened on television, everybody was smiling and laughing, as if it was a funny situation. However, once it started happening, everybody realized how disgusting it was and how messed up the situation actually was.

[@sandwich1997]

when i saw my own reflection on the phone after watching that first episode i fell in a deep depression

[@_bakeneko_2370]

Angel Frechel It's even worse when you're watching porn... So I've heard

[@OhHeBustin]

_Bakeneko_ nice save

[@danielaortegacarrera]

Angel Frechel me too...i felt nauseated

[@julia-kk7zi]

Same

[@londontipton9535]

relax

[@saltysatan4299]

I watched this one day when I was bored, and this episode gave me a terrible feeling deep in my stomach. It just made me feel terrible. That feeling kept me interested in the rest of the series.

[@spongeebobby9248]

Wow same. The writers really were geniuses

[@philosophicphloetry6495]

Black mirrors in the occult are used for Scrying. A Technique used to view the future. The show envisions possible futures. But the broken phone reflection thing is not bad too :D

[@davidbennett60]

Black Mirror is where your digital device runs out of battery and its time to go to bed.

[@speakswithtrees]

The music that plays is the instrumental of Artificial Death in The West by Death Grips for anyone who's wondering.

[@hamzailarzeg]

Great analysis, although you missed the final part in which the kidnapper hangs himself after proving his point, and showing that he actually cut off his own finger rather than the princess's, and Alex admitting that the terrorist got what he wanted. Also, the unexpected wife reaction at the very end.

[@meegan8416]

God just thinking about this episode makes me sick

[@aidanculverfilms]

The reason the show is called black mirror is because technology screens we look at can be the cause of a darker future. Meaning everyone will not have a grip on reality and nobody will know how to social interact with others. The word “black” in black mirror represents something being dark and messed up. The word “mirror” means the screens on the technology that is possibly leading us toward a world of despair and corruption.

[@attckonutube]

Interesting question, it means a lot of things really. Of course theres the screen metaphor, about how screened technology is a literal Black Mirror. Then theres also the idea that the show holds a mirror up to society and due to the shows somewhat cynical nature its a Black Mirror. And oh my god that was brilliant, seriously everything I hoped and more. I was interested to see this side of you. Sort of Analytical and interpretive type stuff and you knocked out of the damn park mate.

[@HarrysMovingMedia]

Thanks man, hope you're getting your money's worth. ;) Next Black mirror should be done by next week.

[@HarrysMovingMedia]

Thanks man, hope you're getting your money's worth. ;) Next Black mirror should be done by next week.

[@finnfinity9711]

I watched this episode after Shut up and Dance (WARNING SPOILER) so I thought that similar to the ending of that episode, we would find out that the Prime Minister is actually into bestiality and the terrorists were aware of that. Then in the livestream everyone would witness that he enjoyed the process.

[@babi8026]

when we finally turn our laptops, tvs and phones off at the end of the day we see our reflexion, almost faded, sitting on a black mirror

[@sherrysicle4341]

I feel like he should have talked about the consequences & also mention a bit about how it affected the prime minister's relationship with his wife

[@donutsueme5937]

I don't think that people in the comments section understand their using technology rn..

[@NoName-dd5vq]

The fans do not understand that this has nothing to do with technology. It has to do with HOW people use technology.

[@thewhovianwithasmallcollec7319]

I think black mirror means flipped universe a universe that can't flip if we all stand on the same route (or side) and it can keep flipping till it breaks and crumbles hence the crack in the opening titles

[@amyfan1997]

Wait..why was that "its time to go in" line so brilliant? Can someone explain?

[@franciscoverdugo4021]

Bc its time to go in/ inside the pig

[@KayeMusume]

We have nothing to fear but ourselves.

[@patricktolentinas2290]

Does anyone here knows the name of the actor who played Carlton Bloom? I can't stop thinking about it 'coz I saw him in other movies. Thanks

[@906087]

Black Mirror means a reflection of yourself that's exclusively of our dark side. Nothing complex about that.

[@lauraliedke6868]

To me, the title “Black Mirror” essentially is the show letting us know that it’s content is a dark reflection of our world’s future/present based on the current state we’re in.

[@obi-wankenobi6197]

gov: tryna stop the pig thing without fricking pig the internet: haha he get pig aids

[@Virtualism]

The poster spooked me.

[@SunBleachedGhost]

The show seems interesting and all, but it seems a little too "technology is bad, fire is scary, hurr durr, Thomas Edison was a witch" for me

[@SE_Lin]

I find that to be the overall message of the show but it does occasionally dabble with some more complex themes of transhumanism and a handful of episodes are really good in this aspect and great individual stories in their own right. It's only a handful though. Honestly, I think every concept it explores someone heavily invested in technology for some time would have considered themselves or already seen explored long ago in something else. It is a good show, it's very well made and the acting is consistently great. It just doesn't have that "Ooomph" to it that something like GitS or Blade Runner has to me. Blade Runner is a bleak dystopian cyberpunk film yet it feels far less critical of technology than Black Mirror. That's because it uses technology going wrong as a mere backdrop for what the film is actually about and trying to say about humanity. I find Black Mirror incessantly beats the message of "technology could go bad" over the viewers head without saying much of anything about what that means, this isn't always the case and that's when the show is at it's best, but I also think much of it's praise is a bit unwarranted. Like this episode saying something incredibly profound about society for example.

[@hannahschu9664]

Can you recommend some of your favourite episodes? I didn't really enjoy the first two (shame on me, I know), but I'd like to give the show another chance.

[@SE_Lin]

+Hannah Schü I actually recommend picking it up where you left off with the finale of Series 1 "The Entire History of You". Others I'd personally recommend are White Christmas, Playtest, Be Right Back and The Waldo Moment. In the new Series 4 two episodes stood out to me as really great; USS Callister and Hang the DJ.

[@hannahschu9664]

Alright, thank you very much :) I will try these, maybe I will find a connection to them easier ^-^

[@SE_Lin]

+Hannah Schü You're welcome I'm happy to help : )

[@NarutoGantaStar9]

Is the 15 Million Merits Review not avaliable anymore? Really wanted to watch that

[@rantoons]

I think Black Mirror means " Not being able to look at yourself in your own darkness". each episode consists of an individual who basically has morals but breaks them without even knowing until after it was too late. now they cannot look themselves in the mirror, making Black Mirror, there reflection is now being looked as darkness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TheLais17]

I was sold when arcade fire started playing

[@techtezza]

I came here looking if anyone had this thought and hoping the video would share this same opinion with me. Before i watched your video and right after watching the end scene of episode one and how the ministers ratings tripled afterwards i was thinking it was a political scandal and the minister and his party orchestrated the whole thing to increase the ministers ratings as he was possibly unpopular before. i thought the wife was angry coz she initially was for the plan but became disgusted after it went through. The artist who committed suicide was probably disgusted with this world and ended his life and the prime ministers office blamed it on him to make the whole thing believable

[@mikahong]

While the concept of the episode, protest art, is not new, black mirrors point was. People love being an audience of ANYTHING. It's easy for them to shit on what they see via comments, hashtags, and being hypocritical in the process. The artists dies but he proved his point.

[@Ramiroflores13579]

Heyyy nice background music, I love Death Grips !

[@nikijpeg]

I LOVE THESE VIDEOS

[@elainecampbell5277]

It means looking into your phone or tv off.

[@Sean-no3zv]

Only thing I hate about this show are the pseudo intellectuals it seems to appeal the most to. “Ooooh, my iPhone is like, bad. It’s like, a black mirror. Sofuckingdeepimlikesocrates”

[@CatouriSimonetteXBoo]

Everyone is calling the wife a b****, but tbh I would've felt the same way too. I would've lost respect for him. Some may argue that he was trying to look out for his family but really, in a sort of ironic fashion, he was looking out for his own image by agreeing to do a disgusting act. Its like being a puppet. He should've kept his original attitude at the beginning of the show-unthinkable. He was so busy trying to please that he ended up hurting his wife. The one that was most important. He was married to HER, not the princess, not the media, but her.

[@74kross]

I dont agree I got the idea that they were truly threatening his family if something did happen to the princess. Wife was a old bitch.

[@franciscoverdugo4021]

The wife was a straight up cunt

[@SwamiEpstein]

Artificial death instrumental - nice

[@THENBASTORYTELLER]

ready to explode in the viewers face... I'll take that as foreshadowing

[@byron33333]

I Appreciate Artificial Death at the start of the video

[@tolaelemo4751]

Me and my bestfriend watched this episode together and we now have this sick joke where we say your the pig to my prime minister.....we're some sick children.

[@UKdontmindme]

I just noticed at 1:28 artificial death in the west is playing. As if that song isn't cryptic enough you had to relate it to black mirror lol

[@Ikramabukar]

Does anyone know WHAT the double meaning of that line is?

[@BangGoesThePistol]

Ikram Abukar Time to go in (the pig)

[@cheytahhh]

Hey, this is awesome analysis,may I translate this to Russian and upload my channel?

[@morgankayex]

I hated his wife in this. All she cared about is what people thought of her and not what her husband was going through

[@nashthrashington9749]

Great point! Much like most of the people in the episode. They like to have a good image and pretend they care, but they are ugly on the inside.

[@fjames69]

Seems like a typical wife to me

[@williammickelson403]

especially the ending when she looks at him in disgust as she walks away

[@Jerseydre2]

Just got done watching this. Im glad im not the only one who thought this. Lol

[@weloveblackpink6383]

Frank James yeah because you’ve met every married woman on planet earth

[@shesaidhi]

the meaning behind this episode wasn’t just an ungrateful wife. Most of people forget that it’s about people being so obsessed with the show part. Nobody actually cared about princess,the kidnapper let her out because he knew that people wouldn’t be looking for her before live,they would all gather to watch the show,because that’s what people are. They pretend to care,but the truth is that they all want entertainment

[@vjth2969]

Killer is like a nolan joker

[@trinity4827]

The fact that people watch this ep and all they care about it's the wife being "ungrateful" without making any effort to understand the nuances shows us how much we need more wake up calling stories like these.

[@aislingoneill5791]

Jesus that poster to advertise black mirror is terrifying

[@jetoyeandrews9820]

Aisling Ó Néill it made me so uncomfortable I skipped hat whole part

[@stolkey2553]

Aisling Ó Néill ikr

[@roronoaz4lyfe1947]

How

[@noorfatimakhan9537]

I couldn't stand looking at ot for more than 2 secs! And cIm alone in my room at 3 am. Depressed & scared at the same time

[@allroundlad]

It's really not that bad lol. It looks goofy

[@portercarr7197]

This episode made me sad I feel so bad for the Prime Minister.

[@dseanthekhan]

Porter Carr In an Easter egg video of season 4 it said he’s kicked out of a zoo and possibly banned.

[@mariereveron431]

​@@dseanthekhan Which episode and minute?

[@dseanthekhan]

Marie Reveron I think it’s that puppet one but if not then just look it up. I kinda forgot

[@pardivuspodcast]

You shouldn’t.

[@pointysidedown]

What about the poor pig? She didn't even get an explanation

[@MrFrankcap]

There's also the detail that everything just stops when the scandal comes to light. The guy who wakes up with his girlfriend and then the workers at an actual hospital, for example. The guy wakes up at 11 AM with his girlfriend. she goes to work to the hospital so let's say she arrives 11:40. That means that the guy stayed in bed and the workers at a hospital stood in front of the t.v, watching the news until 4 Pm, keeping them almost hypnotized and making them forget about what they should actually be doing/being more productive, and the end shows that with the princess collapsing on a place which is usually crowded, only to be found by two people who were being productive by going out and exercising.

[@mariacandiadayot9221]

you are brilliant

[@interestpoison]

still brilliant

[@ChatPOPPAT]

Aren't we all doing the same thing here? I see nobody asking the REAL QUESTION... given that an innocent life at stake, would u fuck a pig on film?

[@gorgeouspotahto]

Yes you are right. And I think that's the point that the kidnapper wanted to make. That after a certain point it wasn't about the princess anymore, it was more about how secretly everyone was almost eager to watch the horrendous act. That is why he let the princess go well before the act.

[@savagedragon79]

MrFrankcap this is something I would take the day off work for. They said it would be a serious felony if you recorded shared or possess it after that day.

[@XChezmaniaX]

Black mirror is meant to be what we see everyday, it's the reflection of our phones, computers, or tvs right before we use them, we stare at black mirrors throughout our life that usually represent a different side of us.

[@sunbaby1190]

XChezmaniaX I like your interpretation

[@shimmipenguin1764]

XChezmaniaX So you also saw that interview or that top ten video?

[@ridofchris]

XChezmaniaX omg

[@チヱ]

Jokes on you, my monitor is anti-glare.

[@LuvMyTeddiez]

wow so deep. technology is the devil, thomas edison was a witch.

[@arelibautista3906]

this episode traumatized me for life

[@sahin5051]

Areli Bautista, certainly 1 of the most disturbing episodes of black mirror. But what I don't understand is that how is it that so many people, inclusive of my friends, feel traumatized by it?? Could u say specifically, which portions/scenes traumatized u, so to help me understand better?

[@GrubHuncher]

Fushion It wasn't over an hour, it was like 5 hours lmfao

[@ryanscottnix]

I think they specifically mention in the episode that the broadcast lasted an hour.

[@circle7489]

I can't seem to find these episodes extremely disturbing but disturbing nonetheless.

[@lordhecate]

Me

[@ChelseaWAdams]

I also think it's interesting to consider that by announcing that the video would be made illegal the next day, the government essentially ensured that every single person would watch as it happened. There were several of the "citizen" characters throughout who made comments about how they couldn't even think about watching it, it made them sick to think about it, etc. However, as soon as word gets around that the video will soon be outlawed, it becomes a different historic event. It's something you can't miss because you'll never get the chance to see it again. You'll miss out on this awful, unbelievable moment, and you can't do that. I think if the government hadn't announced that and, instead, had simply announced after the fact that owning, viewing, distributing, etc. the video *was* now illegal (not "will be tomorrow"), that perhaps fewer people would have watched and seen. Sure, it never would have been completely eradicated. But it's possible that the near-perfect turnout for the viewing may have been slightly less. The government essentially ensured that every citizen would see what the government was hoping they wouldn't.

[@anallyons1262]

Very well said

[@Evija3000]

Another example of how the government is out of touch with reality here.

[@DanielReibold]

The people were already there watching before it was announced illegal the next day ... they announced it like seconds before he fucked the pig everybody who wouldn't have watched it wasn't able to hear that its illegal so they would have never known

[@feliperuiz4884]

Yeah! It's like when you tell a person to not push the red button and they become more tempted to do so.

[@Raycevick]

Great analysis. I've been waiting for someone to breakdown Black Mirror and now that it's been gaining the traction it deserves, someone's now examining it up close. I'll be watching the rest of these for sure. Keep up the great work!

[@arnoldjohn8755]

Raycevick tttt

[@lordgrym1432]

Raycevick g

[@alanguages]

The big plot hole was why didn't they analyse the finger immediately to confirm if it was the princess? They would have known it was a bluff.

[@BruceCinema1337]

Love your work Ray

[@circle7489]

alanguages probably would've taken a while

[@kgd9725]

If such a situation does come close to occurring in real life the PM would just resign . No politician no matter how hard pressed would do it . They would either resign and flee the country (easiest solution ) or just give a lengthy speech regarding not giving into terrorism and use all intelligence , police and military forces to hunt down the princess dead or alive .The PM isn't legally required to save anyone by giving into terrorism. And you are also forgetting one thing as technology is becoming more advanced so is the strength of the government. Do you think MI6 and MI5 would remain with prehistoric tech as the world progresses light years ? Already governments extensively spy on citizens and would still do it in the future . No matter how powerful the internet becomes The State would still be more powerful and those in charge would burn the country to the ground if needed instead of giving in to public frenzy .

[@hyethga]

Exactly. Up until the very end of the film I was expecting him to give a defiant speech in front of the camera and tell the public that he doesn't negotiate with terrorists and then exit the room. And maybe he then institutes some draconian law which could get people thinking on how willing they are to forfeit their freedoms for security. Instead the writers thought they could just treat out the audience with a bestiality scene. This was the first and last episode of Black Mirror I watched.

[@seandafny]

Well they was tryna make it seem like even if he resign his family wouldnt be safe because of public opinion and niggas would be out to get him since the princess blood on his hands. he honestly should have jus called his allies.

[@bruhh3468]

KGD maybe in the US but in the UK they bend over to terrorists

[@bruhh3468]

hyethga believe me I seen em all and this is the only episode that is literally disgusting, every other episode is actuallly pretty good and I hope u watch em!!

[@VaultTec30000]

The princess will die, a nation will never cooperate with any terrorist! If they cooperate this time more will come in the future. Hence I find this episode extremely stupid and unrealistic. Bunch of plot holes and bugs...

[@l.tc.5032]

I find it hard to believe everyone would watch it. I'm pretty sure there'd be some people too disgusted to watch. Or maybe they'd respect the PM enough to not watch. Not all humans are this calluous.

[@kaded_]

L. T C. Yeah that's one the biggest flaw with this episode imo. They didn't really need to have more than a billion people watch the broadcast, the damage would still be done the same with less than half that number.

[@Evija3000]

First, it's satire so it exaggerates. Secondly there were some people on the streets, like the couple that found the princess. Third, the video would be outlawed the next day, so many probably thought it's the only time they could see this almost historic event.

[@cinnamonbunny1509]

I would watch

[@yeon1573]

ikr, seeing those people who watch and recorded it makes me feel disgusting. like, i would have turn off the tv and do something productive

[@unhumanized]

I agree not everyone would watch but it sows that not everyone watched.. I feel like a lot more people would watch even if they are *moral* they would'nt want to miss a historic event.

[@MastigosAtLarge]

Great episode! I wish you had discussed what it says that people were so willing and eager to watch a video of a man being raped and forced to commit a rape.

[@sigmaboi2946]

Hayley M Our mode of entertainment may have changed but it still screams sex and violence. No wonder why people of the old times enjoyed watching gladiators fight to the death. Now we have liveleaks.

[@StardustEarthing]

Excactly my thoughts. The people's excitement to see an innocent animal being raped was the most disgusting and disturbing thing about this episode.

[@vingram100]

Finally! So few people mention this. I can’t watch the episode because of it. I tell most people to avoid these types of episodes, there’s no value in it.

[@jessasynister5745]

V Ingram shut up cry baby goddamn

[@jesuschrist1665]

V Ingram what the fuck never tell anyone to skip an episode unless it's really bad

[@SaintsAwayOllie]

I also love the mother son scenario where the son knew exactly what was going on through his phone. Whereas the mother was still unsure relying on TV for her information.

[@lewisoakes7717]

Despite the fact the president was shown fucking a pig, I thought the worst part of the series of events was the fact she was set free thirty minutes before the pig fucking began. In the end no matter what choice the president made he'll still end up with negative results on the media even if the princess was set free knowingly afterward. For examples, if he didn't fuck the pig and the princess was found he would still get hate because he still risked the princesses own life over him not having sexual intercourse with a pig. Secondly, the worst part would be the fact it shows after the credit what happens an entire year later. The media still hasn't forgiven him for what he's done but not only this but neither has his wife. In fact on the episode "White Christmas" you can see on the news screen that they had a divorce.

[@samiraelamri2759]

Lewis Oakes no he could've said that he knew she was set free and that they he to make sure there wouldn't be any bombs under the bridge for example. So they had to check out the perimeters first. With PR you can spin anything. But I wouldn't do it if I was him, first rule in politics, don't negotiate with terrorists.

[@reegankay9799]

Lewis Oakes prime minister.

[@astrowiz3544]

Actually, the media is praising him for his elevated approval score at the end. His wife is the one who's still damaged at the end. It shows that beyond all the smiling for cameras and media approval, the prime minister's real personal life has been shattered, his black mirror reflecting only the event that had occured, in his wife's eyes.

[@slenderfoxx3797]

Astral Cosmos Celestial the Third I don't see why his wife is having so much issues

[@misterxxxxxxxxx1]

@@slenderfoxx3797 cause he had his dick inside a pig!

[@alonthekiller]

i was actually more interested on why the kidnapper killed himself

[@EZ-IZZY1995]

Alon.a my guess is that he actually wasn’t a “bad guy.” He wanted to believe the best in humanity but alas humanity disappointed him. He was depressed. He let her go 30 minutes before the broadcast and NOBODY knew about it for a long time. Humanity itself were the monsters and I don’t think he could bear to live among them.

[@takemuramikuo5416]

@@EZ-IZZY1995 Yeah, I thought pretty much the same. Maybe he didn't want that to happen after all. He just wanted to cause the biggest political scandal of all time as some kind of message and nothing else. I mean, the finger thing wasn't real and was his. And he released Sussanah thirty minutes earlier. I guess he was hoping they would realize and stop it in time but watching it happen made him lose his mind and faith in humanity. Or maybe he just killed himself to avoid justice because he knew he would be discovered sooner or later.

[@tafndemera9550]

People would watch the PM rape a pig over admiring and paying for the kidnapper's art. He's hurt.

[@user-ut7kx2jw3j]

i can't fucking believe y'all defending that "artist" even if he hurt her or not he still kidnapped her and terrorized her and her family. Fuck him hope he burns in hell I felt so bad for Michael

[@elerillewellyn2654]

I thought he just didn't want to be captured.

[@thotrot8262]

One thing I’ve yet to see mentioned is the lighting in this episode. The government is always shown in a bleak grey blue light while the audience and media are shown in a bright yellowish light. Once the act is actually being done and shown, the light for the reactors gets progressively more grey blue. At the end of the episode things are bright again. This basically showing the opinion of things through colors. The government thinks it’s a heavy situation and aren’t joking around or talking it good at all so it has a heavy lighting The audience thinks it’s funny and has a more cheerful yellow light. As the PM is fucking the pig the audience is hit in the face with “this is real” and finally understands the severity, the colors get darker every time they are shown reacting to it. The end of the episode is bright again, showing that it’s over and it’s all fun again but with the wife ignoring the PM it’s shown that it’s just a lie

[@politure]

I really don't know why people are explaining the meaning behind the 'black mirror' title as if the video doesn't straight up explain it near the beginning of the video.

[@8LiterallyJustTheNumber8]

Lint because the poster asked yhe viewers to give their opinion

[@oscarquiros9848]

Lint it’s in our nature to wanna hear different opinions

[@Leiake2604]

All fine and dandy. But since the series focuses on what technology does to our society I think the explanation given in the video is the correct one. It is a strong image and it pushes the audience to have a look at themselves. I think it's very thought provoking that way.

[@BijouluvsJewels1234]

Because if you watched the whole thing, the disembodied voice asked us to interpret it

[@aangpearce2700]

when you switch your phone off or your TV off all you get is a black mirror

[@Brandon-rq3ys]

Exactly!!

[@artemicionkupo4367]

My guess is that black mirror means Dark Reflections. Specifically the human condition.

[@larscorneliussen8252]

Or an iphone without power.

[@Likeitornot91]

Or practically any screen that's not on.

[@EvoBeDevo]

It's funny because his answer is technically true. The "black mirror" is the surface of our phone/TV/etc, the reflection we see in it when it's turned off. Confirmed in an interview with the creator.

[@brandonlivega]

That is probably more than obvious, but I think what he meant is that the screens themselves reflect the darkness of the human condition.

[@xskavxa437]

technology is a black mirror because it's both a literal black mirror (a pixel screen) and a metaphorical one, as it enhances our most dark and primitive instincts

[@Chico50445]

This episode is very underrated. I hear a lot of people recommend this show to others, and recommend to skip this episode, but I disagree with that recommendation entirely. I think people get too caught up with how disgusting the idea is of fucking a pig, that they forget what this episode is truly about, and that perhaps it does need something that disgusting to stress the point that this kind of blackmail could happen with the way people treat real issues in comment sections

[@spiritofslumber]

I still don't get the line about not being able to protect the safety of the pm and his family, it was nonsensical.

[@jacquelinegoodman5243]

No that half of the episode was such a turn off and just so fucked up. Had I watched this episode first I never would have watched another episode.

[@anallyons1262]

Agreed

[@anallyons1262]

Jacqueline Goodman lol I watched this one first and I believe the creators aired it as the first episode for a reason

[@rachelc3535]

I would suggest skipping it due to emotional reasons over it being disgusting. I watched the episode and it was very well done. But I will never rewatch it, nor could I make it through this recap. It's a horrible thing to do to a person for so many reasons. It's humiliating, uncomfortable, unhealthy, and ruined his entire marriage.

[@boxbreaker2011]

I felt soooo bad for the PM...dude didn’t deserve that, and in the end his wife acted the way she did which absolutely made me hate her!

[@RapCritic]

Holy shit, that's REALLY good. Cause like, no one was REQUIRED to watch the video, so if people just ignored it and went about their lives, the kidnapped would have been found immediately by whoever was able to drop her off on that bridge without being seen. (Unless there was some sort of curfew that required everyone to stay inside that I missed? But that can't be, because there were people in bars, weren't there?) Also, the fact that they got away with it is the most unsettling thing. Reminds me of the Max Headroom DR. Who interruption. Like, that guy could be A N Y B O D Y. And while you and I don't know, there's SOMEONE out there who knows that they did it, and it's entirely up to them whether or not the world will know their secret.

[@rileykreg2033]

did not expect to see your ass here but what’s good? hella late doe

[@king_big_pp]

Great analysis. It brought to light some things I hadn't considered, like governments futile attempt to control the flow of information. But it didn't touch on other things, like how technology desensitizes the average person to the point where basic humanity and decency are almost gone.Not a knock on OP, he does a better job talking about this show than I ever could. I'm just saying there's so much to explore in each episode and it's fantastic to discover it all.

[@truthhertz10]

I have no love for the government, but if this really happened I'd hope the people would stand in solidarity with the politician and not watch the bloody thing...

[@SCHRODINGERS_WHORE]

Wow, I'm an anarchist.i agree fully, I would have weeped for my country.that shit was horrendous and awful for everyone.

[@dragonskunkstudio7582]

I thought Black Mirror is a a show about the darker side of humanity and this is a show that reflects that with its fiction.

[@GallowglassVT]

Dragon Skunk It's really hard to give it a single message. Tbh, it's probably better that way since it might very well do the show a disservice. It's one of the best pieces of television I've seen because it poses a thousand questions and answers none of them.

[@LOLWAAHH]

Favorite line was at the beginning when, after the PM asked what the 'playbook' was to handle the situation, one of the politicians in the room respond with something like "there's no playbook. This is all *virgin* territory", which was probably the most telling foreshadowing line in the whole episode. Virgin territory referring literally to the sexual act, and perhaps the media/internet never encountering something so absurd as this before, the government having to also deal with something so unfamiliar, and the ending, where the artist had done all of it as a new form of political statement, a statement that worked.

[@blazingfire_0712]

Alphamikee whats the statement though? For me, pig represents capitalism. Idk

[@madmanmoviemitch]

This episode put me off ever wanting to be a politician 😂😂😂

[@yellinghayfire4935]

I felt the most bad for the pig

[@anallyons1262]

Smh

[@sleepyhollow2695]

Marcus Chen y is that true

[@stolkey2553]

Yelling Hayfire same

[@jacklfitz]

@@daobinchen4018 what is wrong with you

[@trickyricky4731]

The pig was sedated, he/she was fine.

[@SolRyuKen]

you forgot the very last scene

[@hobbsmakescomics]

my best guess would be a commentary on how we have an online persona that is nothing like our real one. The world believes he and his family has moved on and life is perfect but in reality they have not. The images of the PM's activities and nothing else probably reflects the fact that people only post about the fun and good things in their lives.

[@SolRyuKen]

therealmaxmoon so true

[@selinguezel631]

Amaury De Jesus und

[@enthymeme4856]

That's...actually what I came here for. Rip

[@CymruJedi]

Really happy to have found your channel! I just finished the show recently after hearing about it, nobody I know has seen it so it's great you have some in-depth analysis videos :) Thank you for all your hard work you put into these, can't wait to watch the rest

[@HarrysMovingMedia]

Thanks for stopping by mate! Appreciate you taking the time to let me know what you thought.

[@MustafaAli-lb8dq]

I think you forgot to explain or maybe I missed that what does "White Bear" episode have to do with technology. So can you tell me? An by the way, you have earned a subscriber.

[@tophatproductions3031]

Great review. What is the intro music?

[@cossiimusic]

TopHatProductions Black Mirror by Arcade Fire

[@inspectorbutters166]

I think "black mirror" refers to an inactive screen. You know, whenever we look at a tv, monitor or phone that is shut down it is black and shows us a reflection, but darker and often contorted. A symbol of technology showing us a darker and more twisted version of ourselves

[@gabrielcapote3493]

My interpretation of Black Mirror is that the show represents a darker version of our reality, while it is a reflection of the real world it is a darker portrayal of it, thus the mirror being black. Could be wrong though.

[@onee]

The only thing that really annoyed me about this episode was how everyone stayed at the same place during the entire episode! The guy in his bed was in his bed the whole episode, the same with the nurses etc.

[@sorryicantthinkofacoolname7209]

this is probably a rather trivial matter, but how come they thought playing a nauseating sound before the broadcast would discourage the viewers in any way? You know the volume can be turned down, right?

[@GrantValdes]

It's just the kind of good idea the govt. would throw out there.

[@whatthehelliot]

They don't know it's coming.

[@anallyons1262]

Seems realistic honestly

[@Acegaming0588]

I thought it played during the broadcast

[@Brandon-rq3ys]

It wasn't really a "noise" it was sonic waves. Which is some sort of sorts that makes you nauseate.

[@rebeccaschade3987]

I think the word "mirror" is used metaphorically. I think the point is that the stories in the series are supposed to "mirror" our real world, but specifically the darker sides of society, hence black. When it comes to this specific episode, I found it hard to laugh at any of it, because firstly, the main character seems like as much of an honest politician as you could expect, so he is indeed an innocent victim, and the story seems to frighteningly realistic, that I actually felt real discomfort watching the whole thing. If something like this had happened in real life, I would be one of those who'd turn of their tellies and do something else.

[@anallyons1262]

Rebecca Schade I fully agree, just the way I would describe it with it being a darker reflection of ourselves and black side of society. I 2 felt horrified and very much sympathized with the main character, wasn't funny to me but I know plenty of ppl irl who would act the same as 86% of the voters and mockers did

[@OP-rb8oi]

Rebecca Schade it's called black mirror bc when you phone is off the screen is black and you see your reflection in it

[@alZiiHardstylez]

I didn't get the ending at all when his wife was angry with him when they got home a year later. If anyone could explain that I'd be very happy.

[@johnhein2539]

alZiiHardstylez Well, she was initially upset just by people talking about it. About the mental image of her husband just existing bothered her. As it would many people to a family member. Now that he's done it, she can't really come back to him. Her coldness and betrayal, is sadly more realistic than some viewers would believe. Many husbands leave their wives after they've been raped. For many complicated reasons I'm sure, and lack of respect ridiculously being one of them. Women are hardly a man's moral superior however. Despite what they say, they're just as human, and just as judgmental. Many a wife will leave after a demasculation, finding their men, just unsexy now, and the incident is on permanent loop in their head. Michael's essentially been raped, on live television (your family's physical safety is at stake, and the life of the princess). She can't get the incident or the world's cruel reaction out of her head. "His wife will be tasting bacon on his dick for years! Lol." It was her time to support him, and show she isn't just arm candy but she wasn't prepared for how hard, and how weird, and how gross, life would hit. Like the little girl's recoil of disgust from worms and a little boy's initial grossness but eventual acceptance. A man could eventually brush himself off and shrug, his wife though...has that recoil built in. Time for a new wife Mike. Yours is broken.

[@Pining_for_the_fjords]

John Hein You could say she wouldn't let him pork her again.

[@alZiiHardstylez]

***** Ha

[@ohsurewhynot6436]

Very well stated. I was just gonna call her a self-centered bitch, which is still true, but your answer's a lot more thorough.

[@politure]

John Hein brilliant explanation. I would add that I think the scene is particularly relevant with regards to the ep's social commentary. While to the public the event was just a very peculiar thing that happened a year ago, something that can be brushed off as a momentary meme of yesteryear, we tend to forget that for the people involved it was a far more traumatic event. It is highlighting the difference in perception between someone simply commenting online in a yt/twitter thread, and (in a sense) the reality of the situation for Callow and his wife.

[@CapeEniEer]

In the occult, anything with a reflective surface and a black color, like a pitch black water in a bowl a black dish plate and also a black mirror, is used as a divination tool. You look into the black mirror, formulate your question and the answer appears as a smoke or a cloud shape in the mirror.

[@stefanolacchin4963]

Great, great review. I think, as many do, that Black Mirror refers to a mobile phone screen or just any screen went dark. When the stream of images and stimuli disappear, you're left with the image of yourself. On another level, it means that technology both absorbs and reflects your identity, or at least that's my take on it.

[@avionpiscean33]

Getting into a more obscure and occult point of view, there is a practice known as "scrying", which is where someone looks at a black reflective surface, usually obsidian, to try to predict the future. Some people, who participated in this practice, will paint a mirror black if they don't have access to obsidian, thus using "black mirror" to see the future. Perhaps a bit unlikely, but still an interesting take on it to entertain.

[@zackgravity7284]

This made me appreciate this episode even more. Although it was pretty awkward explaining to my family why a guy was fucking a pig :D

[@anallyons1262]

Zack Gravity lol

[@Pining_for_the_fjords]

It was a brave move making this the very first episode. I can imagine the subject matter putting a lot of people off watching any more episodes. I'm glad I stuck it out. A friend recommended the series to me last week and I'm hooked. Can't wait for season 4.

[@rabsmiff]

A brilliantly disturbing satirical drama, but I doubt if any politician would agree to do this in reality.

[@tomascarrasco5574]

Death Grips instrumentals go so well with Black Mirror

[@alexkoppany7229]

Let's goooooo

[@liamburke66]

i thought no one noticed lmao

[@GameJunkyard11]

Ikr

[@1963eM]

First episode wasn't funny. Being a prime minister is more important than family? The story was disgusting. No one should force p.m. to do this. Especially people around him. If I were him, I'll never agree for this. Never ever.

[@anallyons1262]

1963eM he wasn't gonna but he technically got black mailed by the government which sided with the people and turned on him

[@willbaker6532]

I think by the end they said his life would be in danger if he refuses

[@nostalgia9338]

Will Baker Still what a dumbass he was and the whole country. Ultimately the story was stupid. Continued to be PM for the people that indirectly forced him to rape and be raped. Would die fighting than subject myself to that. And where is that Benjamin Franklin quote about giving up freedom for security? I get what the message was about but overall it was a ridiculous episode made for shock value. They cared so much about the princesses life, yet the government thought nothing about the PM fucking a pig- like the ramifications of such an event happening to a human being or an animal didn’t matter at all. The change of reaction still wasn’t justified after her finger got chopped off. Even If the kidnapper chopped her leg off, that shouldn’t make people think twice. That was the unrealistic part. Oh wait the PM thinking he has to fuck a pig to save the day was the unrealistic part. You can do terrorist attack in his country any day.

[@htimelines1089]

Haha, artificial death in the west at the beginning. Already love your channel. :P

[@withche07]

good analysis, but could have been better more if you talk about guy who did it too. he was clever artist.

[@PorterLaPray]

I think black mirror is a very interesting title. Have you ever seen someone go to take a picture, but they have the frontward facing camera on by accident? The face is usually scrunched with a slightly more open mouth than you'd originally thought. That's where I see the parallel to our society. I'm reminded of a phrase, "If you keep making that face, your face will get stuck." The title in itself is a cautionary tale of what will happen if we continue to keep our face in the screen. But I am not free of guilt. I have just watched more of your videos than I'd like to admit. Your interpretations are really fascinatingly, and I look forward to seeing more.

[@chamab.6800]

I really appreciate this break down. I just started watching a few days ago. Nobody I know had even heard of it before netflix including myself. I'm mad that the seasons have so few episodes. It's so interesting. I've heard commentary that "National Anthem" was unrealistic. I don't understand that. This scenario is very possible. Especially today. I found it interesting that folks were so disgusted but made it a point to watch. Even if they couldn't stomach it and had to look away they stayed in the room where they could hear what was going on.

[@politure]

Chama B. agree on all counts

[@stevonico]

For me black mirror represents how technology serves as a dark reflection of human nature

[@siobhancassidy7061]

unrelated fun fact: when princess anne was almost kidnapped, the kidnapper put a gun to her back and told her to do what he told her, she said 'not bloody likely' and fought him off.

[@louisporcellini3756]

This episode made me say "he is going to fuck the pig" way to much

[@BBcorbie]

Black Mirror + Death Grips? Yeah, I'm already subscribed.

[@unhumanized]

It's unfortunate I love this show but whenever I recommend it I always have to preface it with they arent all like pig fu**ing. Now at least it's so popular most everyone has seen it.

[@BennysBenz]

In the final scene I felt sorry for the PM.

[@SpookNukem]

I was too busy thinking about death grips when the instrumental to artificial death in the west was being played. (Also DG is 👌)

[@deliquescencemusic]

I’ll always find it telling that it wasn’t written into the show that everyone refused to watch. Because you know, if it was real life, nearly everyone would.....

[@dirtmansdnbplaylists250]

U missed the whole point of this episode.. the millenium bridge is outside the modern art museum!!!

[@ThxttiesWorld]

Explain, I'm intrigued

[@UltraCenterHQ]

Robots who can look completely human: ✓ Transferring people's consciousness: ✓ Editing The Prime Minister's face on an actor: *Impossible*

[@Wilko137]

Interesting points here but I'm surprised you didn't discuss the ending when it turns out the kidnapper was doing it for the Turner prize and so flips the theme of 'what is art' into the mix of the episode as well. I look forward to more!