With the third season’s release on Oct. 21, fans’ questions were answered by way of a very diverse mix of stories in the anthology series. Previously, when Black Mirror aired on the U.K.’s Channel 4 (2011-2014), seasons were just a mere three episodes long; now audiences are treated to six at a time (another six are set to debut sometime in 2017). Brooker did indeed stay on, as showrunner and co-writer, ensuring the latest additions to the Black Mirror opus fit in seamlessly. And, of course, now every single episode new and old of the series is available to a much wider audience thanks to Netflix streaming. All in all, it was a very successful move.
For those who didn’t show a complete lack of restraint by marathoning the entire lot as soon as it premiered last Friday (guilty), Season 3 explores new yet familiar themes of technology gone wild. For example, what if your Uber rating, number of followers and credit score were all rolled into one number, made public and followed you everywhere — so everyone you encountered could see it and adjust your ranking accordingly? What if your “likes” truly determined your worth? What if your number of digital friends could help you nab an amazing apartment — or get you fired? In an episode starring Bryce Dallas Howard, co-written by Parks & Recreation’s Michael Schur and Rashida Jones, a sherbet-toned near-future gives way to the dark side of social media.
Elsewhere, this season is a virtual-reality heaven, with some next-level internet trolling, a hashtag that becomes all too real and a disturbingly engineered soldier. Each episode feels like a short film and is approached like a standalone project — any of the total 13 episodes of the series could really be screened in any order. And while the show isn’t quite of the horror genre, the dark themes, twists and suspense lend Black Mirror the status of prime Halloween viewing.
Picks of the Week
Jon Glaser Loves Gear (Series Premiere, 10 p.m. Wednesday, truTV) – Host Glaser (Delocated, Girls, Parks & Rec) tests out hobbyist gadgets and grown-up toys. If you’ve ever seen Glaser in any other of the aforementioned shows, you’ll understand this is not the place to find any serious reviews. First up: camping gear.
Balls Deep (Season Premiere, 10 p.m. Thursday, VICELAND) – Thomas Morton returns to penetrate (sorry) various groups of people for an inside look at how other humans live. Season 2 kicks off in the retirement village of Lake Point Tower in Hallandale, Fla.
Tracey Ullman’s Show (Series Premiere, 11 p.m. Friday, HBO) – The British comedian and expert impressionist returns to HBO with this new sketch comedy series. Expect her take on Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, plus loads of other silly skits.
The Walking Dead (9 p.m. Sunday, AMC) – Last week’s premiere was head- and heartbreaking; we’re on to something completely different this season. Enter the Kingdom — this idyllic community has people, crops, shelter and a tiger-taming leader called King Ezekiel. Could it be a new home for Morgan and Carol?
Insecure (10:30 p.m. Sunday, HBO) – Issa enlists Daniel’s help on Career Day; Molly finds trouble at work; Lawrence makes a surprising connection.
People of Earth (Series Premiere, 9 p.m. Monday, TBS) – In this comedy, a journalist seeks answers in a support group, called StarCrossed, for survivors of extraterrestrial encounters.
CONTACT JAC KERN: @jackern
