The complexity of technology barrels forward every single day, but we often fail to consider the impact that these technologies have on our lives. From showing how recorded memories can cause breakups to social media causing kidnapping, Black Mirror explores the ways that technology affects human nature in a dark and intriguing series.

Black Mirror is a unique show, both in format and content. Each episode is a completely new story with new characters, new technology, and a new world. Bryce Dallas Howard, Jon Hamm, and many more notable actors make appearances in this show. This format makes every episode engaging and a little confusing at first. However, Black Mirror does a good job of immersing the watcher, showing the viewer how the world works as opposed to just telling them through narration or dialogue that is forced.

One thing that will be quickly learned is that there are very few happy endings in Black Mirror, and this is one aspect that makes the show feel refreshing. It makes episodes feel plausible, instead of wrapping up episodes in some perfect ending that doesn’t make sense. But with each ending comes a very important lesson. I would argue that every single episode of Black Mirror has some deeper message to it. Of course, some episodes pull this off much better than others, but there were never episodes that didn’t leave me thinking.

However, the show isn’t perfect. Episodes feel inconsistent: one episode will feel very well thought-out and deep, while another will be more plot-focused and shallow. These episodes feel like the entertainment value is pushed much harder at the expense of a message. While they are certainly entertaining to watch, they are much less thought-provoking than other episodes.

Despite the inconsistencies, Black Mirror is a joy to watch, even at its worst. The poignant endings work perfectly to create a dark mood and leave the viewer questioning something after each episode. I highly recommend Black Mirror to anyone wanting a layered show with a unique style of science fiction. All five seasons of Black Mirror are available with a Netflix subscription.