The Mind-Blowing Black Mirror Episodes You Can't Afford to Miss

Despite being highly acclaimed, Black Mirror still has several episodes that are underrated. The anticipation surrounding season 6, which was the first in four years, initially excited dedicated fans but ultimately left them underwhelmed. The best episodes are generally found within the first three seasons, with a gradual decline in quality in seasons 4-6. While season 5 is often regarded as the worst, there are still moments within the three-part season that offer some redemption.

Although there are ideas that creator Charlie Brooker should consider in order to save the show, Black Mirror has received praise and prestige through numerous outstanding episodes. Season 3, episode 1 "Nosedive," season 4, episode 1 "USS Callister," season 3, episode 4 "San Junipero," and season 4, episode 6 "Black Museum" are examples of the show's brilliance. These episodes showcase iconic moments and explore innovative and thought-provoking content, which is the essence of all Black Mirror episodes.

10 "Striking Vipers" (Season 5, Episode 1)

9 "Arkangel" (Season 4, Episode 2)

Underrated among the episodes of Black Mirror is "Striking Vipers," the first episode of season 5. This episode presents a distinctive story about two former college best friends who have drifted apart over the years, as they have started families and grown up. After eleven years, the two protagonists reunite, which completely disrupts their lives. The episode delves into intriguing themes of connectedness and authentic communication, particularly in the context of virtual reality and online platforms. It explores the idea that technology can sometimes offer unexpected opportunities for intimacy and openness in interpersonal interactions.

"Arkangel," the second episode of Season 4 in Black Mirror, often goes unnoticed and doesn't receive the recognition it deserves. The storyline revolves around an excessively protective mother who almost loses her daughter at a playground, leading her to invest in cutting-edge technology that enables her to monitor her daughter's location and control her exposure through a microchip. This thought-provoking episode presents a sinister technology that caters to concerned parents, exploring the timeless motivation of characters and their innate instinct to go to extreme lengths to safeguard their loved ones, even at the cost of their individual autonomy.

8 "Mazey Day" (Season 6, Episode 4)

Season 6, episode 4 of Black Mirror titled "Mazey Day" received the lowest ratings in the history of the show primarily due to one major flaw. Although the episode is somewhat intriguing and enigmatic, the unexpected twist towards the end of the unusually short installment deviates too far from the customary genre conventions commonly associated with Black Mirror, as it introduces a supernatural element that feels excessively overused. In a similar vein, season 6, episode 5 "Demon 79" also strays from the traditional Black Mirror tone and atmosphere, lacking the customary social commentary and lasting impact on the perils of technology.

7 "Crocodile" (Season 4, Episode 3)

Black Mirror's fourth season stands out as one of the most compelling in the entire series. Among its episodes, "Crocodile" in particular showcases a strong premise. The story revolves around an insurance agent who employs cutting-edge technology to probe into a traffic incident by accessing individuals' memories. However, as the initial suspense gradually dissipates, the episode becomes somewhat predictable and linear. Consequently, it may have been overshadowed by the other stellar episodes in season 4, which are widely regarded as some of the finest in the series.

6 "The Waldo Moment" (Season 2, Episode 3)

Despite the acclaim of most early episodes of Black Mirror, season 2, episode 3 "The Waldo Moment" falls short in comparison. This particular installment revolves around a comedian who lends his voice to a cartoon bear named Waldo. After interviewing and humiliating real-life politicians on a talk show, Waldo unexpectedly becomes embroiled in a race for a seat in Parliament. Through a public display of spite towards his disagreeable rival, Waldo gains significant popularity as a credible candidate. Ultimately, this episode offers commentary on how the freedoms inherent in a democracy can sometimes hinder the greater good when entertainers disrupt the realm of politics.

5 "Metalhead" (Season 4, Episode 5)

"Metalhead," the fifth episode of Black Mirror season 4, offers a dark and post-apocalyptic glimpse into a world dominated by robotic canines. Although the concept itself is captivating, the episode falters due to its prolonged pacing and lack of significant plot progression and dialogue. This installment has generated mixed reactions among Black Mirror viewers, with some appreciating its simplistic approach to storytelling while others argue that it would have been better suited as a short film.

4 "Men Against Fire" (Season 3, Episode 5)

3 "Rachel, Jack And Ashley Too" (Season 5, Episode 3)

"Men Against Fire" is often considered the sole flaw in an otherwise awe-inspiring season 3 of Black Mirror. This episode delves into the lives of future soldiers who are manipulated by a malevolent government, stripping away their essential human qualities. Disturbing yet thought-provoking, "Men Against Fire" has elicited mixed reviews, yet it remains an imperative cautionary tale within the series.

"Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too" unveiled some of the flaws in the quality of Black Mirror season 5 as it failed to deliver an original and captivating storyline. Similar to other disappointing episodes of Black Mirror, it begins with a promising concept that lacks a solid resolution or meaningful societal commentary - the trademark of the Black Mirror brand. Despite the inclusion of the enthusiastic Miley Cyrus, "Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too" falls short of matching the expected impact of a Black Mirror episode. However, it still manages to provide moments of enjoyment and cleverness, albeit feeling somewhat disconnected from the usual brand identity.

2 "Smithereens" (Season 5, Episode 2)

1 "Loch Henry" (Season 6, Episode 2)

: "Smithereens", the second episode of season 5 of Black Mirror, stands out as the most powerful and compelling installment. The plot revolves around an Uber driver who abducts an intern working at a technology company, leading to a tense standoff with law enforcement. While some viewers criticize the episode for deviating from the typical Black Mirror style, which focuses on the negative impacts of technology, "Smithereens" offers an intriguing exploration of the dark side of human nature. For those willing to embrace this different narrative approach, it emerges as a valuable and captivating addition to the series.

Underrated and often overlooked, "Loch Henry" is a hidden gem within the sixth season of Black Mirror. While it may not receive the same attention as other episodes, it stands out for its compelling storyline and thought-provoking exploration of streaming culture and content production in the modern era. Despite the star power of its counterparts, "Loch Henry" remains a standout episode with its poignant and cerebral conclusion. In terms of quality, it deserves recognition among the very best of Black Mirror's repertoire.