It was bound to disappoint after ‘San Junipero’, but I’m disappointed it disappointed this much.
At first, you see what seems like a well-run, well-organized, spotlessly clean black and white fascist dictatorship (notice the highstep) that is hunting monsters they call “Roaches”; protecting “Civs” and keeping their order.
There are some things you’ll notice (if you decide to watch) that are decent touches…but by this show’s standards, they’re mediocre at best. Competent.
You’ll form opinions, you’ll make guesses. It’s good enough for that.
But it’s just too predictable. The coldness gives way, in a way…but I’m never caught by surprise. I mean, I SEE the idea; the warning, the contrast, the slow change…but it’s done poorly. It loses its (potential) power because it doesn’t compel.
I mean, I actually had a ‘Wolf Raiders from VALNA STAR!’ (sp?) flashback to one (poorly directed) scene, but by that point…ha ha ha ha ha ha…
I WAS STUCK THERE!
Easily the highlight, for me, comes at the end of the ending credits.
Now THAT is ‘Black Mirror’ at its best. But it’s…ten seconds? Maybe fifteen? Hell, if you turn it off at the “end”, you might never see it. But is that worth watching the whole thing? *shrug* Even at his worst Brooker is better than some at their best, so…
Is that a great statement on Brooker or a sad statement on everyone else? Or who cares?
A tolerable but completely unnecessary watch.
Inspirational Quote: “We oughta burn the whole forest down, huh? Give those Roaches nowhere to run.”
11/30/16: I think I gave the credits too much credit. Oh well…it seemed clever for a while.