If anything, the dystopian world Charlie Brooker created to show us how we will misuse benign technology until it destroys us all, is a little too convincing. I know this because I’ve just watched the latest series, and it would appear that Black Mirror has finally fallen into a black hole of its own making.
Today I learned that America’s opiate abuse problem is, to all intents and purposes, sponsored by the major pharmaceutical companies, who are also substantial donors to presidential campaigns of both colours.
I wish I’d gone with my first instinct and watched Susan Calman on Strictly instead.
I’m in two minds about Tin Star. Ironic really, given the nature of the show, but I feel obliged to give you fair warning as my internal dialogue is likely to influence this review heavily.
My other half loves this. Has done since we met, which was around the time of the Punic Wars. Old episodes are freely available on YouTube and you wouldn’t believe the number of times I’ve woken in the middle of the night to the sound of 5000 Carthaginians roaring into battle on the end of my bed.
I always comfort myself with the knowledge it could be worse.
Charlie Brooker thinks you’re a rat.
Not one of those scrofulous brown ones that lives in a drain and goes through your food waste box at night, spreading disease and microwave meal trays all over the pavement. The man’s not a maniac. He’s got in you a smart, reasonably sized cage, there’s access to food and water, and you have entrancing, brushed aluminium toys to keep you busy.