Unlike most TV shows, which can have the freedom to take things slowly and expand at their own pace due to the medium’s elongated format, anthology series don’t enjoy that liberty and can prove to be challenging in the long run. But the limitations of this approach of storytelling didn’t stop Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror from becoming a cultural phenomenon.
With the show still going strong, whose 7th season has continued to live up to its predecessors’ brilliance, Charlie Brooker highlights the aspect of the show that has given it the edge over the years.
Black Mirror | Credit: Netflix
Being weird has contributed to the dominance of Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror
When it comes to anthology series, there’s always an added risk of brand inconsistency, as unlike more streamlined shows, maintaining one cohesive tone across several self-contained stories can be pretty hard to get right. As for Black Mirror, Charlie Brooker refused to be confined within the limitations of the series’ early success.
Black Mirror | Credit: Netflix
While the series remains largely notable for its exploration of the dangers of technology, the show makers haven’t shied away from shuffling genres, themes, and tones, ranging from bleak, hopeful, funny, and horror.
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He said (via Variety):
So it’s kind of like being a band that does punk singles and power ballads and little acoustic numbers and spoken word beat poetry. All the stories represent different things that I like to do. What I’m saying is it’s a weird show.
This underlying weirdness has given Black Mirror an edge over its peers, as even with seven seasons in, the series is still delivering fresh stories.
Black Mirror‘s central focus will keep it relevant for years to come
Black Mirror | Credit Netflix
Considering that the entire series is centered around the looming dangers of technological advancements, unlike a traditional show, which can feel tiresome if it goes on for too long, Black Mirror has endless possibilities. When asked about future seasons, Charlie Brooker added (via BBC):
Hopefully [it will run and run]. Selfishly, it’s a fun job. Technology is developing in the real world very quickly… That means there are more sources of inspiration, and… the viewer is experiencing more [technological] things in their everyday life.
Although time will tell what the future holds for the series, with newer Black Mirror episodes hitting closer to home than ever, it’s safe to say the show’s relevancy in pop culture will sustain for years to come.
Black Mirror is available to stream on Netflix.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
