I'm dreaming of a Sci-Fi Christmas. Thankfully, I mean that in the Genre term and not in the 'once the name of a Channel' way. A Syfy Christmas is just all of their Monster Movies set in or around snow. Instead, I bring you White Christmas, the Special from Black Mirror. If you don't know, Black Mirror is a Sci-Fi Anthology Show from the UK that got some attention when one of their Stories mirrored a rumor in the real world. Just Google it- I'm not your Mother! Anyhow, they made this Special last year and now I'm going to cover it. The Story involves two men- including Jon Hamm!- in a Cabin somewhere. They share their stories before the ultimate truth is revealed. I won't SPOIL that, of course, so deal with it. Before you watch all of the new Specials this year, let's take a look back at last year's...
Two men are staying together in a Cabin for the Winter. There is some mystery about how long they've been there, but it is diffused when one of them- Hamm- tells his Story...
He was a Dating Expert who would guide you through tough situations. How? By using the internal camera that we all have in this possible future and talking to you over Skype (of the future).
He helps one Client nab a curious girl at the Office Christmas Party. However, as you may guess, something goes awry this time...
In the 2nd Story, Hamm is an Engineer who has to train an advanced A.I. He doesn't play nice, however, as the training method is a bit strange...
Finally, the other guy tells his Story. He was really in love with a girl and all seemed well.
However, the relationship turned sour and she blocked him. In this Sci-Fi world, it is much more than just keeping you from reading their Facebook posts!
Things escalate to a point...which, of course, I won't SPOIL either.
All of this- and the previous Stories- tie back together for the final truth of the tale. All will not end well this Christmas for someone. The End.
Good stuff. This Special really represents what makes Black Mirror work. Somewhat simple Stories that turn complex and always have a moral. They aren't quite on par with the Classic Twilight Zone stuff, but they are pretty worthy successors. The first Story has an interesting, voyeuristic quality to it. As it turns, you can feel for the guy in trouble and for Hamm, who can't do anything but watch. The second Story is quite surreal, but also quite dark. It speaks to how we interact with technology and each other. The final Story builds upon that with some intense emotion behind it all. The whole Special wraps together nicely like a good present as well. I have to be vague, lest I take all the fun away from you. Sufficed to say, it all works and all of the clues you need are there. As usual, the Special is pretty dark, so bear that in mind. As a side-note, I considered building up to reviewing this one, but, as my brother pointed out, this is how most people heard of this Show. So why not start here? If things work out, you just may see more of this Show on the site. After all, I've still got like a year until there is more Twin Peaks. If you don't want to be left out, check out this Special already. As for me, I'll be invisible for a little while
Next up, the official Christmas Review. This Holiday, enjoy some Horror Tales. Stay tuned...
Things escalate to a point...which, of course, I won't SPOIL either.
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