"White Christmas," widely regarded as one of the best Black Mirror episodes, revolves around two key technologies: "cookies" and "blocking." The former involves digital replicas of people stored in objects and utilized as personal assistants, while the latter enables users to block others in real life, rendering them voiceless and appearing as distorted silhouettes.

On Christmas day, Joe Potter and Matt Trent, who have been living together in a cabin for five years, finally open up to each other. Matt reveals his past involvement in an online group where men used "Z-Eyes" to watch each other seduce women. One member, Harry, ended up meeting a mentally ill woman named Jennifer, leading to a tragic murder-suicide. Matt then shares about his former job, training "cookies," digital clones of people, to be personal assistants. He recounts an experience with Greta's cookie, which resisted being an assistant until he manipulated time in the cookie's world.

Joe, in turn, reveals how he was "blocked" by his fiancée, Beth, after a heated argument about her decision to have an abortion. The block prevented him from contacting her, and he secretly watched her and their daughter each Christmas Eve. Tragically, Beth died in an accident, and Joe discovered the daughter was not his biological child. Overwhelmed with emotion, Joe committed a violent act that led to his arrest.

As with many Black Mirror episodes, "White Christmas" masterfully balances horror with emotional depth. The episode's conclusion is haunting and leaves a lasting impact: punishments inflicted on Joe's cookie with time passing at an accelerated rate - accompanied by a Christmas song on repeat - is a genius scene that explores the depths of human cruelty.

Release: 2014

Season: 2

Stars: Jon Hamm, Rafe Spall, Oona Chaplin

IMDB Score: 9.1/10

"Hang the DJ" revolves around Frank and Amy, who use a dating system called "Coach" that matches them with partners for predetermined periods. Despite their initial nervousness, they quickly form a strong connection during their 12-hour match. However, Coach reveals that it monitors each relationship to eventually assign them a lifelong partner on "pairing day" with a high success rate.

Frank's subsequent year-long match, Nicola, proves to be disdainful towards him. Meanwhile, Amy's nine-month match, Lenny, is attracted to her. As their matches end, Frank and Amy are matched again, and they agree not to check the time length. They enjoy their time together, but Frank eventually betrays their agreement, causing the system to recalibrate their match to only 20 hours. Amy is furious, and they continue with other matches without success. As Amy's pairing day approaches, she chooses Frank for a farewell session, and they decide to rebel against the system.

As one of the best Black Mirror episodes, "Hang the DJ" exemplifies the brilliance of the series by skillfully blending science fiction, romance, and philosophical themes. It taps into the complexities of human relationships and addresses the notion of surrendering agency in the pursuit of love, raising important questions about the balance between relying on technology for guidance and following our hearts' desires.

Release: 2017

Season: 4

Stars: Georgina Campbell, Joe Cole, Gina Bramhill

IMDB Score: 8.7/10

"San Junipero" revolves around the lives of two women, Yorkie and Kelly, who meet in the 1980s at a nightclub called Tucker's in San Junipero. Yorkie, a shy young woman, is instantly drawn to the vivacious party girl, Kelly. They form a connection and eventually engage in a sexual relationship.

The story unfolds as we learn that San Junipero is actually a virtual world where the deceased can live on, inhabiting their younger selves in a time of their choice. The elderly can also visit and experience the simulated reality. In the real world, Yorkie is paralyzed and confined to a hospital bed after an accident when she came out to her family.

As the relationship between Yorkie and Kelly develops, they must confront their own fears and past traumas. Kelly, hesitant to form emotional attachments, initially avoids Yorkie, but eventually reveals that she is dying. Yorkie, determined to remain in San Junipero permanently, seeks permission from her family to be euthanized so she can be uploaded into the simulation forever.

Yorkie and Kelly's relationship serves as the emotional anchor of the story, drawing audiences into their journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Yorkie's paralyzing accident, caused by her parents' rejection of her sexuality, adds a layer of poignancy and highlights the societal struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. The episode subtly critiques the prejudices that can impact personal choices and unveils importance of compassion and understanding.

Release: 2016

Season: 3

Stars: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mackenzie Davis, Denise Burse

IMDB Score: 8.5/10

In "Black Museum," Nish visits the remote Black Museum - a place filled with crime-related artifacts - where Rolo Haynes, the proprietor, shares chilling backstories.

The first story revolves around the hairnet device, which allows one person to experience the physical sensations of another. Dr. Peter Dawson's initial altruistic intentions turn sinister as he becomes addicted to the pain of others, leading to a disturbing descent into self-mutilation and murder.

The second tale centers on the toy monkey, which once housed a woman's consciousness; Jack's decision to house his wife Carrie's consciousness in the toy monkey reveals the price of blurring the lines between human consciousness and artificial intelligence. And the centerpiece of the museum, a holographic Clayton Leigh, is the focal point of the third story: Clayton's hologram has to experience a grotesque and repetitive death as part of Rolo's twisted exhibit.

However, Nish's revelation as Clayton's daughter soon turns the narrative on its head. The fiery conclusion of the episode - where Nish sets the museum ablaze - serves as a cathartic release of pent-up anger and sorrow, symbolizing the destruction of sinister legacies of exploitation.

Release: 2017

Season: 4

Stars: Douglas Hodge, Letitia Wright, Daniel Lapaine

IMDB Score: 8.5/10

In "The Entire History of You," lawyer Liam Foxwell undergoes a performance appraisal and becomes fixated on re-watching the recorded memories from his "grain," an implant that records his experiences. At a dinner party with his wife Ffion and friends, he becomes suspicious of Ffion's interactions with a man named Jonas, whom she claims was a brief paramour from Marrakesh. Liam's obsession with uncovering the truth leads to heated confrontations and revelations about Ffion's past relationships.

After inviting Jonas to their home and witnessing memories that contradict Ffion's claims, Liam becomes increasingly agitated. Under the influence of alcohol, he confronts Jonas, leading to a physical altercation and a car crash. Liam's suspicions grow stronger as he replays his memories and uncovers evidence of Ffion's infidelity.

"The Entire History of You" underscores the potential dangers of surveillance and the erosion of privacy in a hyper-connected world. In this society, personal moments are not only vulnerable to scrutiny by partners but can also be shared and scrutinized by others; the episode highlights the profound impact such constant surveillance can have on mental health, as characters become entangled in a web of suspicion, anxiety, and obsession.

Release: 2011

Season: 1

Stars: Toby Kebbell, Jodie Whittaker, Tom Cullen

IMDB Score: 8.5/10