‘Black Mirror’ is back in June. But you don’t need to wait that long to watch the series’ best episodes

It’s the show that had viewers thinking more deeply about artificial intelligence. About a virtual reality so seamless it’s difficult to distinguish from real life. About what to do when presented with an opportunity to bring a loved one back to life — but as an android version of themselves. About how social media rankings can evolve to affect people’s socioeconomic status in an increasingly virtual world. About political blackmail.

And to the delight (or horror) if its fans, it’s coming back after more than three years.

“Black Mirror,” one of the most eerie, mind-bending TV series ever, is coming back to Netflix in June, the streaming giant announced, among its cast Salma Hayek Pinault, Annie Murphy, Michael Cera, Zazie Beetz and Aaron Paul.

The sixth instalment of the anthology series, created by Charlie Brooker, promises to be “the most unpredictable, unclassifiable and unexpected yet,” Netflix wrote in a release.

“Alongside some of the more familiar ‘Black Mirror’ tropes we’ve also got a few new elements, including some I’ve previously sworn blind the show would never do, to stretch the parameters of what a ‘Black Mirror’ episode even is,” Brooker told Netflix’s Tudum. “I can’t wait for people to binge their way through it all and hope they enjoy it — especially the bits they shouldn’t.”

A June release date is soon enough, but here are some of the best (see: creepiest) episodes of “Black Mirror” to tide you over until then.

“The National Anthem” (2011)

Perhaps on purpose, the first episode of “Black Mirror” is also one of the most disturbing and details the story of a member of the British Royal Family who is kidnapped. The plot? Her kidnapper demands the prime minister have sex with a pig on national, live television for the royal to be released. The twist? You’ll have to see for yourself.

“White Bear” (2013)

In an episode reminiscent of “The Hunger Games” and your worst nightmares, “White Bear” tells the story of a woman with amnesia who is recorded on the street by strangers but not spoken to. She flees and eventually meets another woman hiding from the “hunters,” whom she describes as sadists, and explains that the people recording her are being affected by a signal of some sort. To destroy the signal transmitter, the women embark on a journey not shy of violence and weapons, but the ending is a shock to both the woman with amnesia and the audience, though not the other folks you’ll see on your screen.

“Nosedive” (2016)

Think of the society those in “Nosedive” live in as a heightened version of our current society: but instead of just likes on social media, real-life, real-time ratings affect people’s socioeconomic status. The episode follows Lacie, who boasts a 4.2 out of 5 rating, as she looks to secure a better apartment that requires a 4.5 rating. Hoping to receive the much-needed boost at her childhood friend’s wedding, Lacie comes to learn the system isn’t what it’s made out to be.

“Hang the DJ” (2017)

Is it optimized dating or is it torture? “Hang the DJ” follows Frank and Amy, who use a system that determines with whom people will have relationships and for how long (all relationships have “expiry dates”), eventually promising to find them their perfect matches. When they’re finally matched, Frank and Amy see the value of themselves as a couple. But the device, called “Coach,” has other plans.

“White Christmas” (2014)

On the topic of dating, “White Christmas” follows a young man who needs help attracting a potential mate. Enlisting the help of a dating coach, he goes to a party wearing devices through which the coach can communicate with him. His potential partner sees him seemingly speaking to himself while he’s sneakily speaking with his coach and invites him back to her apartment. Nothing could go wrong, right?

“Black Museum” (2017)

A young woman named Nish visits the Black Museum in the episode of the same name, dedicated to “authentic, criminological artifacts” that have been used to do harm, including a technology that allows doctors to feel what their patients feel and a holographic image of Clayton Leigh, a man convicted of murder and sentenced to death via electric chair. Nish doesn’t leave until she has committed an act that she — and her mother — find of importance.

“San Junipero” (2016)

Equal parts tender, devastating and scary, “San Junipero” tells the story of queer love throughout time. Two women, Yorkie and Kelly, meet in the beach town of San Junipero and continue to meet afterwards until the pair splits and Kelly ventures to a different era hoping not to be found. Yorkie jumps through time to find her. As always, there’s a catch. Keep tissues beside you as you watch this one.

“Be Right Back” (2013)

Dealing with the death of a loved one is hard — but what if it didn’t have to mean that person is no longer absent from your life? “Be Right Back” is a story about just that. Ash, Martha’s boyfriend, is killed a day after they move into a new house. After learning she is pregnant, Martha’s friend signs her up for an artificial intelligence service that can mimic Ash to help her cope with the loss. But, as with most technologies, a better option is available: a physical version of her deceased lover in android form. Will it help her cope or will it cause more harm?

SHARE: