Title: Ranking Every Black Mirror Episode Based on Its Level of Despair

Warning: Spoilers for each Black Mirror episode are present.

Black Mirror has consistently been tied to feelings of technological anxiety, deep existential questions, and a grim perspective on the trajectory of humankind. Whether you’re a loyal enthusiast or someone who steers clear of the show for the sake of your mental well-being, its influence is unmistakable. With Season 7 debuting on Netflix, we opted to examine the series’ darkness — by organizing each episode according to its general level of despair.

Note: Black Mirror: Bandersnatch has been omitted from this list due to its interactive style, which alters the outcome dependent on viewer decisions.

Our Evaluation Criteria

To maintain a (somewhat) analytical approach, we implemented a straightforward scoring system for each episode:

– How Distressing Is It? (0 = bright and cheerful, 5 = devastating)
– Technology Will Bring About Our Downfall (0 = technology is benign, 5 = technology is our ruin)
– We Will Bring About Our Own Demise (0 = humanity is secure, 5 = we are our greatest adversary)

Let’s explore, starting from the least to the most tragic.

33. “Hang the DJ” (Season 4, Episode 4)
A rare uplifting conclusion! Frank and Amy defy a dating algorithm and discover genuine love.
– Distress: 0
– Tech Doom: 0
– Self-Destruction: 0
– Total: 0

32. “San Junipero” (Season 3, Episode 4)
An enchanting romance set in a virtual afterlife. Bittersweet yet largely positive.
– Distress: 1
– Tech Doom: 0
– Self-Destruction: 0
– Total: 1

31. “Hotel Reverie” (Season 7, Episode 3)
A virtual reality love story with a forlorn ending, but still brimming with warmth.
– Distress: 1
– Tech Doom: 1
– Self-Destruction: 0
– Total: 2

30. “Striking Vipers” (Season 5, Episode 1)
A narrative centered on camaraderie, sexuality, and negotiation. Surprisingly mature.
– Distress: 1
– Tech Doom: 1
– Self-Destruction: 0
– Total: 2

29. “Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too” (Season 5, Episode 3)
A teenager rescues her pop star idol from a coma-like existence. Miley Cyrus shines brightly.
– Distress: 2
– Tech Doom: 0.5
– Self-Destruction: 0
– Total: 2.5

28. “Demon 79” (Season 6, Episode 5)
A disco demon, a blood agreement, and an impending apocalypse — but it’s all fictional within the world.
– Distress: 1
– Tech Doom: 1
– Self-Destruction: 1
– Total: 3

27. “USS Callister” (Season 4, Episode 1)
A digital rebellion against a despotic gamer deity. Concludes on a hopeful note.
– Distress: 1
– Tech Doom: 1
– Self-Destruction: 2
– Total: 4

26. “Nosedive” (Season 3, Episode 1)
A social rating system spins out of control, yet our protagonist breaks loose.
– Distress: 1.5
– Tech Doom: 1.5
– Self-Destruction: 2.5
– Total: 5.5

25. “USS Callister: Into Infinity” (Season 7, Episode 6)
The crew comes back, facing fresh dangers in the digital realm.
– Distress: 1
– Tech Doom: 1
– Self-Destruction: 3.5
– Total: 5.5

24. “Bête Noire” (Season 7, Episode 2)
A tormented teen employs multiverse technology for vengeance. Therapy might have been simpler.
– Distress: 1
– Tech Doom: 1
– Self-Destruction: 3.6
– Total: 5.6

23. “Eulogy” (Season 7, Episode 5)
A man relives a past romance through memory technology. Bittersweet and contemplative.
– Distress: 3
– Tech Doom: 0
– Self-Destruction: 3
– Total: 6

22. “White Bear” (Season 2, Episode 2)
A woman is subjected to daily torment for a prior crime in a twisted justice park.
– Distress: 3
– Tech Doom: 1
– Self-Destruction: 2
– Total: 6

21. “Mazey Day”