Bête Noire

This was almost a complete rip-off of the classic Twilight Zone episode Wordplay, where the meanings of everyday words suddenly change, one at a time, but the main character is the only one who notices.

But, as I watched it, I realized they did such a great job creating a truly modern version of that classic episode.

Siena Kelly and Rosy McEwen both gave top notch acting performances. Totally believable, completely got me into this remake/reimagining. The first little thing that changed had me jumping back in the episode to check and realizing I didn't even notice that little detail.

But, then at the very end, the last minute or two, they just completely botched it. This episode was destined to be a modern classic rivaling the original Twilight episode, then they just cut to the end and threw in a completely predictable ending with zero imagination. Like all that incredibly creative story and build-up, just to say, "Yes, human beings really are just plain stupid." Oh, OK.

This episode still rates a 7/10, even with the incredibly disappointing ending, that's how good 99% of the episode was. Easily a 9/10 or even possibly a 10/10 episode, just completely screwed by impatience, poor writing, or a wish to screw with the audience, give us the middle finger.

Too bad, but still enjoyable...

Bête Noire is an episode that builds up incredibly well to its final conclusion. While it is somewhat predictable in a few moments, it still manages to deliver a suspenseful and gripping experience from start to finish. The atmosphere is tense, the pacing is strong, and the ideas it explores are genuinely interesting - More interesting than any episode from last seasons Red Mirror Episodes.

My only real complaint is that the ending felt a bit silly compared to the stress and pressure the rest of the episode built up. Still, it seems fitting-the message being that unlimited power can eventually turn someone into exactly what they despise.

Overall, it was a fun and thought-provoking watch, my hoodie has bite marks all over it now. Definitely standing out above last season's average.

In Bête Noire, the second episode of Black Mirror Season 7, the narrative delves into the unsettling intersection of technology, memory, and personal trauma. The story follows Maria, a high-ranking executive at a confectionery company, whose life is disrupted by the reappearance of Verity, a former schoolmate. Verity's arrival coincides with a series of inexplicable alterations in Maria's reality, leading her to question the nature of her experiences and memories.

As the plot unfolds, it is revealed that Verity possesses a device-a pendant connected to a "quantum compiler"-that allows her to manipulate reality, effectively rewriting the world around her. This power enables Verity to exact revenge for past grievances, blurring the lines between victim and perpetrator. Maria's struggle to reclaim her sense of self and reality becomes a poignant exploration of the impact of unresolved trauma and the ethical implications of wielding such transformative technology

Bête Noire challenges viewers to consider the consequences of altering reality to serve personal narratives. It raises critical questions about the morality of using technology to reshape the world according to individual desires, especially when such actions infringe upon the autonomy and experiences of others. The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the seductive nature of control and the potential for technology to exacerbate, rather than heal, psychological wound

If given the power to rewrite reality, would you use it to heal your past-or to make others suffer for it?

There was a real sense of anticipation as I watched this episode-it builds nicely, with believable characters set in a competitive work environment that feels grounded and relatable. While it does lack a bit of subtlety in how the antagonist is introduced, and the plot moves at a rapid pace, there are still enough "ooh" moments to keep you engaged along the way.

Unfortunately, the final act completely unravels. The ending feels rushed, undercooked, and veers dangerously into something almost Benny Hill-esque-if that's even a thing! It was such a jarring tonal shift after the promising set-up.

That said, the acting throughout is solid, and the performances deserved a more thoughtful resolution. It's hard not to wonder if the whole thing was hurried out to meet a deadline, because the climax feels like it skipped a few drafts. A strong start, but ultimately a frustrating finish that left me disappointed.

Episode 2 is named "Bête Noire" - that means a person or thing that you dislike very much or that annoys you. A very accurate title for the story about Maria (Siena Kelly) and Verity (Rosy McEwen) that takes place over a period of 5 working days. The main setting is the office of a food company and you get to know the background of the acquaintance of the two main characters. Maria is a miss know it all and does not approve of her new colleague Verity who seems to be well liked by their colleagues. Ironically, the character is named Verity and soon enough you will find out the truth about what happened in the past. Things quickly escalate and culminate in a b*tch fight.

As a viewer you can decide which side you want to take and who is the bully/villain and who is the victim.

If you like dystopian, more realistic story lines, then this episode might not be of your taste since it's more a fantasy story.

What I find striking is the short scenes/transitions with compelling organ music. In addition, the intentional use of the colors of the clothes of Maria and Verity might give a hint that Verity tries to mimic Maria.

What is the morale of the story: bullying leaves deep emotional scars that never heal.

Personally, I felt entertained and despite some violence it was definitely more fun to watch than prior episode 1 "Common People".