THE 'BURBS: SEASON ONE Starring: Keke Palmer, Jack Whitehall, Julia Duffy, Paula Pell, Mark Proksch, Kapil Talwalkar, Danielle Kennedy, Randy Oglesby, Justin Kirk, Erica Dasher, Kyrie Mcalpin, Max Carver, and RJ Cyler Creator: Celeste Hughey ROBERT Peacock nostalgia-dips to 1989 and delivers a new streaming show based on a cult classic film in The ‘Burbs , where murder and mystery infect a small, safe community. If this sounds familiar, maybe you have seen Grosse Pointe Garden Society , or Based on a True Story , or any other media this decade where mild-mannered civilians get thrust into a whodunit investigation. I was interested to see Keke Palmer as the lead after Nope , but her vibes were off for this project, and the characters, while kooky and heartwarming, didn’t buttress against lazy writing. Feel free to U-turn out of this cul-de-sac of lemons.

CITY ON FIRE Starring: Wyatt Oleff, Chase Sui Wonders, Xavier Clyde, Jemima Kirke, Nico Tortorella, Ashley Zukerman, Max Milner, Alexandra Doke, Omid Abtahi, Kathleen Munroe, and John Cameron Mitchell Creators: Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage PAIGE City on Fire is a dumpster fire of a show. It tries to be a gritty murder mystery, but unfortunately ends up feeling more like a basic teen drama more than anything else. I hate to use this term, but it feels very “CW-ish.” With dull storytelling that unsuccessfully tries to connect multiple characters' stories, it just feels like it’s trying too hard, and overall, it’s filled with mediocre performances across the board. Honestly, the only thing truly going for this show is the soundtrack.

Previous Next May 14, 2025 WRITTEN BY: THE BITESIZE CREW One of the things we are proud of at Bitesize Breakdown is the personality and individuality of our writing staff. With that in mind, we thought we'd take a moment to give you an opportunity to know the writers behind the avatars. So... Dear readers, Meet the Crew! NICK (He/Him) Birth Year: 1991 Location: Toronto, Ontario Favourite Film: Back to the Future (1985) X: https://x.com/nickvandinther With a background in acting and a love of film from a young age ( Star Wars was my introduction to the medium), I've always been eager to talk about the latest releases. As my shelves overflowed with DVDs (I prioritized space for movies over clothing), I came to the realization that I loved watching and discussing film and television more than most. Looking to continue that conversation, I brought my thoughts to social media where I began to find like-minded individuals, ultimately leading to the creation of Bitesize Breakdown. Coming from the performance side of things, that's where my focus tends to be because I believe a good performance is much more likely to make up for a lacklustre film than vice-versa. However, I try to base my reviews on a combination of personal enjoyment and technical acumen. A ton of work goes into these projects from top to bottom, so that’s why I’ll never feature “Worst Of” lists or celebrate a film’s failure. I enter all films wanting to love them, but unfortunately, it doesn’t always work out that way. AMARÚ (He/Him) Birth Year: 1988 Location: Charlotte, North Carolina Favourite Film: Inception (2010) X: https://x.com/knick888221 Whatup, family - it’s ya boy, Amarú Moses. I’m a teacher by day and a movie lover by… life. Growing up, the Mosi (yes, Mosi) family weekend outings always meant a trip to the movies. From watching The Lion King and Pulp Fiction in the theaters at the ripe age of six to becoming a competitor on the biggest professional movie trivia league Movie Trivia Schmoedown , movies have had an everlasting presence in my life. I’m originally from New York (die hard Knick fan here), lived in seven cities in five states by the time I graduated college (GO BEARS!!!!), and moved to Charlotte in 2017. In 2020, I became the second writer for a little start-up review website called Bitesize Breakdown, so while I may not be the oldest person here, you can consider me an OG. I’m a geek by nature, but I'm a fan of all movie genres… except Musicals… mostly. You can usually catch me hosting One Gotta Stay , still playing online movie trivia, or getting hyphy watching Blindspotting for the fifty-millionth time. Whatever it is, if it has to do with my free time, it probably has a movie attached to it. QUENTIN (He/Him) Birth Year: 1981 Location Stuttgart, Germany Favourite Film: The Big Lebowski (1998) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quentin.lester Like a lot of kids growing up, Quentin had a crush on his b abysitter. His babysitter? Movies. From Columbia House memberships to Blockbuster Nights to spending the whole day theater-hopping with his cousin, movies always provided the escape a quiet kid from Kentucky needed. Nearly four decades later, Q’s crush has turned into a full-blown love affair, and he has come to believe that there is a difference between “movies” and “films.” As a result, he applies both an analytic and consumeristic eye to his reviews, equally judging artistic merits as much as pure entertainment value, while trying to remain objective and credible in his takes on movies, film, and television. That said, he loves a good heist, Nic Cage, superheroes, and considers the Rewatchability Quotient one of the most important factors in his ratings. Meanwhile, he will almost always skip Wes Anderson, musicals, found footage movies, and anything that looks too saccharine. A childless, pants-hating veteran… Q is well-traveled, cynical, tattooed, anti-physical media, and can often be found drinking bourbon at a bar with a new best friend he just met. You may think he’s overly harsh in his reviews, but he will abide your disagreement because “that's just, like, your opinion, man." KATIE (She/Her) Birth Year: 1999 Location: Exeter, Devon Favourite Film: Ratatouille (2007) X: https://x.com/katiemaybone I’m Katie, and I love cinema. Films have always played an important role in my life, with some of my earliest memories being of the Warner Bros. Studio just down the road from where I grew up. I’m in awe of the creative efforts that go into crafting a film, which made me an avid cinema goer at a young age. Whilst I’m varied in my viewing, with my favourite films ranging from the faultless masterpiece that is Ratatouille to The Shining , horror has a special place in my heart. From renting The Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity DVDs when I was probably a bit too young through to present day, I’ve always been fascinated with the genre. During my time in university, I discovered I much preferred writing about films than making them. I also developed a passion for the intersection of horror and feminist film theory, focusing largely on female-authored horror cinema. My approach to reviews is based equally on how I connect emotionally and personally with a film or series, as much as it is on artistic merit and technical aspects. That being said, I have a soft spot for Florence Pugh, horror films, and anything food related. BODE (He/Him) Birth Year: 1995 Location: Ajax, Ontario Favourite Film: E.T. The Extra Terrestrial (1982) X: https://x.com/bodesulaiman I share the same birthday as Steven Spielberg. Obviously, a lot of people do, but I doubt they use it as a way to introduce themselves like I have. That’s because Spielberg is the reason I got into film in the first place. It’s the joy and melancholy of E.T. The Extra Terrestrial that made an indelible mark on me as a child, sparking a fascination with the power of the moving image as a medium, a fascination that continues to grow the more I watch (no matter what genre) and the older I get (because we’re not getting any younger). Even in the not-so-great moments of my life, I’ve found solace in it. It’s how I’ve made friends. It’s how I’ve bonded with family. It’s how I’m able to make some sense of my place in the world. I’ve always been eager to share my opinions about the latest releases or the canonical classics to anyone who cares to listen, and getting to do so for an outlet such as Bitesize Breakdown is exciting. I couldn’t be happier to be part of the team! ADRIANO (He/Him) Birth Year: 2001 Location: Aurora, Ontario Favourite Film: Network (1976) X: https://x.com/AdriCaporusso For as long as I can remember, film and television have been a major part of my life. When I was 9 years old, I fell in love with the comedies of the 2000s. Films such as Superbad , Step Brothers , and Dodgeball first ignited that flame, and it only got bigger as I grew older and saw films from the likes of Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, and Stanley Kubrick. Although I had an acting stint in high school, and briefly performed stand-up comedy at Open Mics in 2019, filmmaking and writing became a passion and dream of mine. I spent most of my days in my house just watching movies, old and new, constantly fascinated at the craft and storytelling. As a result, I find myself with an uncomfortable knowledge about the Oscars and Emmys, knowledge that has turned me into an awards pundit. A staunch lover of physical media, film and television has consumed my life for better and for worse, and because of that, I’ll always be somewhat optimistic about a film, whether it deserves it or not. ROBERT (He/Him) Birth Year: 1988 Location: Dallas, Texas Favourite Film: Pulp Fiction (1994) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robert.castner.714 Can there be anything worse for a Pittsburgh native and sports fan than to end up in a place like Dallas? (Rhetorical question: the answer is no.) Fortunately, I found life rafts to buoy me under such conditions with my wife and child, who are the world to me. From a movie perspective, I found solace in the silver screen as a means of escapism, as I’m sure most people do. I have always been fascinated with how worlds are concocted and how much of an event going to see a movie can be. From Titanic to Avengers: Endgame , I love the communal aspect and being part of the zeitgeist through something I adore. Once COVID happened, I looked for another outlet, finding online movie trivia. Suddenly, I could lean into my competitiveness by using the one thing that has held up over the years: my memory. Also, I was embraced by my peers and made a ton of great friends along the way. I developed into a geek-movie advocate, but fire up a good comedy ( Superbad , Step Brothers , Pineapple Express ) and I’m in heaven dancing with the Backstreet Boys. PAIGE (She/Her) Birth Year: 1993 Location: Brockton, Massachusetts Favourite Film: Scream (1996) X: https://x.com/frontpaigenews9 For those who don’t know me, my name is Paige Frabetti, aka “The Boston Badass” from Movie Trivia Schmoedown . For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been a huge fan of cinema. It all started with the original Star Wars trilogy, which took me to a galaxy far, far away. I love that film can be an escape from the real world, sucking viewers into make-believe worlds that allow the audience to leave all their worries behind. I also love finding a character or story that I can relate to, helping me to feel seen in this world, which influences how I rate series and movies… can I connect to it and be entertained by it? I also share a huge passion for physical media as I own way too many Blu-rays to even count. Lastly, the other Bitesize writers will tell you I’m the resident horror and A24 fanatic, but I’m also a die-hard Quentin Tarantino fan, a lover of coming-of-age films, and, if you can't tell from some of my tattoos, I’m still a Star Wars nerd.

DOWN CEMETERY ROAD Starring: Ruth Wilson, Emma Thompson, Adeel Akhtar, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Tom Goodman-Hill, Darren Boyd, Tom Riley, Adam Godley, Sinead Matthews, Ken Nwosu, Fehinti Balogun, Aiysha Hart, and Steven Cree Creator: Morwenna Banks QUENTIN Down Cemetery Road is not without some quirky British charm, but it’s ultimately undone by pacing issues and a tonal inconsistency that could cause whiplash. For a twisty show about a disappeared child, hitmen, murder, government conspiracy, and all the other tropes that generally fall into this kind of mystery thriller, why is it so damn cheeky? Sure, Emma Thompson is great at being cheeky, but with every chuckle-worthy wisecrack, I was increasingly pulled out of the search for (and plight of) a missing orphan, which was only exacerbated by the sluggish middle episodes. It’s not terrible, but it’s a jarring mix of Broadchurch and Monk .

BLACK RABBIT Starring: Jason Bateman, Jude Law, Cleopatra Coleman, Sope Dirisu, Amaka Okafor, and Troy Kotsur Creators: Zach Baylin and Kate Susman BODE I never got into Ozark like a lot of people did. Despite being filled with talent, I found that show to be half-baked in its characterization and plotting. Its deadly serious tone and plodding pace didn’t help either. My thoughts on Black Rabbit , which shares much of Ozark ’s creative DNA, are similar. Jason Bateman and Jude Law have an intriguing dynamic, and it’s tense in the right moments (especially in the last few episodes). But undercooked characters, time-padding subplots, and a near-humourless vibe keep this miniseries from reaching its full potential. It ultimately left me thinking that it should be better than it really is. QUENTIN Black Rabbit is enjoyable enough for fans of bleak crime dramas, mostly due to Jude Law and Jason Bateman, but it would have been so much better had it focused on one plotline. The true story on which it is loosely based, about a scandal at a high-end restaurant, would have been compelling on its own; likewise, had it focused solely on the good-brother-helps-bad-brother storyline, all good there too. There is plenty to mine from either of those plotlines; However, by mashing them together, neither is truly developed as well as it should be. Ultimately, we’re left with a see-what-sticks hybrid of Ozark , The Bear , and Rounders .

BODKIN: SEASON ONE Starring: Will Forte, Siobhán Cullen, Robyn Cara, David Wilmot, and Chris Walley Creator: Jez Scharf QUENTIN I don’t listen to podcasts because I need the visual component lest I completely zone out, but Bodkin does a great job of capturing the essence of a podcast in the visual medium. Its narration, quirky characters, and twist-filled mystery will keep you clicking the “watch next episode" button incessantly. It's let down a tad by the lead trio being written a little too rigidly (too buffoonish (Will Forte), too hardened (Siobhán Cullen), and too naïve (Robyn Cara)), but that doesn't take away from the super-bingeable yarn being spun in the vein of Only Murders in the Building of Inisherin.

LONG BRIGHT RIVER Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Nicholas Pinnock, Ashleigh Cummings, Callum Vinson, John Doman, and Dash Mihok Creators: Nikki Toscano and Liz Moore ROBERT When I started Long Bright River , I was struggling to come to terms with Amanda Seyfried as a Philadelphia cop. But once I got past the first few episodes, the show began to peel back the layers of how she ended up in her position, and how her family dynamics played into the investigation at large. Once that was unveiled, I was pleasantly surprised by my interest through to the conclusion, even with the miniseries trying its hardest to bait-and-switch me at every turn. If you stick with it, you will be glad you got on the roller coaster.

Previous Next October 23, 2023 WRITTEN BY: AMARÚ Horror fans, I’m sorry, but be prepared to hate me in 5…4…3… Horror is a stupid-ass genre. It’s stupid-ass movies with stupid-ass characters doing stupid-ass things for stupid-ass reasons. It’s the one genre I didn’t watch growing up because my father (for multiple reasons that I won’t put him on blast about) didn’t like it either. And I don’t blame him. Being scared about uninteresting things that don’t make any sense is not a form of entertainment I find enjoyable. However, occasionally, a director, writer, or group of actors do something that is legitimately smart to “elevate” what could have easily been schlock and gore just for the sake of it (funnily enough, I don’t really like the phrase “elevated [insert genre],” but here we are). I think 1996’s Scream is the first instance in which I recognized that horror can be more than just jump scares and stupidity. As the years have gone by, I have given horror movies more of a chance, and I have identified the four main reasons (let’s call them… saving graces) that would drive me to watch these spooky films. So, for any of you who are like me, I have listed those four reasons below, from least to greatest importance, as a guide to see if maybe…just maybe…you might start giving them a chance too. SAVING GRACE 1: GREAT VILLAINS & ANTAGONISTS If the main bad guy, ghost, otherworldly being, or whatever is killing everyone can make me like them (or love to hate them), then you can at least get me to watch your trailer. I might even go back and revisit your film. That’s why this grace heavily applies to horror films that I missed when I was younger. Freddy Kreuger is absolutely hilarious, Michael Myers is utterly brutal, and Pennywise is devilishly mischievous. If the film is not delivering on its story, or the characters aren’t all that intriguing, this would at least allow me to laugh or stare in awe as the killings take place. It also is one of the best ways a director can show off their craft, utilizing creative ways to feature the antagonists in their element. Think of the one-shot in David Gordon Green’s Halloween that intensified Michael’s mere presence, or how Wes Craven created larger-than-life scenarios to enhance Freddy’s showmanship. A great antagonist alone doesn’t make for a good movie, but at least it gives you a reason to push through a bad one. - Movies I liked containing this grace: Halloween (1978 and 2018), Saw , Split - Movies I watched due to this grace: Friday the 13th (1980) , A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) , Child’s Play , It (2017), Candyman (1992) SAVING GRACE 2: GREAT CASTING & PERFORMANCES If you take a great antagonist and pit them against people I can root for, now I have an even bigger reason to watch the fight of good vs. evil unfold. That, or if the lead actors give an utterly undeniable performance, I can’t justify not at least giving the movie a try. It took me a couple of years, but I finally witnessed Toni Collette’s greatness in Hereditary , and I immediately understood why people thought she was snubbed for an Oscar nomination. I also went back to check out multiple performances I was too young to care for at the time, including Christian Bale’s Patrick Bateman ( American Psycho ), Anthony Hopkins’ Hannibal Lecter ( The Silence of the Lambs ), and the three-headed powerhouse of the Orca’s Robert Shaw, Roy Scheider, and Richard Dreyfuss ( Jaws ). Without an ensemble you can connect to, a great villain can only take you so far, and that is often why many horror sequels are far inferior to their predecessors. While you may want to keep returning to some of your favorite horror villains, fighting through multiple bad performances may be too much of a burden for those charismatic characters to carry. - Movies I liked containing this grace: Scream 4 , The Faculty , Us , The Devil’s Advocate - Movies I watched due to this grace: Hereditary , American Psycho , It Chapter Two - Franchises ruined because of this grace: Friday the 13th , A Nightmare on Elm Street , Halloween , Saw , Child’s Play , Final Destination 4 (and ONLY Final Destination 4 ) SAVING GRACE 3: AN INTERESTING PREMISE/GREAT STORY You don’t need a star-studded cast to carry a horror film to greatness. Oftentimes, these films want the story and tone to be their major selling point, and when filmmakers can create something interesting out of their unbelievable premise, it doesn’t matter if you have a household name or newcomer in the top billing. Writer-directors Jordan Peele and (at times) M. Night Shyamalan have proven that a well-written, intelligent script with suspenseful pacing, intense scare sequences, and unpredictable yet challenging twists can make for movies that will have you thinking about them for months after you leave the theater. When I watched Get Out for the first time, I was speechless for the rest of the night. It definitely helped that its story connected to many core tenets of my culture, but that same speechlessness stayed with me after two hours of utter silence when leaving A Quiet Place . Horror films’ ridiculous plot points are probably the major reason I tend to stay away from the genre because it can make or break a film, even if you have the greatest performances in the world. To this day, I can’t stand The Sixth Sense because of how utterly BORING the film is up until that major twist. And yes, I just mentioned how great Toni Collette’s performance in Hereditary is, but when the reasons for everything that is happening are unveiled, I literally paused the credits, stared at it for five straight seconds, threw up my hands and yelled “what…. DAFUQ WAS THAT?!” It’s these “but why??” experiences that remind me why I don’t like this genre. - Movies I liked containing this grace: Knock at the Cabin , Brightburn , The Menu , Unbreakable - Movies I watched due to this grace: Happy Death Day , Escape Room - Movies ruined because of this grace: Hereditary , American Psycho , The Sixth Sense SAVING GRACE 4: MORE THAN JUST A HORROR FILM If you can combine the previous three graces seamlessly, then you have a horror film that’s going to capture my attention. For me, it just happens to be that more times than not, these horror films heavily dip into another genre to bring in aspects of movies I enjoy way more. Horror-comedies, mystery-thrillers, action-horror films are usually movies I thoroughly enjoy because the horror of it all is either in the background or is blended perfectly with the superior genre. As I mentioned in the opening, Scream, with the meta-ness of it all, introduced me to movies that can usurp its horror labels to become more than what its genre has pigeonholed them to be. Tucker and Dale vs. Evil is a film I never would have considered watching if not for having to study it for a trivia match, but the entertaining mix of comedy, satire, and Alan Tudyk is another great example of horror making me a believer again. The Mummy (1999) is one of my all-time favorite movies, and you may be rolling your eyes at me right now, but there’s no denying that horror elements play a big role in that action film’s success. Whether it’s the comedy that makes Shaun of the Dead one of the best use of zombies in film, the whodunit-like thrills that Ready or Not brings along with its great cast, or the action that makes Aliens a superior sequel, if the horror film can be more than just a horror film, you have completely won me over. - Movies I like containing this grace: Zombieland , Bodies Bodies Bodies , The Cabin in the Woods , Psycho Goreman - Movies I LOVE which have all four graces: Shaun of the Dead , A Quiet Place , Get Out , Us , Nope , Final Destination , The Silence of the Lambs , Sleepy Hollow , Scream (1996) , Jaws , Army of Darkness, The Mummy (1999), Ready or Not, Aliens Photo Credits: Photo 1 - New Line Cinema; Photo 2 - A24; Photo 3, 4 - Universal Pictures

Previous Next March 7, 2026 With the Oscars coming up, we're once again going to launch an episode for each film the Academy Awards have nominated for Best Picture. Each day leading to the ceremony, we will release an episode, and it's time to dive into Marty Supreme ! Talkin' TV’s Dominic Rizzi joins us to chat about Timothée Chalamet’s best shot thus far at a Best Actor nomination. We also discuss the ensemble, the breakneck direction, and Marty Mauser as a character. There also may be some slight disagreement on whether his ambition made him (and subsequently other Safdie characters) tolerable or unlikeable. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel for all of our latest video content including our interviews, and be sure to give us a thumbs up and comment your thoughts!

FRANKLIN Starring: Michael Douglas, Noah Jupe, Marc Duret, Ludivine Sagnier, Thibault de Montalembert, Daniel Mays, Assaad Bouab, Eddie Marsan, Jeanne Balibar, Théodore Pellerin, and John Hollingworth Creators: Kirk Ellis and Howard Korder PRESTON Apple TV+ is at it once more with another early American historical series. This time, the aptly named Franklin focuses on the revolutionary war efforts of Benjamin Franklin (Michael Douglas). As a self-proclaimed history buff who has some awareness of Franklin’s antics in France, I was hoping for a take more closely aligned to Amadeus than the French-centric story presented here. Douglas’ outstanding performance carries this limited series along more capably than any of his colleagues’ in contemporary peer Manhunt , but with less compelling subject matter, it, too, eventually loses its luster, sadly leaving us with yet another mediocre offering. QUENTIN Unless you’re the nerdiest of American history nerds, you’re likely to be disappointed by Franklin . While it explores the post-Revolution political levers pulled by Benjamin Franklin (Michael Douglas), the series is mostly derailed by subplots surrounding Franklin’s celebrity and the relationship with his teenage (read: bratty and horny) grandson (Noah Jupe). When it actually dives into the political maneuvering, it’s done so with a dry focus on the French monarchy instead of the more interesting Franklin. Plus, full disclosure, I’m a Douglas fan; however, he is woefully miscast here, feeling more like adult cosplay than an actor giving an earnest portrayal of a historical figure.

Previous Next June 21, 2023 WRITTEN BY: PAIGE After four years of waiting, the sixth season of Black Mirror is finally here, and what better way to introduce newcomers to this sci-fi anthology series than by looking back and discussing some of the best moments it has to offer. For those that haven’t seen the contemporary TheTwilight Zone -type show, this article will be the perfect primer for Charlie Brooker’s brilliant series because I will be handing out awards to several episodes. To me, these are the best places for you to dive in as a new fan. Before I do that, though, remember that each self-contained episode examines what technology can bring to the world and how it can mirror, and even magnify, the ugliest and darkest aspects of human nature. With that said, don’t be afraid to use your phones, tablets, or computers to read this article because I promise it’s worth your while. And although I hope it doesn’t bring out your darkest aspects, it will make you intrigued enough to finally give this show a watch. FAVORITE EPISODE: “San Junipero” (Season Three) It shouldn’t be a surprise that my favorite Black Mirror episode is “San Junipero” since it won two Emmys in 2017 (Best Writing for a Limited Series, Movie or Dramatic Special and Best Outstanding Television Movie). But, not only is it my personal favorite, I also think it’s the series’ most beautifully profound and stunning episode to date. It’s also a unique offering from Black Mirror because it separates itself from the usual dark and twisted antics to focus on a deep and remarkable love story. “San Junipero” follows Kelly (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) and Yorkie (Mackenzie Davis) as they are transported to a beach town through a simulated reality where the elderly can upload their consciousnesses to live forever. Not only does this episode focus on love, but it allows these characters, who are brought to life exceptionally well by Mbatha-Raw and Davis, to contemplate the afterlife. I mean, honestly, imagine a world where virtual immortality is a possibility, and ponder what you would do if given the opportunity. MOST UNDER-APPRECIATED EPISODE: “Fifteen Million Merits” (Season One) This is the first Black Mirror episode I saw, which immediately hooked me into this crazy whirlwind of a show. This is why I’m awarding it Most Under-Appreciated Episode. As provocative as this episode is, its themes are what make it stand out from the others as an actual representation of real life. By showing the audience just how sick our society truly has become, it really got me to value this episode quite a bit because it speaks volumes about how we seek fame and fortune over our actual well-being. “Fifteen Million Merits” is set in a dystopian society where most people must ride exercise bikes to earn money to survive, and the only way off the bicycle is to win a talent show known as Hot Shot . The talented Daniel Kaluuya plays a character named Ben, who is attempting to get on Hot Shot so that he can prove how sick society has become. Does he succeed? Or does he become an even bigger part of the system he was against? Watch and find out! BEST PERFORMANCE IN AN EPISODE: Alex Lawther as Kenny in “Shut Up and Dance” (Season Three) Hats off to Alex Lawther for his standout performance as Kenny, a terrified blackmail victim in “Shut Up and Dance,” because there is so much heavy material his character must endure. He truly delivers a jaw-dropping and quivering performance, conveying emotions that will leave you unsettled in the context of the story. It’s just such an emotionally draining and anxiety-ridden performance, and it’s delivered to perfection. Fair warning: this episode is extremely disturbing. It follows Kenny, who stumbles into being blackmailed and is forced into doing several bizarre acts at the demand of a mysterious group of hackers. “Shut Up and Dance” is tense as hell and will leave viewers questioning humanity, and it’s all thanks to Lawther’s performance. SCARIEST EPISODE: “Playtest” (Season Three) Let’s be real…almost every episode of Black Mirror is horrifying in its own way, but the one that is the most horror-driven is “Playtest.” Honestly, if it weren’t for the technology aspects of the story, I wouldn’t have known this was a Black Mirror episode. It feels more like a psychological horror film set in a haunted house, and what director Dan Trachtenberg is able to evoke in just 57 minutes is truly terrifying. In the episode, we find Cooper (Wyatt Russell) looking to make a few extra bucks, which leads him to a job listing to test a new revolutionary gaming system. Little does he know that all his darkest fears are about to become reality. It makes for a creepy-ass episode that is almost impossible to watch unless you're watching through your fingers, and as the shit hits the fan, you come to realize that technology has no empathy for us. MOST HEARTBREAKING EPISODE: “The Entire History of You” (Season One) There is a lot of heartbreak running through Black Mirror ’s six seasons, but the episode that hit me the hardest was “The Entire History of You.” Its story has to be among the series’ saddest yet, with a commentary on the social repercussions due to technological advances being subtly sprinkled throughout to cause maximum impact. The technology in play here is an implant that goes in your mind and allows you to record everything you experience. While it might seem like the most beautiful thing in the world to relive memories, this episode will show that it can also be one of the most painful things one could put themselves through. Set in the not-so-distant future, “The Entire History of You” features a device known as a “grain," which can record every second of people's lives so they can rewatch memories whenever they please. While I won’t give too much away, what I will say is that it's sad to watch what can happen to a person's mental health as they discover some memories may not be as rosy as they originally thought. MOST BAT-SHIT CRAZY EPISODE: “The National Anthem” (Season One) Charlie Brooker, the creator of Black Mirror , came out of the gates holding nothing back and leaving us scarred for life with its very first episode. Once you watch it, you’ll understand why I’m giving it this award because it's hard to shake it from your memory. “The National Anthem” is so fucking bonkers, yet oddly realistic, that I don’t want to give away even the slightest hints of what goes down because I want you to have the same “Holy shit!” reaction as I did. That said, without giving too much away…and to pique your interest…I’ll give you the tiniest premise summary: a member of a royal family has been kidnapped, and in order to save the royal's life, the Prime Minister is told to perform an unspeakable act. I’ll just leave it at that. I must say, though, this episode paved the way for this insanely bold series by showing us that it wasn’t afraid to take risks. EPISODE FEAT. THE WORLD I'D LEAST LIKE TO LIVE IN: “White Christmas” (Holiday Special) Black Mirror ’s “White Christmas” is anything but cheery and delightful. This episode proves that technology is truly a double-edged sword, and while it can improve the world we live in, it can also be extremely harmful to our well-being. Even though this is one of my favorite episodes, it also has become one of my worst nightmares. The two advanced apps from this episode that I hope never come to fruition are “Block,” which completely blocks real life people, leaving nothing but a silent, blurred silhouette; and “Cookie,” which stores clones of other people's minds in a device to serve as your own personal Alexa. On one hand, these devices might seem like the ultimate must-own item on your personal Christmas list. On the other hand, imagine being on the opposite end of these devices. Imagine being blocked by a loved one for an extended period of time, or even worse, being blocked by everyone . The loneliness you’d face would be heartbreaking and insufferable. Or, imagine being the “human Alexa,” your mind, with all your feelings and memories, trapped in a device. The manipulation, isolation, and confusion you would feel as a “Cookie” would be unbearable. Both technological devices would make anyone on the receiving end feel alienated, which is something this episode conveys so well. Once you think about it, technology is the worst gift to give or receive in Black Mirror . EPISODE MOST DESERVING OF A SEQUEL: “USS Callister” (Season Four) Not only is Season Four’s “USS Callister” considered one of the best episodes of the series, it also has one of the most fascinating and intriguing premises yet; a premise that DESERVES a sequel for further exploration. It stars the amazing Jesse Plemons as the co-creator of a popular video game that is brilliant but lonely, so he decides to create his own virtual world. In this world, he’s allowed to take control and exert power as the captain of a starship instead of being the awkward pushover that he is in real life. This story just has so much going for it. Not only is it a Star Trek: The Original Series -inspired episode that pays homage to 60s sci-fi, but it also explores entitlement, sexist tropes, and toxic fandoms. At one point, there were rumors floating around that this episode was going to get its own spinoff, which would’ve made me the happiest camper because I need more Black Mirror in my life. Also, despite all that this episode is able to capture in its 76-minute runtime, which is mind-boggling, there are just so many different pathways that can be taken with this premise if given a sequel. BEST EPISODE OF SEASON SIX: “Loch Henry” The best episode to come out of Season Six is “Loch Henry.” While it steers away from having technology at its forefront, it takes a more natural horror approach by showcasing that people can be inexcusable and disturbing monsters, with or without technology. It also explores how the crimes of such monsters can allow others to benefit. In fact, these key themes have been sprinkled throughout the entire series of Black Mirror , which made this episode feel more in line with previous seasons even as it took a new approach. “Loch Henry” follows a young couple traveling to Scotland to film a nature documentary. However, they end up getting side-tracked and diving into a juicier local story that has haunted a small Scottish town for many years. By the end, you’ll discover the glaring truths and secrets that end up making for one of the most shocking twists of the whole series. I’m telling you right now, this episode will leave you with your jaw on the floor. All six seasons of Black Mirror are now streaming on Netflix. Photo Credits: Netflix

THE RECRUIT: SEASON TWO Starring: Noah Centineo, Teo Yoo, Colton Dunn, Aarti Mann, Fivel Stewart, Kristian Bruun, Vondie Curtis-Hall, Kaylah Zander, Maddie Hasson, Angel Parker, James Purefoy, and Nathan Fillion Creator: Alexi Hawley QUENTIN In its second season, Netflix’s The Recruit delivers a more confident and streamlined story, mostly due to reducing the episode count from eight to six. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still goofily light-hearted — carried squarely on Noah Centineo’s charming, Mark Ruffalo-resembling shoulders — but where most spy shows tend to fall down the rabbit hole of being so gritty that they come off as self-important, The Recruit ’s self-aware silliness is fun and refreshing. Sure, it might be breezy and slightly hollow compared to contemporaries like The Night Agent , Jack Ryan , and The Agency , but who said espionage needs to be taken so seriously? Check out our reviews for Season Two HERE .