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    • Entertainment
      Indiewire

      ‘Black Mirror’ Creator Says the World Is Too Bleak Right Now for Season 6 to Happen

      Charlie Brooker is spending time in quarantine writing material that is much lighter than the darkness of "Black Mirror."

    • Entertainment
      Yahoo TV

      Television's highs and lows of 2019, from Baby Yoda to that 'Game of Thrones' finale

      Yahoo Entertainment looked back on the year in television and found the following highlights... and lowlights.

    • Entertainment
      Yahoo TV

      'Game of Thrones' reigns, but 'Big Bang Theory' bombs: The biggest snubs and surprises of this year's Emmy nominations

      Here, Yahoo Entertainment breaks down our picks for the biggest snubs and surprises of the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards nominations.

    • Entertainment
      The Wrap

      ‘Black Mirror': Here’s Why the ‘Striking Vipers’ Video Game Makes No Sense

      (We’ve got major spoilers ahead for the “Black Mirror” season 5 episode “Striking Vipers”) We’ve only got three episodes in this season of “Black Mirror” on Netflix, but the first one is such a doozy that it kinda makes up for the shortage on its own. And the fact that it assembles one of the best casts the show has ever had — with Anthony Mackie, Yahya Abdul-Mateen, Pom Klementieff, Nicole Behari and Ludi Lin  as the main players — also helps.The premise of this episode is that two old buddies Danny (Mackie) and Karl (Abdul-Mateen) try to reconnect over the newest edition of a fighting video game they used to play back in the day, the “Striking Vipers” that gave the episode its name. The twist is that the new version is a virtual reality game, employing the same sort of “Matrix”-style immersive VR that we’ve seen in “Black Mirror” in the past.So they pick their fighters, with Karl choosing a sexy lady played by Klementieff, and Danny picking a sexy man played by Ludi Lin. And instead of fighting, they have sex with each other.Also Read: Here Are All the Ways 'Black Mirror' Season 5 Connects to the Rest of the Show's UniversePresumably most people who read this have already watched the episode, so I won’t continue my recap. For those who haven’t seen it, that’s enough info for what I’m going to discuss in the rest of this article: how that core conceit of the episode doesn’t make sense — at least not in the world we currently live in.Before I get into this, I should remind you that I liked this episode, so this isn’t intended strictly as criticism. It’s really just a deeper exploration of the ramifications of the scenario this “Black Mirror” episode introduces — and we can go much deeper than Brooker and co. did.So the core conceit here, obviously, is that in “Black Mirror” there is a fighting game called “Striking Vipers” — obviously inspired, judging by the art on the box, by the real life “Street Fighter” series — in which players can take the experience in an unexpected and unplanned direction by having sex with each other.Also Read: Why 'Black Mirror' Season 5 Has Just Three EpisodesIt’s an amusing idea, but it’s also one that is basically impossible for a number of reasons. Let’s start with the practical reasons.So when a video game is made, almost everything that a player can do with it is designed intentionally by its creators. As is the case with all software, some unexpected things will happen when the product is put in the hands of users, but there’s a limit on how far afield players will be able to go without actually modifying the software. Because there are some things that just can’t “accidentally” happen in a video game.One of those things is players having sex in a video game. Taking for granted the idea that this virtual reality system in “Striking Vipers” is a fully immersive thing, the game’s programmers would still need to give the player characters genitals, and then also make those genitals sensitive for the scenario. A working penis is a feature that must be implemented on purpose — it’s not just an incidental feature. That’s extra work that goes far beyond the scope of the game, so they almost definitely would not bother.Also Read: 'Black Mirror' Showrunners Say 'Striking Vipers' Started as a VR 'Grease' MusicalThe only scenario in which it potentially makes sense for players to be able to have sex with each other in “Striking Vipers” is if that’s just a feature of the VR system. But that would only make sense on a technical level. It would still not explain why they would be allowed to do that.This is a whole rabbit hole to think about, but I’ll try to keep this relatively simple. There’s a lot of real life cultural reasons why it doesn’t make sense that the creators of “Striking Vipers” would design their game like this in the world as we know it.Years and years ago, some players discovered that “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas” had a hidden sex mode that could be unlocked if the game files were modified. Even though most people couldn’t access this “Hot Coffee” mode, and even though the actual content was really tame, the game was reclassified with an Adults Only rating and pulled from store shelves — because every major retailer has a policy against selling AO games. Rockstar Games had to print new game discs without the offending hidden code.The reaction to players discovering that “Striking Vipers” lets you have sex with any player at any time would be somewhat more severe and be far more difficult for its creators to deal with. There would almost certainly be new laws drafted in the U.S. to ban both it and the VR system that enabled it. Territories that are already legally equipped to ban video games would do so immediately, because there would be copious issues of consent and the fact that children play video games. This whole scenario is a disaster waiting to happen.So its online services would be terminated. And since the sexy stuff is apparently intrinsic to the game, the company that made it would be unable to do anything to fix it quickly.And if your wife saw you were playing it, she would know exactly what you’re doing in it because all of this would have been a huge news story.The idea that a virtual reality system would inherently allow players to have sex in any game made for it regardless of what kind of game it is is also odd. Imagine the new “Madden” coming out and every game is derailed by an orgy. The concept of “make love, not war” is taken to new extremes in online “Call of Duty” matches. It would be completely ridiculous. It’s not just “Striking Vipers” that would be banned — the whole system would be shut down and sued into oblivion by justifiably angry parents.None of this is really what “Black Mirror” is trying to get you to think about with this episode, and it certainly does nothing to try to mitigate this line of thought. Especially given the scene where Karl describes all the orgies he did with many, many other players. Does he know who any of those other people were, or that they were of age?I could keep going, because this concept is a veritable cornucopia of madness if you drill down into it. I still generally enjoy the episode, but it’s frustrating that a show like “Black Mirror,” which is ostensibly about the consequences of technology run amok, would miss all the craziness of this scenario.Read original story ‘Black Mirror': Here’s Why the ‘Striking Vipers’ Video Game Makes No Sense At TheWrap

    • Entertainment
      The Wrap

      ‘Black Mirror’ Season 5: See New Posters for Miley Cyrus, Anthony Mackie and Andrew Scott Episodes (Photos)

      “Black Mirror” fans have just over a week until they are finally returned to the twisted world of Netflix’s tech-obsessed anthology series. But until then, they can spend their hours deciphering what the clues in these new Season 5 posters tell us about the three-episode installment, starring Miley Cyrus, Anthony Mackie and Andrew Scott.The trio of key art for Scott’s “Smithereens,” Mackie’s “Striking Vipers,” and Cyrus’ “Rachel, Jack and Ashley, Too,” don’t tell us much directly — but does the Charlie Brooker-created show ever give anything away before it’s ready to? Nope, you’re gonna have to look a little closer at the images to find a hint or two.To assist you on your theorizing, here’s the description for “Smithereens,” starring Scott, Damson Idris and Topher Grace: A cab driver with an agenda becomes the centre of attention on a day that rapidly spirals out of control.Also Read: 'Black Mirror' Season 5: Anthony Mackie Has a Wandering Eye in Teaser for 'Striking Vipers' Episode (Video)And the logline for “Rachel, Jack and Ashley, Too,” which stars Cyrus, Angourie Rice and Madison Davenport: A lonely teenager yearns to connect with her favorite pop star – whose charmed existence isn’t quite as rosy it appears …Last but not least, here’s the synopsis for “Striking Vipers,” featuring Mackie, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Nicole Beharie, Pom Klementieff and Ludi Lin: Two estranged college friends reunite in later life, triggering a series of events that could alter their lives forever.See the episode posters below.“Black Mirror” Season 5 launches June 5 on Netflix.Read original story ‘Black Mirror’ Season 5: See New Posters for Miley Cyrus, Anthony Mackie and Andrew Scott Episodes (Photos) At TheWrap

    • Entertainment
      Indiewire

      ‘Black Mirror’ Season 5 Episode Trailers: Miley Cyrus and Anthony Mackie Go Full Cyborg

      Charlie Brooker and Annabel Jones have crafted three all-new stories that are as timely as ever.

    • Entertainment
      Entertainment Weekly

      'Black Mirror' season 5 trailer revealed: See Miley Cyrus in Netflix role

      Black Mirror season 5 trailer released: See Miley Cyrus in Netflix role

    • Entertainment
      Deadline

      ‘Black Mirror’: Anthony Mackie & Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Cast In Season 5

      Captain America: Civil War star Anthony Mackie and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Aquaman) have been cast in the upcoming fifth season of Netflix's Emmy-winning anthology sci-fi series Black Mirror, Deadline has learned. Created and written by Charlie Brooker, each episode of Black Mirror employs a different cast of actors to explore themes linked to the collision of mankind with the unforgiving technology they have created. Season four featured episodes including space thriller…

    • Entertainment
      Deadline

      Frosties Or Sugar Puffs? Netflix Reveals Which Cereal Won Over Players of ‘Black Mirror: Bandersnatch’

      Frosties or Sugar Puffs? That's the first question Netflix viewers are asked to decide when they embark on their choose-your-own-adventure journey through the interactive Black Mirror: Bandersnatch movie. Players are asked to choose which cereal the 1980s video-game programmer, who is the central character in the story, will eat, in a low-stakes introduction to the interactive elements of Bandersnatch. Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, in a burst of transparency, revealed the…

    • Entertainment
      Pitchfork

      Netflix Sued by 'Choose Your Own Adventure' Over 'Bandersnatch'

      The beloved children’s book series claims that Netflix is profiting off “viewers’ nostalgia” with new Black Mirror film

    • Entertainment
      People

      'Black Mirror: Bandersnatch' Actor Will Poulter Steps Away from Twitter to Focus on His Mental Health

      Black Mirror's Will Poulter Steps Away from Twitter for Mental Health

    • Entertainment
      Yahoo TV

      'Black Mirror' releases 'Bandersnatch' trailer — and it's intense

      The latest installment of Netflix's cult sci-fi series is dropping on Friday.

    • Entertainment
      Mashable

      Yep, Miley Cyrus is genuinely going to be in 'Black Mirror' Season 5

      Talk about the best of both worlds. One of our favourite Disney stars-turned-international pop stars  is going to be in (one of) our favourite dark sci-fi anthology series.  No, it's not Demi Lovato starring in <em>The Twilight Zone </em>(though we'd love to see that).  SEE ALSO: The darkest fake media in 'Black Mirror': A complete guide Miley Cyrus just confirmed that she'll be in the next season of Netflix's dystopian hit series <em>Black Mirror.</em> The "Wrecking Ball" singer confirmed the casting on <em>The Howard Stern Show. </em> "If you guess it, then I will shake my head yes, or no," Cyrus told Stern when he asked her about whether or not she would be starring in an episode of the fifth season of <em>Black Mirror. </em> Stern then informed the listeners that Cyrus had nodded her head, indicating "yes." That's as close as we're going to get to getting confirmation from the horse's mouth at this point. <em>Mashable</em> reached out to Netflix for comment but did not receive an immediate response. No release date has been set for the fifth season of <em>Black Mirror, </em>but in a tweet from an Official Netflix Twitter account (screen grabbed here by <em>Mirror</em>) that was later deleted, Netflix had set <em>Black Mirror </em>Season 5 <em> </em>to premiere on December 28th 2018 with an episode entitled "Bandersnatch." Netflix has not commented on the accidental leak, but dare we hope for a surprise release during the holidays?  What better way to brighten the festive season than with a show that makes you hate the world you live in? WATCH: This 'blind' robot can jump on your table and chase you in the dark even when its leg is broken  

    • Entertainment
      Indiewire

      Miley Cyrus in ‘Black Mirror’ Season 5? Actress Confirms Role, but She Can’t Say More

      As always, Netflix won't let any details about the new "Black Mirror" episodes slip.

    • News
      TVLine.com

      'Black Mirror' renewed for Season 5

      Another season of an ever-growing dread that the modern world is going to be the end of all of us!

    • News
      Yahoo Movies

      Jesse Plemons explains how Kirsten Dunst snuck into 'Black Mirror' episode

      Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons's 'Fargo' co-star, fiancée, and future baby mama, quickly passes by in the background during a scene in 'Black Mirror.'

    • News
      Yahoo TV

      Amazon's Philip K. Dick adaptations: Some dreamy, some drag

      With "Philip K. Dick’s Electric Dreams" and Netflix's "Black Mirror," the sci-fi anthology series is now back as a revitalized genre.

    • News
      Yahoo TV

      Bryan Cranston says 'Electric Dreams' sees 'Black Mirror' as 'friendly competition'

      Bryan Cranston explains how his new series "Electric Dreams" was stimulated by the success of "Black Mirror."

    • News
      The Wrap

      ‘Black Mirror': You May Have Missed These Two Big Celebrity Cameos in ‘USS Callister’

      Chances are if you’ve dived into Season 4 of “Black Mirror” on Netflix you’ve already seen the episode “USS Callister,” given that it’s first in the given order on the streaming service. It’s a good one to kick off the season, because it’s a nice mix of the standard “Black Mirror” cynicism with a dose of cathartic triumph over the toxicity of nerddom — an example of the tech nightmares the show loves to present as obstacles rather than just a permanent quagmire of sadness. Within that story there’s a couple of Easter eggs in the form of actors making surprise appearances: Kirsten Dunst and Aaron Paul, both of whom have a real life connection to “USS Callister” lead actor Jesse Plemons.

    • News
      Yahoo TV

      New season of 'Black Mirror': Don't pet the mechanical dog

      Charlie Brooker's anthology series about the dangers of future technology is back for a fourth season of unnerving tales on Netflix.

    • News
      The Wrap

      'Black Mirror' Season 4: Teaser Trailer, Episode Titles, Directors and Stars Revealed

      For the love of Jon Hamm, there’s been a sizable data dump for the upcoming season of “Black Mirror.”

    • News
      Yahoo TV

      Emmys: How the ‘Black Mirror’ VFX Team Brought the Horrors of ‘Playtest’ to Life

      The 'Black Mirror' VFX team picked "Playtest" as their Emmy submission in the Special Visual Effects category. This video shares some of the episode's secrets.

    • News
      Indiewire

      ‘Orange Is the New Black Mirror’: Taystee Dreams Up the Perfect Netflix Mash-Up — Watch

      The world of "San Junipero" gets a new cast in this promo for "OITNB" Season 5. 

    • News
      Yahoo TV

      ‘Black Mirror,’ ‘Westworld,’ and 13 Other Genre Shows That Are Tackling Issues Well

      Leading up to the 20th anniversary of the March 10, 1997, premiere of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Yahoo TV is celebrating “Why Genre Shows Matter” and the history of how these shows have tackled universal themes (such as how much high school sucks) and broader social issues. “Name a current show you think is tackling an issue well” — that’s another question we posed to more than 30 executive producers of current sci-fi/fantasy series who agreed to take part in our Why Genre Shows Matter survey over the last month, either by email or phone. I’m obsessed with Black Mirror.

    • News
      Superfan TV

      Emma Stone, Jonah Hill Set Date To Shoot Remake Of Norwegian Sitcom ‘Maniac’ For Netflix

      Jonah Hill and Emma Stone have set a date… to start filming their new Netflix sitcom! Maniac, based on a Norwegian series of the same title, is a darkly comic fantasy that leaps back and forth between a man committed to a mental institution and his dreamworld where he becomes everything from a millionaire playboy surrounded by bikini-clad groundskeepers to a daring, Hitler-killing war hero. Rubicon TV produced the series for the Norwegian small screen back in 2014, and also had a hand in Netflix’s first original series, Lilyhammer. Cary Fukunaga, another Netflix alum who directed their Golden Globe-nominated movie, Beasts of No Nation in 2015, will helm the entire 10-episode series.

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