Black Mirror "Bête Noire" Analysis: Bullying, Reality Bending, and Revenge

Plot Summary of "Bête Noire"

• The episode "Bête Noire" (meaning "black beast" or a person/thing one dislikes) features a rising executive, Maria, whose life begins to unravel after a former schoolmate, Varity, is hired at her company.
• Varity blames Maria for past bullying, which included spreading a rumor that led to a teacher's dismissal and Varity's subsequent suffering.
• Maria discovers Varity possesses a watch that can alter reality, changing events like security footage and even the names of businesses.
• The plot escalates when Maria confronts Varity, ultimately killing her, and then declares, "I am Empress of the Universe," leading to a surreal, altered reality.

Critiques of the Episode's Reality Bending

• A significant criticism is the depiction of planets in the sky being too close and large, which is scientifically inaccurate and visually jarring.
• The episode is also critiqued for its use of "magic nonsense" and a seemingly all-powerful "quantum machine" that rearranges the universe, moving away from Black Mirror's usual focus on technology.
• Some viewers felt the episode's tech felt more like magic, lacking the illusion of plausibility that defines the series.

Thematic Exploration: Bullying and Trauma

• The episode delves into the lasting impact of bullying, with Varity's trauma stemming from Maria's high school actions.
• The hosts discuss personal experiences with bullying and nonconformity in middle school, highlighting how easily rumors and cruel behavior can spread.
• The narrative explores how trauma can lead individuals to seek control or inflict similar pain on others, as seen with Varity's actions.

Discussion on Revenge and Reality Alteration

• The conversation shifts to the hypothetical use of a reality-altering device for revenge or to "set the record straight."
• Ideas range from subtly influencing voters in swing states to more dramatic interventions like forcing anti-immigration politicians to experience life on the other side of the border.
• The hosts debate the ethics of punishment, with suggestions including ironic punishments and forcing individuals to repair the damage they've caused.

Personal Reflections and Ratings

• Dr. Kirk and Humberto rate the episode a 7 and a 6 out of 10, respectively, acknowledging its watchability and thought-provoking themes.
• Key enjoyment points included the exploration of the "Mandela Effect" and the frustration of experiencing reality shifts.
• The hosts also reflect on the allure of revenge and the potential for such power to corrupt, questioning whether direct experience or empathy-building scenarios are more effective for reform.