This document analyzes the Black Mirror episode "Be Right Back" through several postmodern and media theory lenses. It discusses how the episode uses elements like intertextuality, dystopian narratives, and the flattening of affect. It also examines how the episode explores concepts from theorists like Baudrillard and Foucault, such as hyperreality, panopticism, and voyeurism. Finally, it considers the type of audience the episode is aimed at and the impact Charlie Brooker intends to have through challenging conventions.

1. Black Mirror Analysis
Be Right Back

2. How is this episode postmodern?
(pomo features)
• Intertextuality = The use of social media, e.g Twitter, Group chats
on the phone (Whatsapp) Man being reborn- The Matrix
• Dystopian narrative = dark/grim take on future from the effects of
technology and social media
• Hybridisation = drama, future, reality, romance
• Flattening of Affect = The robotic version of her husband has no
emotions.
• Artificialness = She lives in a false reality, her husband is dead yet
there is a robotic body formed into her husband.

3. How can you apply Baurillard’s theory?
(hyperreality)
• Hyper reality of the use of social media:
- Robotic husband runs off his social media
account creating a simulated version of the husband.
- The addiction of social media (her husband was
always on his phone sharing messages and pictures with his
friends).

4. How can you apply Foucault’s theory?
(panopticanisation & voyeurism)
• External audience = Tweeting to the social media on the
programme
• Internal audience = Her husband was made through the social
media
• Being watched changes you = The demand of being on social media,
her husband shared a photo which he felt would make people
laugh.
• Their voyeurism is a metaphor for their slavery =
• Scopopphilia = (pleasure in watching other bodies) – Following
online profiles such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

5. How does it differ or challenge other media?
(could compare to other current media or traditional media)
• Modern technology advertising =Twitter is being
advertised as they mention ‘tweets’ throughout
the episode.
• It challenges traditional media as within the
episode they bring someone back to life through
their social media account and due to the
updates and phrases he used, this avatar/robot
was able to analyse everything that he had said
and use this when he speaks. She dehumanises
the male avatar by locking him in the actic.

6. How is it similar to other media?
(similar to current media or traditional media)
• Social Media Accounts = Twitter (tweeting),
group chats (Whatsapp)
• Current films = Similar to The Matrix as they
create life, Her (Artificial life create)

7. What type of audience is this episode made for?
What sort of impact does Charlie Brooker want on this
audience? Why?
• For niche audience (not mass as it is not typical tv drama with a more light
hearted approach like Dr who)
• Audience theory: Is it effects or reception?
– Effects theory = (passive audiences who accept and take in messages
in texts because they are easily influenced (hyperdermic needle
theory)
OR
– Reception theory = (active audiences who challenge/question
messages in texts)
– *It could be both
• Reception theory = obviously made for a more niche audience who have some
interest in social media accounts and more ‘challenging’ texts as they know
Charlie Brooker himself likes to challenge conventions
• Effects theory =

8. What types of technology and media
are explored in black mirror?
• See intertextuality…..
• Media themes
– Dependence on technology
– Impact of the social media
– The meaning / role of celebrity

9. Discuss the concept of narrative in black
mirror, does it challenge or reinforce?
• Fairly linear = which is typical in TV drama so
reinforced
• Is it entirely reinforced though? Anything
about it challenging? It challenges