Ep 6. Black Museum

Black Mirror season 4 episode 6, titled "Black Museum," takes the viewer on a journey through a museum that showcases criminal artifacts that have been used in a variety of crimes. The museum's owner and guide, Rolo Haynes, recounts the stories behind each item and the individuals involved in the crimes.

The episode is split into three distinct narratives, with each story centering around the museum's curator and his interactions with different individuals. The first story revolves around a young doctor, Nish, who stops by the museum while on a road trip. She strikes up a conversation with Rolo and is given a tour of the museum, which includes a number of oddities, including holographic projections of the convicted criminals. As they move through the exhibits, Nish becomes increasingly uncomfortable with the way Rolo seems to revel in the pain and suffering that these artifacts represent.

The second story follows a man named Clayton, who is looking for a way to communicate with his comatose wife. He finds a device in the museum that allows him to experience her pain and suffering as if it were his own. As he searches for a way to end her suffering, Clayton becomes increasingly consumed by the experience and eventually crosses a line that he can never come back from.

The final story centers around a man named Jack, who is on death row for a crime that he swears he did not commit. Rolo gives Jack the opportunity to transfer his consciousness into a holographic projection, allowing him to relive his memories and experiences in a virtual reality world. As Jack explores this new world, he begins to discover the truth about the crime he was accused of and must make a decision that will ultimately determine his fate.

Throughout the episode, there are a number of overlapping themes that tie these stories together. The most prominent of these is the idea of memory and how it can both define and distort our sense of self. The museum exhibits are all tethered to memory in some way, whether it's the memory of a crime committed or the memory of a loved one lost. The characters are all searching for some way to hold onto or re-experience these memories, even if it means facing pain and suffering.

Another theme that runs throughout the episode is the danger of technology and its potential to dehumanize us. The museum is filled with devices that allow individuals to experience the pain and suffering of others in a way that is both addictive and ultimately destructive. The holographic projections of the criminals in particular are a chilling example of this, as they reduce human beings to little more than spectacles to be gawked at and studied.

Finally, the episode explores the relationship between power and justice, and how the two are often out of balance. The museum's curator, Rolo, is a powerful figure who controls both the artifacts on display as well as the experiences of the people who visit the museum. He is a master manipulator who exploits the suffering of others for his own gain. As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that justice is hardly a concern for Rolo, who sees the museum as little more than a playground for his own twisted desires.

"Black Museum" is a thought-provoking episode that explores some of the darker aspects of human nature, particularly when it comes to memory, technology, and power. It is a fitting end to a season that has consistently raised questions about the role of technology and its impact on our lives.