Ep 3. Striking Vipers

In the third episode of Black Mirror season 5 titled "Striking Vipers", we are introduced to two former college buddies, Danny and Karl, who were once inseparable. However, as they grow older, their lives have diverged, with Danny settling down and starting a family while Karl is still living a bachelor's life.

On Danny's 38th birthday, the two reunite and Karl gifts him a virtual reality game called "Striking Vipers", a fighting game they used to play together in college. Danny is initially hesitant to play the game, but eventually gives in to Karl's persistence. As they begin to play, they find that the game has an unexpected feature - they can control the avatars with their own movements and actions in the real world, making the experience incredibly immersive.

As they continue to play "Striking Vipers", they find themselves increasingly drawn to each other's characters, and their relationship begins to take on a sexual nature. This begins to create tension and confusion between the two friends, as they struggle to reconcile their virtual desires with their real-life responsibilities. Danny's wife, Theo, also begins to notice a distance growing between them and suspects that something is wrong.

Throughout the episode, the characters explore the blurred lines between reality and virtual reality, and the consequences of their actions within the game world. They begin to question their own identities and desires, as well as the societal norms that dictate their behavior outside of the game. Ultimately, they must confront the question of whether their virtual desires are harmful to their real-life relationships and determine how to move forward.

"Striking Vipers" is a thought-provoking exploration of the dangers and possibilities of modern technology, as well as the complexities of human desire. With its well-crafted storyline and dynamic characters, it is a captivating addition to the Black Mirror franchise.