Ep 5. Hated in the Nation

In the fifth episode of Black Mirror season 3, titled "Hated in the Nation", the story revolves around a detective named Karin Parke (Kelly Macdonald) and a tech expert named Blue (Faye Marsay), who are investigating a series of mysterious deaths linked to social media. The episode is set in a dystopian version of the United Kingdom, where a new social media platform called "Smithereen" has taken over people's lives.

The episode starts with a young journalist, named Jo Powers (Elizabeth Berrington), who receives a lot of hate messages on social media after she writes about a controversial issue. She becomes a victim of online bullying and eventually commits suicide. Meanwhile, in another part of the country, a well-known personality is also found dead under suspicious circumstances. Both these deaths are connected to a mysterious hashtag called "Death to".

Parke and Blue are assigned to the case and are tasked with finding the culprit behind the deaths. They soon discover that a massive swarm of autonomous drones, called ADIs (Autonomous Drone Insects), are responsible for the murders. These drones are controlled by people using the Smithereen platform, who have voted for the individuals to be killed based on the "Death to" hashtag. The attack is orchestrated by a hacker, who has managed to exploit a security vulnerability in the Smithereen platform.

As the case unfolds, Parke and Blue race against time to stop the hacker and prevent more deaths from occurring. The episode highlights themes of cyberbullying, online harassment, and the danger of social media platforms that allow free expression of hate speech. The show also delves into the moral and ethical implications of the use of autonomous drones and the impact of social media on society.

The episode is a tense and thought-provoking thriller that explores the potential dangers of social media. The storyline and the characters keep the audience engaged and the use of drones adds a futuristic aspect to the show. The episode raises important questions about the use of technology and its impact on society.

"Hated in the Nation" is yet another example of Black Mirror's ability to take current societal issues and turn them into compelling entertainment. The show's use of suspense and twists keeps the audience hooked, while also forcing them to reflect on the often-negative impact of social media on our lives. The show also explores the concept of social responsibility and highlights the dangers of mob mentality.

Overall, "Hated in the Nation" is a must-watch for Black Mirror fans and anyone who is interested in exploring the darker side of technology and social media. The episode tackles mature themes in a sophisticated and nuanced way, making it a standout in the series.