Choices

“See, that’s what makes it so great for me. I love to explore new options,”

Maxim Trevelyan
Writer, Ravenclaw

RETURN TO LAST SCENE or GO TO CREDITS

“This is stupid,” Brandon said as he stared at the TV screen. The message seemed to mock him as the timer at the bottom slowly counted down to zero.

“Maybe you’re just making all the bad choices?” Catherine mused and elbowed Brandon in the ribs.

Yelping, Brandon glared at her, pressing a button that led to credits. He was mournfully looking at the screen as the actors’, producers’ and developers’ names started rolling. “I hate this format,” Brandon complained and threw the controller to Catherine. He fumbled the throw but thanks to Catherine’s reflexes, she just managed to catch it.

“I personally love it,” the girl commented. “I like how Netflix is branching out to a more interactive media.” Catherine pressed a few buttons and the intro to Black Mirror’s Bandersnatch started to roll again.

“Doesn’t it take you out of the experience though?” Brandon asked, watching the first scene. “I mean, you have to think, ponder and then worry if you made the right choice every time there is one.” Brandon still felt slightly angry and disappointed that he managed to pick wrong the first time the choice really had an impact. “Plus, with so many possible paths, there’s no way to ‘see’ the movie in full. Not unless you watch the scenes later.”

Catherine shrugged as she quickly pressed the left button to choose the character’s breakfast cereal. “See, that’s what makes it so great for me. I love to explore new options,” she explained.

Brandon was not convinced, but refused to further press the issue. “Make sure you pick other things than me, yeah,” he mentioned, scooting bit closer to Catherine. “I want to see where other paths take you. Maybe they lead to a better ending or something?” Brandon wondered, captivated by the change of scenery, one he did not get before.

“Come on, mate,” Catherine laughed ad elbowed Brandon again. “This is Black Mirror. There’re no good endings.”

Brandon chuckled and nodded his head. For now, he would just appreciate the new experience rather than worry. So, he fixed his attention back to the screen and let himself enjoy the new paths the characters took.