Fifteen Million Merits story
"Fifteen Million Merits" is the second episode of the first series of British science fiction anthology series Black Mirror. It was written by series creator and showrunner Charlie Brooker and his wife Konnie Huq and directed by Euros Lyn, and first aired on Channel 4 on 11 December 2011. Directed by: Euros Lyn. Story by: Charlie Brooker & Kanak Huq.
11 total · 3 choice · 6 major · 2 minor
| Theme | Level | Motivation |
|---|---|---|
| consumerist dystopia | choice | We are shown a society in which every last virtue has been cheapened, refined, and canned for mass public consumption. |
| escape from reality | choice | People did nothing but escape from reality and the protagonist Bing was desperate for something "real" as he called it. |
| mass consumerism | choice | People lived dreary lives pedaling to ramp up some numbers on an account only to buy useless crap. |
| celebrity culture in society | major | People riding the stationary bikes were caught up in celebrity culture, the Hot Shot reality show contestants exemplified the mindless pursuit of fame and fortune. |
| pervasive marketing in society | major | People were constantly subjected ads, including pornographic ones. |
| prostitution vs. poverty | major | Abi was a decent singer but turned to prostitution when it became apparent she wouldn't be able to make it in the music industry. |
| selling out for money | major | Should Abi accept an offer to become a prostitute in exchange for an apparent life of comfort or go back to cycling on her stationary bike to earn small sums of currency? In the end both Abi and Bing both sold out for money and a life of comfort and fame. |
| the desire for fame | major | Hot Shot reality show contestants were there seeking fame and fortune. |
| the need for a purpose in life | major | Bing thought life was meaningless and he yearned for something "real". |
| prostitution | minor | Abi worked as a Wraith Girl prostitute after appearing on the Hot Shot reality talent show. |