The National Anthem

Before Black Mirror became the phenomenon we know it as today, The National Anthem was touted as a Charlie Brooker show about the Prime Minister having to do something humiliating with a pig.How far the show has come, you might think - but lots of Black Mirror's classic themes are in this surprisingly heartbreaking episode, as guest James Rodger (@jamesdrodger), Birmingham Live's resident Season 1 super-fan, helps explain.There's the impact of technology on ages-old institutions, seen most obviously when YouTube videos keep scooping major broadcasters.There's a bad guy who's not all he seems - but no clear-cut good guys.There's a relationship unravelled, unable to stay fully intact when held up to public scrutiny.Let's head back to December 2011 and take another look at Black Mirror's maiden voyage…--Welcome to Black Mirror Cracked - the podcast for all your Black Mirror needs.We alternate between episode analysis and interviews with Black Mirror cast and crew, with a new podcast released every Wednesday morning (GMT).For more Black Mirror stuff, join the conversation in the Facebook group, follow us @BlackMirrorCrrr and have a read of mirror.co.uk/blackmirrorThanks for listening!Host: Suchandrika Chakrabarti (@SuchandrikaC)Podcasts produced by Daniel Jackson (@Danoogie) For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices