Watched on Netflix Social themes: Capitalism, sensationalism, alienation. Technological issues: Digitalisation "15 Million Merits" shows a digitalised world of alienation. The media are part of the political system, which can be seen as a satire of capitalism: A ticket for the casting show has to be earned dearly, otherwise there is no escape from the hierarchical system. In order not to have to watch commercials, you have to pay - although today you already have to. Upper class (the jury), middle class (the cyclists) and lower class (the cleaners in yellow) are trapped in their ranks. Anyone who is not good enough for the system is demoted and becomes an obese cleaner who is no longer allowed to cycle. The system degrades this weaker group for entertainment and even pornography is now commonplace in the media. Main character Bing (Daniel Kaluuya), who wants to break out of this system and gives a rant on camera, ends up becoming part of the system too, getting extra airtime slots for his staged rants. Bing and Abi (Jessica Brown-Findlay) have risen in rank. Little changes, however. "15 Million Merits" is not one of the most exciting Black Mirror episodes, but it does show incredibly strong worldbuilding. The heavy side blows against the current consumer society hurt a lot and encourage self-reflection.