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The Waldo Moment
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3rd episode of the 2nd series of Black Mirror<br>"The Waldo Moment "Black Mirror episodeThe candidates standing for election. From left to right: Labour Candidate Gwendolyn Harris (Chloe Pirrie); Liberal Democrat candidate Conor Simpson (James Lance); Conservative candidate Liam Monroe (Tobias Menzies); animated blue bear Waldo; Waldo operator Jamie (Daniel Rigby); producer Tamsin (Christina Chong).<br>Episode number"}]]}'>no.Series 2<br>Episode 3Directed byBryn HigginsWritten byCharlie BrookerCinematography byMike SpraggEditing byBen YeatesOriginal air date25 February 2013 (2013-02-25)Running time44 minutesGuest appearances<br>Daniel Rigby as Jamie Salter
Chloe Pirrie as Gwendolyn Harris
Jason Flemyng as Jack Napier
Tobias Menzies as Liam Monroe
Christina Chong as Tamsin
James Lance as Conor Simpson
Ed Gaughan as Shaun
Pip Torrens as Philip Crane
David Ajala as Jeff Carter
Michael Shaeffer as Roy
Episode chronology
← Previous<br>"White Bear"<br>Next →<br>"White Christmas"<br>List of episodes<br>"The Waldo Moment " is the third episode in the second series of the British science fiction anthology television series Black Mirror. It was written by series creator and showrunner Charlie Brooker and directed by Bryn Higgins, and first aired on Channel 4 on 25 February 2013. The episode originated in an idea for Nathan Barley, an earlier TV show by Brooker and Chris Morris.
The episode tells the story of Jamie Salter (Daniel Rigby), an unhappy and disillusioned comedian who plays a blue animated bear called Waldo in a satirical television programme. After a politician he interviewed—Liam Monroe (Tobias Menzies)—enters a by-election to become member of parliament, Waldo stands as a candidate. Meanwhile, Jamie and another candidate, Gwendolyn Harris (Chloe Pirrie), develop feelings for each other. Waldo's popularity continues to rise, but Jamie, whose life is torn between his career and his role, becomes increasingly discontented with the role he is playing.
The episode is in contrast to other Black Mirror episodes with its contemporary setting; it explores public distrust of politicians. Initially based in part on the politician and future British prime minister Boris Johnson, the character of Waldo was widely compared to business magnate Donald Trump following his successful 2016 campaign to become President of the United States. The episode was considered by critics to be very poor in comparison to other Black Mirror episodes, with criticisms made of its reliance on tropes and its ending. The characters of Waldo and Jamie received mixed reception.
Plot<br>[edit]
On a topical comedy show, Jamie Salter (Daniel Rigby) plays Waldo—a vulgar, animated blue bear who interviews public figures under the pretense of a children's television programme. After Conservative politician Liam Monroe (Tobias Menzies) files a complaint over his interview, a television pilot starring Waldo is commissioned. Despite this, Jamie is disillusioned and unsatisfied with his life, particularly over a recent breakup. Executive Jack Napier (Jason Flemyng) notes that Monroe is standing to become a member of parliament in the by-election for the fictional constituency of Stentonford and Hersham. It is agreed that Waldo should also stand.
Appearing as Waldo via video screens on the side of a van, Jamie goads Monroe into confrontation as he campaigns. Meanwhile, Gwendolyn Harris (Chloe Pirrie) has been chosen as the Labour Party candidate, though the constituency is a safe seat for the Conservatives. Harris and Jamie get drunk together, Jamie expressing his displeasure at being stuck as Waldo and Harris admitting she will not win. They have sex and agree to continue their relationship. Harris' campaign manager, Roy (Michael Shaeffer), is alarmed that she talked to Jamie, telling her that she cannot see him during the campaign.
Waldo and the other candidates are invited to a student-organised hustings, in which Monroe details Jamie's mostly unsuccessful television career and derides his message as meaningless. Jamie attacks both Monroe and Harris as disingenuous career politicians, using information Harris divulged during their encounter. Waldo's rant goes viral on YouTube and receives media coverage; Waldo is interviewed by political pundit Philip Crane (Pip Torrens). Jamie, whose life is torn between his career and his role, is reluctant to continue as Waldo but does so after Jack threatens to play him instead. Afterward, Jack and Jamie meet with American agent Jeff Carter (David Ajala), who talks about the advantages of a cartoon figurehead over a human in spreading political messages abroad.
Jamie attempts to apologise to Harris, but she is...