Black Mirror season 6: What is MRSA?

The highly-anticipated new season of Black Mirror arrived on Netflix today, introducing viewers to new characters, locations, and thought-provoking storylines. Of course, with a show like this, we can expect the unexpected. The critically-acclaimed series is known for its anthology format and plot points all about the dark side of technology. And oh yes, there will be plot twists.

If you’ve already started binging the five new episodes, you might’ve been shocked by the tale of episode 2, titled “Loch Henry.” This one follows a couple named Pia and Davis who travel to Davis’ hometown in Scotland with plans to film a documentary. They stay with Davis’ mom Janet who seems innocent enough, but as they start to learn more about the small town’s history, they uncover secrets that are hard to believe.

Warning: Minor spoilers ahead for Black Mirror season 6 episode 2. 

When they arrive in Scotland, Davis gives Pia a tour of the town and they end up spending time with one of his old friends Stuart. When Pia inquires how such a beautiful town could be so deserted, Stuart and Davis explain there’s a reason tourists stay clear. That’s because there was a serial killer in the ’90s named Iain Adair who supposedly killed eight people, including vacationers.

Davis’ late father Kenneth was a police officer at the time who was called to Iain’s farm to check on him after he caused a scene at the local bar. When Kenneth arrived, he was shot. The story says Iain then killed his parents before killing himself, and Kenneth was transported to the hospital. Though Kenneth survived the gunshot, he contracted MRSA during his stay and died from the infection.

Black Mirror season 6 episode 2: What does MRSA stand for?

The term “MRSA” is mentioned quickly in the episode, so if you’re wondering what that even is, you’ve come to the right place. Also known as the “superbug,” MRSA stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It’s an infection that’s caused by staph bacteria and is highly contagious. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MRSA is resistant to multiple antibiotics and most often causes skin infections. These infections can lead to sepsis if not treated.

“Loch Henry” takes a lot of twists and turns after Pia learns the story of Iain Adair, but we won’t spoil the ending for you here in case you haven’t made it there yet.

Black Mirror season 6 proves to be another worthwhile watch, and we’ll be curious to see if Netflix renews the show for a seventh season.