Who was Rasputin, the Russian Love Machine from the 1979 disco banger featured in Black Mirror?

Death, Drama, Disco: These three words aptly describe the fifth episode of Black Mirror Season 6.

What?

The fifth episode of Season 6, titled "Demon 79," written by Bisha K Ali and Charlie Brooker, prominently features the disco icons Boney M and their popular '70s Euro-disco hit "Rasputin."

The story revolves around Nida, a footwear sales clerk (played by Anjana Vasan, known for her role in "We Are Lady Parts"), seeking solace at home amid the rampant racism in late 1970s England. The series is set during the emergence of Margaret Thatcher and the rise of the far-right fascist National Front.

In these challenging times, Nida finds refuge from the violence and hatred depicted in the news by tuning into a Top of the Pops-style show. Mesmerized, she watches four Black disco icons—Bobby Farrell, Liz Mitchell, Marcia Barrett, and Maizie Williams of Boney M.—as they sing and dance on screen, shining in a world far removed from her own daily reality. This marks the turning point that changes her fate.

What was that song in Demon 79?

This is the moment when the episode features Boney M's 1978 single and disco banger, "Rasputin," from their third and best-selling album, "Nightflight to Venus." The lively disco song tells the story of the intriguing historical figure Grigori Rasputin, who served as an advisor to Tsar Nicholas II of Russia in the 20th century.

Boney M's rendition of "Rasputin," created by producer Frank Farian, gained immense popularity worldwide, including in the UK, where Nida watches it in the "Black Mirror" episode.

The mystique and extravagant life and demise of Rasputin have captivated the attention of countless writers, authors, and even the disco group Boney M, who famously celebrated him as "Russia's greatest love machine" in their song about him.

Who was Rasputin?

Often referred to as the "Mad Monk" due to his self-proclaimed status as a holy man with healing abilities, Rasputin held considerable influence over the Russian royal family, particularly Tsarina Alexandra of the reigning Romanov dynasty.

As Boney M sings, "He could preach the Bible like a preacher, full of ecstasy and fire." Despite rumors and allegations, the Tsarina regarded him not as a mere manipulator but as an actual holy healer who could bring solace to her ailing son.

Rasputin's charismatic personality and growing popularity among the people of Russia, particularly women, concerned many wealthy kings and princes. Ultimately, in a conspiracy orchestrated by Prince Felix Yussupo, Rasputin was killed on December 19, 1916. As the song describes, "They put some poison into his wine... He drank it all and said, 'I feel fine.'" The circumstances surrounding his death continue to be shrouded in intrigue and controversy.

Who was the Demon in episode five?

In the story, Nida stumbles upon a wooden talisman in the basement of the Possetts department store and brings it home. Intrigued, she performs a ritual by anointing the talisman with her own blood. This act inadvertently summons the junior demon Gaap, who materializes in her apartment. Gaap confronts Nida with a dire ultimatum: she must execute three human sacrifices within the next three days, or else face an impending apocalypse.

Nida's fear intensifies as she witnesses Gaap's true demonic form, prompting Gaap to assume a more recognizable and comforting appearance. Delving into Nida's thoughts, Gaap takes on the likeness of Bobby Farrell, the charismatic disco icon from Boney M, portrayed with deadpan comedy flair by Paapa Essiedu (known for his role in "The Lazarus Project"). "I delved into your soul, and it appears you find this physical form appealing. Perhaps you encountered it recently and found pleasure in it?"

Was it Gaap or Nida?

Until the very end, it remains a mystery whether Gaap was a tangible entity or merely a product of Nida's imagination. Earlier parts of the episode hinted at Nida's fragile mental state following her mother's death and her inner rage. Multiple instances throughout the show raise the question: Was it Nida all along, manipulating events from within her own psyche?