The Events: How to Control the Nation by Derren Brown

Main article: How to Control the Nation

On September 18, Derren Brown’s second event aired, where he aimed to “control the nation” by inducing an inability to stand up and leave the show. He presented a short film featuring rotating lines designed to create a sensation of physical immobility in viewers. Approximately half of the live audience reported experiencing this effect, although Brown suggested that fewer home viewers would feel the same due to less-than-ideal conditions.

Brown explained that his film employed various manipulative techniques intended to trigger involuntary responses in viewers. This included a reassuring message encouraging them to stay seated safely. He later showcased a second video containing a subliminal message indicating that any previous threat had dissipated. Throughout the program, images were briefly displayed, depicting a figure bound to a chair.