Black Mirror has become a significant part of contemporary culture. My journey with this thought-provoking anthology series began during high school when the initial episodes from Channel 4 made their Netflix debut. The show emerged as a defining artistic expression of the 2010s, and once it found a permanent place on the streaming giant, its influence expanded significantly. Much like its predecessor, The Twilight Zone, Black Mirror signifies a cultural phenomenon, evoking widespread recognition even among those who haven’t watched a single episode.
It’s intriguing to observe how a show with such a strong identity strives for growth. Anthology series are bound to evolve, and since the first Netflix season, debates regarding the essence of a “Black Mirror episode”have flourished. Season 6, in particular, attempted to transcend the show’s established themes—often centered around technology, dystopia, and raw emotional impact—yet its execution yielded mixed outcomes. While I am open to more narratives under the “Red Mirror” branding, such as supernatural tales, the shift to a more analog past may go too far from the series’ core.
As it stands, “Demon 79″is the sole episode from season 6 to officially fall under the Red Mirror label.
Black Mirror Season 7: A Reflective Journey Through Its Heritage
Kicking Off in Familiar Territory
This season features six new episodes, all of which I have watched. I will provide insights on each in an optimal viewing order without giving away too many plot points. To convey the evolution of the show effectively, it’s essential to discuss the feelings these episodes evoke.
The episode titled “Common People”served as an insightful introduction. I anticipate it will resonate with many viewers as the most quintessentially Black Mirror installment of the season. In this story, a seemingly happy couple, played by Chris O’Dowd and Rashida Jones, find their lives shattered when tragedy forces the husband to agree to a risky experimental procedure to save his wife. As the situation spirals into an unsettling abyss, we are reminded of the series’ signature dark commentary, revealing that there are still plenty of tech-related nightmares to unearth from our reality.
However, while the episode echoes familiar themes, it lacks the intensity characteristic of earlier seasons. This narrative, ten years ago, would have delved deeper into its premise, often leaving us grappling with ethical dilemmas. Instead, we watch relatable individuals faced with grim decisions, shaped by the harsh realities of corporate greed. The failings that might have been harshly scrutinized in previous seasons are presented sympathetically, as if their choices are born from unfortunate circumstances.
As the season progresses, viewers encounter a notable shift, with the next three episodes emerging as standout features.
“Bête Noire”effectively embodies the moral complexity I previously mentioned. The story centers around Maria, portrayed by Siena Kelly, whose workplace is disrupted by the arrival of Verity (Rosy McEwen), a former high school acquaintance. Once a bullied outcast, Verity has morphed into a figure of beauty and popularity, leaving Maria feeling increasingly alienated. As mysterious events jeopardize Maria’s work standing, she quickly becomes suspicious of Verity’s influence.
While the performances and cinematography shine, I found this episode to be the least impactful of the batch. Unlike “Common People,”this premise had the potential for greater exploration, but it felt like the narrative had lost its cutting edge. This segment of the show’s journey reveals a disconnect between the current creative direction and the sensibilities of creator Charlie Brooker, amassed over 14 years.
Although “Bête Noire”was less compelling, “Hotel Reverie”can be considered its most chaotic installment. This title refers to a fictional classic film in the show’s universe, which a struggling legacy studio aims to cash in on. Enter Awkwafina’s character, who has developed an AI simulation capable of recreating the film with its original cast—only this time featuring the contemporary Hollywood star, Brandy Melville (Issa Rae), in the leading romantic role.
Merging humor and drama, this episode has its moments of brilliance, yet stumbles in tone. This episode seems to aim for the same emotional impact as “San Junipero,” Black Mirror’s bright exception to the prevailing gloom, though it rarely succeeds in striking that tone. The comedic elements clash with modern and classic performance styles, making it a mixed experience. Nonetheless, Emma Corrin’s portrayal of a recreated 1940s actress is truly commendable.
Season 7’s Last Three Episodes Stand Out
Signaling New Directions for Black Mirror
The latter part of season 7 marks a transformative phase, with its three concluding episodes representing the pinnacle of creativity. While I initially vowed to discuss these in order, I find it essential to rearrange that plan. Episode 4, titled “Plaything,”works as a spinoff of Bandersnatch, that interactive, 1980s-set Black Mirror movie focusing on a young man’s ill-fated effort to create a choose-your-own-adventure video game. In this near-future narrative, a man (Peter Capaldi) caught stealing is tied to an unsolved murder, forcing him to revisit his past as a young video game journalist (Lewis Gribben).
His journey takes him back to the 1990s, where he was tasked with covering a project from designer Colin Ritman (Will Poulter) that ultimately never reached completion. The energy infused into the filmmaking is palpable, making it evident that the creators were genuinely passionate about this episode. “Plaything”successfully juxtaposes a retro past with an advanced future, illustrating how our historical relationship with technology steers our current engagement with it. This signifies a preferred narrative approach for 2025.
These episodes indicate a new pathway for the show: Black Mirror as exhilarating science fiction.
The sixth episode, “USS Callister: Into Infinity,”transitions from spinoff to direct sequel, marking a first for Black Mirror. It picks up immediately from the conclusion of season 4, episode 1, featuring Robert Daly (Jesse Plemons) deceased, and the virtual clones of his colleagues liberated to navigate the expansive universe of his online game. Spanning almost 90 minutes, it stands as the season’s lengthiest episode and showcases Netflix’s considerable investment in its production. Additionally, it is easily the most entertaining episode of the season.
Though it may seem unusual to label an episode of Black Mirror as “fun,” this sentiment notably arose in the original “USS Callister”as well. Both episodes tap into the adventurous spirit reminiscent of Star Trek parodies. While the initial episode meshed sci-fi with horror, this sequel adopts a thriller format, blending comedic moments with action-packed sequences. Furthermore, a detective story unfolds outside the game, as Nanette Prime (Cristin Milioti) probes deeper into Daly’s dubious activities, threatening to unravel everything involving him and James Walton (Jimmi Simpson).
These two standout episodes introduce a fresh direction: Black Mirror as captivating science fiction, preserving its signature twisted storytelling but with a lighter impact, focusing on alternate emotional outcomes. The fifth episode of the season, titled “Eulogy,” resonates deeply and stands as my personal favorite of these new releases.
“Eulogy” Represents Black Mirror’s Most Successful Breakaway from Tradition
Insights into the Future of the Series
“Eulogy”offers a poignant emotional depth, distinguishing itself as a rare dramatic piece for Black Mirror. The episode follows Phillip (Paul Giamatti) as he receives news of a woman from his past, now deceased. He is invited to contribute memories to an interactive memorial powered by a program capable of resurfacing and sharing past recollections.
If “San Junipero”illustrated that not every episode has to be steeped in despair, “Eulogy”asserts that cautionary tales are not the only narrative path available.
This installment has a notably confined scope; it intentionally refrains from exploring the broader world outside its narrative. The only other significant character is a digital entity known as The Guide (Patsy Ferran), who aids Phillip throughout the process, gradually revealing buried memories he has long suppressed. Giamatti’s performance is exceptional, delivering some truly touching moments and solidifying this episode as the most memorable of the season.
Notably, this episode bravely embraces its technology rather than expressing distrust. These concluding three episodes of season 7 reveal a clear ambition to explore varied storytelling formats, with a keen interest in the threads connecting our past, present, and future. The success of “Eulogy”suggests there are myriad ways to rethink our interactions with technology. While “San Junipero”proved the flexibility of tone, “Eulogy”emphasizes that cautionary narratives are not obligatory.
Whether or not we see more episodes is uncertain, but even as the show revisits its creative roots, I don’t sense that it has reached a conclusion. Instead, Black Mirror paves an exciting new path for growth beyond its established identity, and I look forward to discovering how future episodes may continue this innovative trajectory.