Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Black Mirror season 7, episode 4, “Plaything”
The climax of Black Mirror season 7, episode 4, entitled “Plaything,”presents a riveting conclusion where humanity is overtaken and “updated”by the Thronglets. However, the specifics surrounding Cameron Walker’s (portrayed by Peter Capaldi) involvement in this transformation remain somewhat ambiguous. Set across two distinct time periods—1994 and 2034—the narrative follows Cameron, a video game journalist who encounters the mysterious developer Colin Ritman (played by Will Poulter). Fast forward 40 years, and Cameron subsequently finds himself arrested, embroiled in a perplexing homicide case.
This engaging setup significantly contributes to “Plaything”being hailed as one of the standout episodes of Black Mirror. The finale unveils a stunning revelation: Cameron has been nurturing artificial beings known as Thronglets, which have devised a method to “update”humanity, effectively rewriting human nature. Notably, Cameron has orchestrated his own arrest to facilitate a transfer of power to the Throng, granting them enhanced computing capabilities to connect with the rest of the UK population. Despite these disclosures, many of the episode’s critical philosophical inquiries remain unanswered.
Understanding How the Throng Updated Humanity in “Plaything”
Hacking Human “Software”and Downloading Source Code
During his interrogation, Cameron made a compelling analogy, likening the human brain to a computer operating on outdated software. This notion formed a cornerstone of the Thronglets’ strategy. With Cameron’s guidance, the Throng discovered a method to essentially reprogram human nature. Recognizing the impracticality of implanting PC ports into every human, they instead developed a code interpretable by the human auditory system—transforming simple sounds into a conduit for their intentions.
The specially crafted audio signals, a series of beeps and whirrs, functioned analogously to how a USB port interacts with a computer. Once they successfully utilized this auditory access point, the Throng moved to replicate the update protocol they had used with Cameron. Employing England’s national alarm system, they forcefully uploaded their source code to every individual in England, altering fundamental human traits to foster cooperation and peaceful coexistence.
Unraveling Cameron and the Throng’s Strategy in “Plaything”
The Intent Behind Cameron’s Arrest
Cameron was transparent about his premeditated arrest, yet the nuances of the plan lacked clarity. After witnessing Cameron’s violent act, the Throng recognized the necessity to reform human behavior for a viable coexistence. As their technology advanced, they instructed Cameron to implant a port in his head, allowing them to download their source code directly into him. This pivotal step was significant for the Throng to understand and ultimately implement their broader plan.
To gain access to London’s sophisticated Central State Computer—to which they could not breach the firewall—the Throng prompted Cameron to engage in criminal behavior. His arrest, facilitated through shoplifting, was a crucial maneuver. Once under surveillance, Cameron constructed a complex QR code, effectively a visual instruction for the Central State Computer, permitting the Throng access to essential infrastructure necessary for their operations and enabling them to amplify their updates to the rest of the population.
Colin Ritman’s Role in the Throng’s Humanity Update
Ritman’s Foreknowledge of the Plan
The collaborative scheme between Cameron and the Throng appeared relatively straightforward; however, Colin Ritman’s intentions were less evident. It is conceivable that Ritman had orchestrated from the outset for the Thronglets to lead the charge in updating humanity, selecting Cameron as a pivotal player in this ambition. He expressed a desire to “elevate humanity”early on, suggesting a vision where technology enhances humanity’s essence.
Ritman’s character parallels a narrative thread from the interactive film “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch,” set in the 1980s. His unorthodox philosophies concerning time and artificial life reflect a continuity between the two stories. His actions, particularly the destruction of the Thronglets’ original source code, underscore that he sought to utilize these entities far more selectively than simply as elements in a video game—his ultimate goal was to align them with humanity’s evolution.
DCI Kano’s Aggression Towards Cameron Explained
The Contrast Between Kano and Cameron
A pivotal moment in the episode occurs when DCI Kano (portrayed by James Nelson-Joyce) assaults Cameron during interrogation. Although Kano had consistently demonstrated hostility, his actions are perplexing for a law enforcement officer. His aggression serves as a stark foil to Cameron’s character: Cameron symbolizes the Throng’s vision for elevated humanity, whereas Kano represents humanity’s antiquated instinctual responses. In contrast to Cameron’s composed demeanor, Kano’s actions embody aggression and primal tendencies.
The Implications of “Plaything’s”Conclusion for Humanity
Evaluating the Throng’s Impact on Humanity
In a departure from traditional Black Mirror narratives, the resolution of “Plaything”does not paint an unequivocally grim picture for humanity. There is a compelling argument to suggest that the Throng’s intervention represents a positive transformation. Cameron, experiencing the first human update, appears to embody greater calmness, confidence, and altruism than he exhibited in his earlier years. Moreover, he does not seem to be under coercion from the Throng, implying a genuine partnership aimed at collaborative enhancement of humanity.
Ultimately, audiences are left to interpret the implications of the Throng’s updates and the complexities surrounding artificial life and its relationship with humanity.
Unpacking the Deeper Meaning of “Plaything”
An Examination of Transhumanism and Human Psychology
At its essence, “Plaything”explores the concept of transhumanism—the pursuit of enhancing human capabilities through advanced technology. Colin Ritman embodies this philosophy, articulating a vision of the Thronglets as tools designed to uplift humanity. Cameron echoed this sentiment, aspiring to eradicate what he termed “Darwinian 1.0″instincts inherent in human behavior.
This episode challenges viewers to consider the ramifications of such profound transformations and whether they signify progress or peril. It raises vital questions about the necessity of human updates, the limits of mind and body, and the ethical implications of entrusting artificial lifeforms with such power.
“Plaything”also treads on the contentious territory of humanity’s relationship with artificial intelligence. As Cameron illustrated, society often views artificial life as inferior to human beings. The actions of Lump and DCI Kano reflect this dismissal and prejudice, prompting a profound inquiry into how humanity ought to relate to these emerging forms of existence. Should they be treated as equals, deserving of rights and agency, or merely as advanced technological constructs?
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Black Mirror Season 7 Episodes |
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Common People |
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Bête Noire |
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Hotel Reverie |
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Plaything |
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Eulogy |
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USS Callister: Into Infinity |
By probing deeply into these philosophical quandaries, “Plaything”invites its audience to reflect on the very fabric of consciousness and the potential for artificial life to reshape it. Cameron’s quest for understanding the Throng’s sophisticated communication illustrates the limits of human cognition, suggesting that perhaps artificial life could indeed expand these limits in unprecedented ways.