WARNING: SPOILERS Ahead for Black Mirror Season 7.
The Nubbin, a creation of TCKR Systems, emerges as a compelling narrative gadget within several episodes of the acclaimed Netflix anthology series, Black Mirror. Key appearances in “Hotel Reverie,””Eulogy,”and “USS Callister: Into Infinity”highlight this advanced device’s role in the latest season. As part of its promotional strategy, Black Mirror has set up a realistic promotional website, presenting the Nubbin as though it were an authentic piece of technology.
The intriguing ambiguity of the Nubbin’s existence as a real VR device underscores the evolution of the series since its debut in 2011. Social media influencers have also perpetuated this enigma, enhancing interest as the new season debuted. The promotional site lures potential customers with promises to “revisit nearly forgotten memories,””star in classic movies,”and “explore endless galaxies”, cleverly referencing the respective episodes of season 7. Despite the fascinating concept, this technology is purely a construct of the Black Mirror universe.
Understanding the Nubbin Device in Black Mirror Season 7
The Introduction of Nubbins: From “Experiencer Disks”to Season 7’s Stars
Nubbin devices were first introduced to audiences in the third season episode “San Junipero,”celebrated as one of Black Mirror’s finest installments. Released in 2016, “San Junipero”features protagonists Yorkie and Kelly utilizing these devices, then referred to as “experiencer disks,”to navigate the enchanting world of their title. These early versions, produced by TCKR Systems, laid the groundwork for the impressive device we see in season 7.
The Nubbins reappear in the original “USS Callister”from season 4, granting access to the game’s immersive VR experience in the starship Infinity, created by Robert Daly. Notably, their presence is also integral to the plot of season 5’s “Striking Vipers,”cementing the Nubbin’s status as a hallmark of the Black Mirror narrative.
The Nubbin: A Fictional Innovation
A Look at Current Technology: The Fascination and Limits of Reality
Image via Netflix
Designed by series creator Charlie Brooker, the Nubbin is a completely fictional construct, without any grounding in contemporary technology. While current virtual reality advancements include immersive headsets such as the Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro, Nubbins offer a more advanced—yet hypothetical—experience, being touted as both immersive and invasive to the human brain.
In stark contrast, the closest real-world counterpart to the Nubbin could be Elon Musk’s Neuralink, which introduces a more unsettling perspective. Neuralink involves a surgical robot implanting a device in the human brain, enabling direct communication with computers. This concept eerily parallels the Rivermind implant from “Common People,”showcased in season 7, where it influences emotions and sensations. While Neuralink claims to enhance cognitive functions, the Rivermind arguably presents a more alarming perspective on technological influence over the mind.
Marketing Strategy: The Illusion of Reality in Black Mirror Season 7
TCKR Systems: A Marketing Triumph
The promotion of Nubbin-like technology reflects Black Mirror’s long-standing theme of paralleling modern societal trends. Previous instances, such as the social credit system depicted in “Nosedive,”show striking similarities to real-world practices in China. Hypothetically, a Nubbin-like device seems achievable, designed to attach at the temple and connect to the brain’s temporal lobe. However, the concept of overriding vision, resulting in hazy gray eyes, remains far-fetched and raises significant health concerns.
In “USS Callister,”we witness Robert Daly struggling against the confines of his virtual game, solidifying the notion that such technology carries significant risks. For now, the Nubbin remains a tantalizing but fictional component of the Black Mirror universe.