Warning: SPOILERS for Black Mirror Season 7, Episode 6 – “USS Callister Into Infinity”
The new episode of Black Mirror, titled “USS Callister Into Infinity,”serves as a clever and humorous nod to Star Trek Into Darkness. In this first sequel to “USS Callister,” originally released in 2017, creator Charlie Brooker collaborates once again with director Toby Haynes to explore the aftermath of Captain Robert Daly’s (Jesse Plemons) demise. The episode focuses on Captain Nanette Cole (Cristin Milioti) and her crew as they navigate the challenges that arise following their escape from Daly’s private gaming server.
Set several months after their breakout, “USS Callister Into Infinity”illustrates the precarious situation faced by Nanette and her crew within the vast universe of the video game, Infinity. Deemed unregistered and lacking a gamertag, they become prime targets for the unscrupulous Callister Inc. CEO, James Walton (Jimmi Simpson), who aims to eliminate them in the real world.
Black Mirror’s Sequel Title: A Hilarious Spoof of Star Trek Into Darkness
Fun Reference to Buzz Lightyear in the Title
The title “USS Callister Into Infinity”amusingly mimics that of J.J. Abrams’ film, Star Trek Into Darkness. Both titles connect to Star Trek’s enduring legacy, bringing fresh perspectives to its iconic themes established in the original 1960s series. Notably, audiences once criticized the Star Trek Into Darkness title for its unusual transformation of “Star Trek”into a verb—”USS Callister Into Infinity”follows suit with its playful take.
Interestingly, Netflix lists the sequel as “USS Callister: Into Infinity,”while the episode itself omits the colon, emphasizing its spoof by distinctively positioning “into infinity”as a clever reference to Buzz Lightyear’s famous phrase, “To Infinity and Beyond!”
“USS Callister Into Infinity” Outshines Star Trek Into Darkness as a Sequel
In terms of storytelling and character development, “USS Callister Into Infinity”surpasses its predecessor, presenting a deeper exploration of the dark motives behind Infinity’s video game. The episode captures the urgency faced by Nanette and her crew as they struggle to exist in a system that criminalizes their very being. Its climactic twists propel the narrative into fresh, uncharted territories while perfectly complementing the original storyline.
While “USS Callister Into Infinity”ingeniously references J.J. Abrams’ follow-up, it stands on its own merit. Comparatively, Star Trek Into Darkness, despite its entertaining nature and action sequences, has been criticized for numerous storytelling pitfalls—including misleading marketing and its rehashed plot points reminiscent of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. This connection enhances the brilliance of Black Mirror’s sequel, reminding audiences that while it borrows from the past, it drives a compelling narrative forward.
Overall, “USS Callister Into Infinity” not only serves as a fun spoof but also emerges as a more cohesive and engaging sequel than Star Trek Into Darkness, cementing its place in the ever-evolving tapestry of these beloved franchises.