Black Mirror Season 7: Top 6 Episodes Ranked!

Summary

Some episodes stand out for exceptional storytelling, while others fall flat due to outlandish twists.
Hotel Reverie offers a refreshing break from typical grimness but struggles with flat characters.
USS Callister: Into Infinity impresses as a sequel with a well-crafted conclusion and faithful genre homage.

At long last, the much-anticipated seventh season of the highly praised series “Black Mirror” has arrived, and it was definitely worth the wait! This six-episode installment features some of the best content from the entire show, diving into themes such as memories, video games, and the realm of classic cinema. It offers some haunting and emotional conclusions that continue to resonate long after the television screen goes dark. Given the immense anticipation, particularly with numerous recurring technological elements, characters, and narratives, this season not only meets but surpasses the level of quality that fans have come to expect from the show, venturing into even darker realms that are both unsettling and surprising.

Among all the episodes throughout the series, some stand out more than others due to their profound impact. This could be due to insightful commentary on current societal issues, a gripping narrative leading to an emotionally powerful climax, or the introduction of fresh ideas and topics seldom explored in today’s media. Each episode has its ups and downs, making it simple for viewers to choose favorites as they watch the show evolve over time, with each season adding some episodes to the favorites list while others miss the mark at the end.

This list contains spoilers!

6. Bête Noire

A Bit Too Far

This second installment of the series, titled “Black Mirror“, had a powerful beginning but seemed to veer into excessive absurdity towards the end. The allure of this show lies in its skillful blending of technology, media, or psychological ideas, seamlessly transitioning between reality and fiction to produce thought-provoking mini-stories that offer insight, intrigue, and a touch of excitement. Unfortunately, this particular episode started off intriguingly as it delved into the concept of memories, the Mandela effect, and how individuals might perceive things differently from the truth.

Over time, the suspense intensifies as Verity grows increasingly ominous and disquieting, leaving viewers on tenterhooks throughout most of the episode, eagerly anticipating the final piece of the puzzle. However, instead of unfolding as a realistic tale about paranoia and loss of control, it is revealed that Verity possessed a small pendant with the power to manipulate reality by switching between universes at her whim. The episode had great potential and was poised to be captivating, but the sudden introduction of this concept towards the end, seemingly forced in, diminishes the impact of the build-up significantly. It would have been more satisfying if there were no technological elements involved, and the entire sequence of events were merely a product of Maria’s imagination. Unfortunately, the show attempts to pull off an Deus ex Machina resolution, which feels implausible and inconsistent with the usual themes presented in Black Mirror.

5. Hotel Reverie

Beautiful If Slightly Overdramatic

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that Hotel Reverie stands out as one of those episodes that are simply enjoyable. It’s not groundbreaking or excessively bizarre; rather, it offers a satisfying experience from start to finish, serving as a refreshing break from the usual doses of gore and grimness the show often serves up.

In an era where love, relationships, and dialogue about relevant issues are more crucial than ever, this episode shines by focusing on these very aspects. The episode’s greatest accolade undoubtedly lies in its unique setting and storyline. The concept of a character being transported into a classic black-and-white movie world, interacting with an AI character on a profound and personal level, was not only captivating but also eerily reminiscent of our rapidly advancing technological age, making the episode feel increasingly realistic by the minute.

The main issue with the episode lies not in the content within the film itself, but rather the elements surrounding it. The team consisting of tech enthusiasts and movie industry professionals, headed by Awkwafina’s character, doesn’t contribute significantly to the series, and instead, their presence seems to diminish the otherwise pleasant ambiance of the episode. Their conversations are often uninteresting and repetitive. It would have been preferable to allocate more screen time to the film characters and increase their interactions, rather than giving too much attention to the world outside the movie.

The episode is generally enjoyable, offering a fresh take on previously seen technology and concluding with an emotional twist that provides a refreshing change from the gloominess prevalent in the rest of the series. It’s a tearjerker that stands out positively amidst the otherwise bleak narrative landscape.

4. Plaything

Actors Leading The Charge

This play offers very little that isn’t marvelous. With a seemingly straightforward storyline, it delves deep into philosophical and moral realms. The focus on personal character development is commendable, offering insights into the human psyche and the lengths people will go to remain true to themselves. Peter Capaldi gives an exceptional performance as Cameron Walker, a role he plays convincingly, making him seem more like a real person than a fictional character. His mannerisms, voice tone, and logical reasoning, all delivered from the perspective of a deeply troubled soul, are simply captivating.

It’s enjoyable to notice familiar characters and worlds reappearing, as this story unfolds in, or very much like, the universe depicted in Bandersnatch. This previous work offered insights into human psychology through the lens of video games. The narrative maintains a growing sense of suspense with its twists and turns, leading up to a climactic revelation. Although the general direction of the ending was hinted at, the specific actions of the Throngs carrying out their global plan were still unexpectedly dramatic, bordering on stereotypical supervillainy. Despite such grand conclusions, it remains an amusing, engaging episode that explores a distinctive aspect of reality. With each new season, the series continues to mirror real life more closely.

3. Common People

Painful And World Shattering

Among all episodes, Common People would undoubtedly take the crown for the hardest to watch and the most authentic portrayal of real-life struggles. This episode serves as a symbol of the current healthcare landscape in the Western world, where the wealthy enjoy premium care, while the less fortunate can barely afford basic treatment. The episode is distressing on multiple levels, offering minimal moments of joy that are swiftly overshadowed by impending payments and corporate interests.

In this series, as events intensify, we encounter numerous authentic and pressing issues related to technology that are prevalent in our current society, such as intrusive ads and limited service areas that limit users’ freedom while charging them excessively. The suffering never ceases, and as the pressures mount on both mind and body, an episode illustrates the extreme measures some individuals take just to survive financially. Although it may not be suitable for casual viewing and could prove challenging to watch until the end, it serves as a powerful reminder of how poverty affects countless lives, pushing them to endure hardships at the hands of companies that relentlessly exploit them for profit.

2. USS Callister: Into Infinity

Welcome Back To The Ship

USS Callister: Into Infinity, the first real sequel and a delightful revisit of one of our best episodes, does everything perfectly without being too showy or saying too much at once. With the universe already established, it was tough to write an ending for this beloved fan favorite, but the creators succeeded and then some. They brought back all the original characters in full splendor, using their connections and humanity to make the crew seem real within the video game world. The humor hits the mark each time, and the continuous twists are mostly unexpected, keeping viewers guessing right up until the heartwarming and satisfying conclusion.

The episode stands out due to its strong connection with the source material and adherence to the genre’s characteristics. Transforming the universe of Star Trek into a similarly flamboyant and over-the-top setting is no simple task, but it manages to succeed here, with every minute detail, from the settings to the characters, dialogue, and more, being well executed. Although it may not reach the same level of acclaim as the original, this episode remains one of the finest in the series, managing to maintain a sense of realism amidst its space-faring and intergalactic travel themes while still bringing joy to the audience from the opening title card all the way through to the credits.

1. Eulogy

A Tale As Old As Time

A captivating and emotional narrative can often be crafted by maintaining a straightforward approach. That’s precisely what Eulogy achieves, stripping away the ominous elements prevalent in the series and offering a more authentic portrayal of grief, remembrance, and the anguish that ensues when parting from cherished loved ones. By employing technology similar to other episodes, it takes viewers on a journey through time using Phillips’s old lover’s photographs and images. Along this path, both Phillips and the audience come to appreciate the significance of love, understanding, and the recognition that each tale has two perspectives.

Typically, the format of this series consists of an introduction, escalation, and a shocking revelation that usually leads to death, devastation, and torment. However, when Black Mirror chooses to pause and concentrate on love and feelings, it never disappoints. Notable episodes like San Junipero and Eulogy are considered masterpieces in the realm of cinema. Interestingly, the technology and futuristic aspects that usually dominate the show are relegated to a supporting role here, serving primarily as a means to tell the story and convey emotions in a straightforward and endearing manner. The episode resonates with many viewers, even though its conclusion may not be all sweetness and light; instead, it offers a heartwarming finale of acceptance for a lost love.

2025-04-12 10:05