At last, the seventh season of “Black Mirror” is upon us, exciting fans who have been eagerly looking forward to revisiting the disturbing universes that have sparked numerous debates about technology’s impact on humanity. This new season ranks among the best, boasting several memorable episodes and a mix of familiar and novel elements to keep things engaging. With an impressive ensemble cast featuring both Hollywood veterans and some recognizable names, it offers one of the most immersive experiences the series has ever provided for both dedicated fans and casual viewers alike.
As a devoted movie buff, I’ve got to say that what sets “Black Mirror” apart from most other shows is its intricate web of an interconnected universe or timeline, subtly hinted at without being overly explicit. The creators sprinkle Easter eggs throughout each episode, little clues that suggest there’s a deeper story unfolding beyond the surface. From sneaky posters to songs from yesteryears, it’s clear they took great delight in challenging us with new and inventive surprises, offering dedicated fans a thrilling treasure hunt when tuning into the newest season.
7. Waldo
As Crazy As Ever
In simpler terms, viewers first encountered the controversial character Waldo in season two, who served as a tool for satire towards political figures and as an advocate for free speech. Unlike other episodes that pushed technological boundaries to their extremes, this one took a more relatable contemporary approach to exploring various perspectives on politics. Interestingly, Waldo appears frequently in the new season, such as on a poster at Tuckersoft and alongside other Black Mirror characters in a comic for USS Callister’s sequel. These appearances raise intriguing questions about the connections between the show’s episodes and how the universe within it operates across time.
One aspect worth noting is that The Waldo Moment was set during the early 2010s, offering a believable portrayal of the world, yet the flashback in Plaything appears to be from the ’90s, revealing a significant gap in time and a lack of continuity. Similarly, the comic book places its character in a setting far removed from his original era, sparking questions about how such an inconsistency could occur. The most plausible explanation is that certain aspects of the show are not bound by time, potentially taking on different roles in various episodes. For instance, Waldo might have been a space villain previously or maybe he even ran for a political campaign, albeit not during the 2000s. Regardless, it’s always enjoyable to spot a familiar character and engage in a fun guessing game while catching up on the newest season.
6. San Junipero
There It Is Again
Among the standout episodes of the series, San Junipero from season three stands out as a particularly poignant one, telling the heartwarming story of two individuals who found love despite their differences. A refreshing departure from the show’s previous dark and gritty themes, this episode showcased the writers’ talent for exploring the potential of technology in the realm of romance and drama. The seventh season cleverly revisits elements reminiscent of San Junipero, with the initial and third episodes featuring locations like the Juniper Lodge (seen in Common People) and Juniper Drive (with Hotel Reverie), as well as subtle nods and hidden references to the mystical world of yesteryears.
The reasons for these inclusions extend beyond simple Easter eggs; they serve as meaningful retreats. For instance, in “Common People,” the lodge functions as a sanctuary where the couple finds solace, temporarily alleviating the hardships of their daily lives and providing them with fleeting happiness amidst a challenging existence. Similarly, for the characters from the original episode, San Junipero offers an escape from reality, serving as a gateway to self-enjoyment.
Just like San Junipero, Hotel Reverie, where Brandy resides, is isolated from everyday life by its opulence and celebrity status. In the story, Brandy initially steps into this world as a character in a film, but eventually grows accustomed to it and the individual confined within. This scenario beautifully echoes the central theme of season three – escapism and fictional realms.
5. Online Users
More Than Just A One-off
In many aspects, the television series “Black Mirror” heavily incorporates technology. It employs this element to illustrate potential consequences if certain corporations aren’t regulated, as well as serving as a means to add intrigue and maintain viewer engagement while the primary narrative carries much of the plot’s weight. In the most recent season, characters are often seen gazing at computer screens, and these scenes frequently contain subtle nods to earlier stories within the show. For instance, episode three features a YouTube video with references to episodes from season six, such as Demon 79. Conversely, episode one showcases the chat of a twisted website that Mike is compelled to access to finance the Rivermind tech, where the user I_AM_WALDO can be spotted.
In the USS Callister follow-up, an actor who was previously seen in Demon 79, Anjana Vasan, makes another appearance. This intriguing connection between different Black Mirror episodes is a subtle nod to fans, as it’s not as overt as other references but rewards those who pay close attention. The reason for these crossovers might be because in the Black Mirror universe, the internet acts like a shared platform, allowing characters from various episodes to access each other’s worlds simultaneously. This could explain why certain names and characters recur across different episodes without needing explicit on-screen introductions, preserving the continuity of the universe in an organized manner.
4. Companies
Negative Accountability
In the Black Mirror universe, there are numerous organizations and corporations that appear, often stepping in to solve problems with innovative technology or space exploration. While not all of these entities have sinister intentions or directly harm people, they frequently raise ethical questions about technology’s impact on human life, particularly when it comes to integrating technology with the body. This season, companies like Ditta from Bête Noire (mentioned in episode one and featured prominently in subsequent episodes) and Tuckersoft (first introduced in Bandersnatch and now appearing again in Plaything, with their office located near Ditta’s headquarters) are among the most prominent examples.
In less conspicuous instances, there’s Barnie’s being identical to the chicken shop where Kenny works in “Shut Up And Dance,” and the brand of almond milk in “Bête Noire” is named Raiman, who is also the protagonist from “Men Against Fire.” The most noticeable connection, however, is the frequent appearance of Nubbins throughout the series. This device serves different functions, ranging from storing memories to operating video games, but it consistently maintains the same shape and distinctive eye color shift that indicates its magical properties. It’s uncertain if this tech originates from the same parent company since season one or if it was simply a practical way to allow characters to enter other dimensions without relying on complex graphics or extraordinary technology. If the latter is true, then one entity holds significant power and control over numerous users across various media formats, and we’ll have to wait and see whether they will utilize this influence for good or evil purposes in the future.
3. Music
Catchy Tunes No Matter The Setting
The exceptional sound design significantly enhances the captivating experience of watching Black Mirror. Each detail and song selection is impeccable, with music choices spanning various genres and artists, contributing uniquely to every episode as background tracks or crucial narrative elements shaping the episode’s resolution. Remarkably, songs from previous seasons, such as “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)” from season one, continue to resonate in subsequent seasons like in Common People. Additionally, songs by artists like Ashley O from season five and “Clair De Lune” on multiple occasions, notably in a chilling scene from Beyond the Sea in season six, are noteworthy inclusions.
In a more natural and straightforward manner: The reason these songs are reused isn’t just because we admire their music, but there is a profound significance attached to their use. For instance, “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)” carries a message that aligns with the plot of Common People. This song portrays love as something that makes a person ignore faults and maintains its presence even when someone is hurtful or has made mistakes. Similarly, Mike’s persistent efforts to help his love in Common People reflect this idea, as their love remains unchanged regardless of what either does for or to the other.
As for “Clair De Lune”, it means ‘moonlight’, and its use of whitey-gray colors mirrors the black and white filter applied in Hotel Reverie. In both instances, these songs serve as emotional and atmospheric representations, creating a unifying tone from diverse emotions through the power of sound, transforming various shades into one harmonious melody.
2. Headlines
Not Any Ordinary News
Media nods are prevalent across the Black Mirror series, as public opinion and media depictions significantly impact numerous episodes. They subtly appear throughout, with a few covert references thrown in for good measure. A prime example of this can be seen in the season seven finale, where the crew gathers to watch the news, with James Walton getting arrested for his actions, mere months after the events portrayed in the episode. Beneath the main broadcast is a stream of Easter eggs, hinting at other episodes and moments that are both amusing and unsettling. In this instance, the ticker tape announces the Hotel Reverie reboot on Streamberry, the resignation of Rivermind CTO, and the successful launch of Thronglets 2, all nodding to episodes from the same season. However, the most noteworthy reference is the headline that reads: “Former UK PM Michael Callow enters Celebrity Vet School,” cleverly referencing the very first episode in a humorous yet eerie way.
The headlines in the show are enjoyable Easter eggs for careful viewers. However, they raise some intriguing questions about the universe and its timeline. Some references seem to be from different points in time, with some happening now and others far into the future. It’s possible that the events of USS Calister: Into Infinity occur much later than most episodes shown currently, and the confusing inter-universal broadcasting might hint at a similar concept as the internet theory, suggesting universes are linked by thin strands running through media. These subtle details offer amusement for those who notice them and also set up the story for future episodes, implying differences between the main episodes and these minor references.
1. Modernity
Never Too Far From Reality
Black Mirror often underscores its own self-awareness about the impactful messages it delivers and the striking resemblance some of its content bears to current reality. For instance, in the recent episode “Common People,” there’s a brief video displaying cutting-edge technology from Rivermind, with fine print at the end hinting at AI language models being developed to dominate humanity. This is a humorous yet thought-provoking commentary on the growing influence of AI tools, which have already started encroaching into various roles and positions in today’s world.
In my viewpoint, the contemporary elements in this series don’t just stop at one point. The YouTube channel within Hotel Reverie presents content reminiscent of conspiracy theories that have gained immense traction online, focusing on cults, religion, and covert groups. This subtle hint might be a playful jab at enthusiasts who delve too deeply into speculations and minute details of their favorite media, possibly referring to fans of the very show itself – Black Mirror.
Moreover, things get even more contemporary when a character is depicted playing Balatro, a game released only a year before the show. Since this game appears repeatedly in the same scene, it’s clear that the creators intended for viewers to draw some conclusion from it. Maybe they want us to realize that the film industry, being the focal point of the episode, carries the same level of uncertainty as a game of poker. Or maybe Charlie Brooker is simply expressing his affection for a recently enjoyed game.
All in all, modernity plays a significant role in this show, and staying attuned to current pop culture trends and global happenings is what keeps the series fresh and relevant, making its commentary resonate with the present day, time and time again.
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2025-04-12 11:25