Black Mirror’s Brutal Season 7 Twist Will Shock You

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Summary

  • Black Mirror Season 7 explores technology’s control over humans through ominous scenarios.
  • Rivermind Technologies offers solutions but at a price, introducing eerie consequences for Amanda and Mike.
  • Common People delves into the dark side of technology, highlighting how even love can be manipulated for control.

At this point in the year, audiences will have the opportunity to discover how technology can be used against them. Netflix has announced the seventh season of its widely acclaimed series, Black Mirror, which isn’t afraid to give viewers a chill as it demonstrates that technology is increasingly dominating our lives and we are merely participants. In previous seasons, it has been shown that while technology can be beneficial, it often takes away more than it gives. The seventh season follows suit, starting with an episode that is subtly terrifying and delves into how major tech companies now dictate the well-being of humanity.

In the initial installment of Black Mirror‘s seventh season, titled Common People, we delve into the idyllic existence of Amanda (portrayed by Rashida Jones) and Mike (depicted by Chris O’Dowd). They are a content couple marking their third wedding anniversary, with plans to vacation at Juniper for their special occasion. Mike is employed in the manufacturing industry, while Amanda educates students about autonomous drone insects, which are utilized for pollination. Unbeknownst to them, their harmonious life is about to experience a dramatic shift. Let’s explore the events that unfolded in Common People and the conclusion of this captivating episode.

What Is Black Mirror Season 7 Episode 1 about?

Initially, the first episode shows that Amanda and Mike are struggling with their attempt to conceive a child. Unfortunately, they haven’t been successful so far. However, the story takes an unexpected turn when Amanda is hospitalized due to a brain tumor, which is worsening rapidly. A tech firm called Rivermind Technologies offers them a lifesaving surgery for free, which could potentially give Amanda another chance at life. Post-surgery, she’d be able to function like a typical person thanks to a cloud-based platform provided by the company. The only catch is they’d need to pay $300 per month afterward. After the procedure, Amanda appears to recover well—that is, until one evening when they drive outside the network zone, and she suddenly becomes unresponsive. A representative from Rivermind suggests upgrading to Rivermind Plus to resolve this issue. Subsequently, Amanda starts speaking in robotic tones, repeating commercial-like phrases as if she’s picking up signals from machines.

For financial reasons, Mike decided to work with a questionable online service named “Dum Dummies” to generate income. Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse when she found herself promoting ads and causing trouble. Despite these issues, Mike managed to make enough money from Dum Dummies to upgrade Rivermind Plus, surprising Amanda in the process. Continuing with odd tasks, such as sticking his tongue into a mousetrap to earn more, became routine for him. Simultaneously, Amanda began sleeping excessively, always waking up feeling fatigued.

In their meeting with Gaynor, they were told that to have an extraordinary Rivermind experience, they would need to upgrade to the Lux tier, which costs $1000. If the couple couldn’t afford it, they could opt for temporary boosters instead. In addition to providing an exceptional user experience, Rivermind Lux also allows users to heighten their senses and reach peak performance levels.

Mike purchases a 12-hour temporary upgrade for Amanda on their anniversary as a surprise, which leaves her overwhelmed with joy. However, Mike’s escapades at Dum Dummies have become known among his coworkers, leading to his termination, something that infuriates him. Upon returning home, Mike informs Amanda about losing his job. Confused and concerned, Amanda wonders how they will afford Rivermind Plus now, as their optimistic future appears to be in jeopardy.

How Does Black Mirror Season 7 Episode 1 end?

Towards the end of the show, Mike and Amanda approached Gaynor, requesting her to acknowledge their contributions. Regrettably, she was unable to grant this request. The situation shifted when Mike declared he wouldn’t use the “baby money.” Intrigued, Gaynor asked about their strategy and the timing of their plans to conceive. Amanda admitted they had been trying but hadn’t succeeded yet. Gaynor effectively sealed the deal by stating that pregnancy would incur additional costs because it changes the brain. Disappointed, Mike and Amanda exited the office without taking any further action regarding the technology. The episode fast-forwarded a year, showcasing Mike eventually selling their crib for some extra funds.

Instead, it appears that Amanda’s health is deteriorating significantly, suggesting she may not have much longer to live. In their backyard, they converse, but Amanda gives Mike instructions for him to carry out when she’s not present. It seems the couple has chosen not to subject Amanda to further suffering, and so, he ends her life. Afterward, Mike returns to his room, with a comic book, Dum Dummies, on his computer screen, and a cutter in hand. The episode concludes as Mike shuts the door behind him.

A chilling, intimately personal episode of Black Mirror that skillfully combines futuristic technology with raw human feelings, exposing how even loving relationships and acts of self-care can be manipulated for control.

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2025-04-11 15:49