The much-anticipated seventh season of Charlie Brooker's acclaimed anthology series, Black Mirror, has debuted on Netflix, presenting six new episodes that delve into complex interactions between humanity and technology. The season is rich with references and Easter Eggs for dedicated fans to uncover, maintaining the show’s tradition of intertwining narratives and callbacks to previous episodes.
The first episode, titled “Common People,” introduces viewers to Amanda, portrayed by Rashida Jones, who is depicted as a teacher discussing the role of Autonomous Drone Insects (ADIs) in pollination. This innovation serves as a stark reminder of their portrayal in season three's episode “Hated In The Nation,” where these drones had dual purposes—mimicking the ecological role of bees and functioning as surveillance and weaponry for government use. Additionally, Amanda and her companion Mike celebrate an anniversary at a hotel where the song “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is” by Irma Thomas is performed, marking yet another appearance of this poignant track, first introduced in earlier seasons.
In the second episode, “Bete Noire,” which stars Rosy McEwen as Verity, viewers witness a reality-altering scenario as Verity torments her former bully, Maria (Siena Kelly), by manipulating the environment around her. A particular instance features the name of a chicken shop changing from “Barnies” to “Bernies,” leading Maria to question her sanity. The fast-food establishment, previously seen in the third season’s “Shut Up and Dance,” adds a layer of continuity within the universe of Black Mirror.
“Hotel Reverie,” the third episode, is noted for its nostalgic references. Here, Brandy Friday’s (Issa Rae) agent mentions the streaming service "Streamberry," which serves as a surrogate for Netflix within the Black Mirror universe and was a central element in the sixth season’s “Joan Is Awful.” The episode further nods towards the beloved San Junipero, recalling the idyllic beach town from a previous series entry where characters exist in a virtual afterlife. This nostalgic connection is deepened with the mention of Junipero Drive, drawing direct ties to the earlier episode's cultural resonance.
In the fourth episode titled “Plaything,” certain recognisable figures from the 2018 interactive film “Bandersnatch” return, with Will Poulter reprising his role as Colin Ritman. The set design throughout the episode also features promotional materials for “Space Fleet,” reminding audiences of its introduction in USS Callister.
The sixth episode, “USS Callister: Into Infinity,” acts as a sequel to the fourth season’s USS Callister, revisiting characters and expanding upon their stories. It intriguingly weaves the occurrences from another recent episode, "Demon 79," linking characters and narratives in a manner characteristic of Black Mirror's storytelling approach. Notable references also arise concerning the fictional hospital “St Juniper,” further cementing connections across the series’ landscape.
The finale closes with several immersive nods to the Black Mirror universe, including a news segment about the fictional company Rivermind, introduced in “Common People,” alluding to its consumer challenges. A particularly striking callback is made to the very first episode, revealing that former UK Prime Minister Michael Callow is set to attend Celebrity Vet School, echoing his infamous predicament in “The National Anthem.”
Black Mirror Season 7 is now available for streaming on Netflix, continuing to captivate audiences with its intricate tales and interconnected worlds.
Source: Noah Wire Services