Black Mirror’s "Plaything" Episode Ending Explained: The Menacing Message of Thronglets
The latest episode of Netflix’s dystopian anthology series, Black Mirror, has left viewers with a lot to think about. Season 7’s "Plaything" episode tells the story of Cameron, a young video game journalist who becomes obsessed with a new game called Thronglets. The game, designed by Tuckersoft video game developer Colin Ritman, allows players to raise a family of rabbit-like AI beings. But as Cameron’s obsession grows, so does his rage and desire for revenge against those who harm his digital friends.
According to Entertainment Weekly, creator Charlie Brooker says that the idea for Thronglets came to him from his own experiences as a parent. "I’ve got kids, and certainly when they were younger, sometimes you’d go to bed and when you woke up in the morning, it felt like your kid had upgraded an OS update, and could do more things," recalls Brooker. "I was thinking about that. If you listen carefully to how Cameron describes what the process is, that’s what’s happening there." This idea of upgrading and evolving is central to the episode’s themes of technology and humanity.
The episode’s ending, which sees Cameron use the Thronglets game to control the population, has sparked a lot of debate among viewers. As Entertainment Weekly reports, Brooker explains that the ending is "somewhat ambiguous," with an original draft of the screenplay including "people waking up and opening their eyes" in addition to "sort of smiling" in the aftermath of the Thronglets broadcast. However, the final version of the episode leaves the fate of humanity uncertain, leaving viewers to wonder if the characters are dead or simply reprogrammed to fit into the Thronglets utopian landscape.
The Thronglets game, which is now available to play on Netflix, has also been designed to be a playable experience for viewers. According to Entertainment Weekly, the game tasks players with raising a family of rabbit-like AI beings, and was inspired by the idea of IOS upgrades for humans. "I was channeling the thought of IOS upgrades for humans," says Brooker. This idea of upgrading and evolving is central to the episode’s themes of technology and humanity.
The episode also features a standout performance from Will Poulter, who reprises his role as Colin Ritman from the 2018 interactive movie Bandersnatch. As Entertainment Weekly notes, the episode is undoubtedly a part of the Bandersnatch universe, despite not being a direct sequel. Brooker says that he’s still pondering another addition to the narrative, tentatively titled Banderstruck, which may take place in "a slightly different era" than the 1980s or 1990s era of gaming.
In conclusion, the "Plaything" episode of Black Mirror is a thought-provoking and unsettling addition to the series. With its exploration of technology, humanity, and the consequences of playing god, it’s a must-watch for fans of the series. As Entertainment Weekly reports, Black Mirror season 7 — and the accompanying Thronglets game — are now available on Netflix.
The Thronglets game has sparked a lot of interest among viewers, with many eager to experience the game for themselves. As Entertainment Weekly notes, the game is a key part of the episode’s narrative, and offers a unique insight into the world of Black Mirror. With its themes of technology and humanity, the episode is a timely commentary on the world we live in today.
As the Black Mirror series continues to explore the darker side of technology and humanity, it’s clear that Thronglets will be a key part of the conversation. With its thought-provoking themes and unsettling narrative, the episode is a must-watch for fans of the series. According to Entertainment Weekly, the episode is a "menacing message" about the dangers of technology and the consequences of playing god.
