Black Mirror Season 7 Episode 1: "Common People" Leaves Viewers Depressed and Impressed
The highly anticipated seventh season of Netflix’s hit sci-fi anthology series, Black Mirror, has finally arrived, and its first episode, "Common People," has left viewers both impressed and depressed. According to a report by The Independent, the new episode has sparked a mixed reaction from fans, with some hailing it as one of the best Black Mirror episodes ever made, while others have expressed feeling bleak and disturbed.
The episode, which was released on Thursday, stars Rashida Jones as Amanda, a schoolteacher who discovers she has a life-threatening brain tumor. In a desperate bid to save her life, her husband, Mike (played by Chris O’Dowd), signs her up to a high-tech neuroscience firm that offers to perform an invasive procedure involving the removal of the affected part of her brain and its replacement with synthetic material. As reported by The Independent, the episode takes a dark turn when Amanda begins reciting advertisements for the company after undergoing the surgery, and the couple is forced to pay for a premium subscription to resolve the issue.
The episode’s plot has been praised for its thought-provoking commentary on the impact of technology on society. The Independent notes that the episode’s portrayal of a couple struggling to cope with the consequences of a life-threatening illness and the exploitation of their desperation by a ruthless corporation is both "tragic" and "disturbing." As The Independent‘s Nick Hilton wrote in his three-star review of the episode, "Good Black Mirror episodes set up a premise and then subvert it, but ‘Common People’ takes an interesting jumping off point and then progresses exactly as you’d anticipate. The ending, in its striking bleakness, feels undeserved."
The reaction to "Common People" has been varied, with some viewers taking to social media to express their shock and admiration for the episode. One X user warned others not to start with this episode, stating, "If you watch Black Mirror, don’t start with ‘Common People’ in the new season." Another user described the episode as "disturbing," while a third noted that the episode’s criticism of TikTok-style lives and streaming services that increase their plans to avoid ads was particularly noteworthy.
Despite the mixed reaction, many viewers have praised the episode for its bold commentary on the subscription-based model of streaming services. As one user noted, "Netflix playing in our face about the subscription model in the Black Mirror pilot is crazy." Another user applauded Netflix for "putting on ads right after the ‘ads’ scene in Black Mirror‘s ‘Common People’," calling it "some (genius) evil s***."
The seventh season of Black Mirror is now available to stream on Netflix. With "Common People," the series continues to push the boundaries of science fiction and social commentary, leaving viewers to ponder the implications of the technological society we live in. As The Independent reported, the episode has set the tone for what promises to be a thought-provoking and unsettling season of the series.
In conclusion, "Common People" is a fitting addition to the Black Mirror series, and its exploration of the intersection of technology and humanity is both timely and thought-provoking. As The Independent noted, the episode’s bleak ending has left many viewers feeling depressed, but it has also sparked a necessary conversation about the impact of technology on our lives. With its bold commentary and unsettling premise, "Common People" is a must-watch for fans of the series and newcomers alike.
The episode’s use of social commentary and satire has been praised by many, with some viewers noting that it is a "fantastic introduction to the new season of Black Mirror." As one user noted, "Holy s*, ‘Common People’ might be one of the best Black Mirror episodes ever made." With its thought-provoking themes and unsettling premise, "Common People" is a standout episode in the Black Mirror** series, and its impact will likely be felt for weeks to come.
