Black Mirror Season 7: A Comprehensive Review of the Latest Episodes
The highly anticipated seventh season of the popular anthology series Black Mirror has finally arrived, bringing with it six brand-new episodes that explore the complicated relationship between humans and technology. According to a recent article by WIRED, the new season takes on a range of thought-provoking themes, including AI sentience, subscription pricing models, lost loves, high school grudges, and the privatization of healthcare.
In its latest season, Black Mirror continues to push the boundaries of science fiction, presenting a diverse range of stories that are both haunting and humorous. As WIRED notes, the anthology series has a reputation for producing hits and misses, and season 7 is no exception. To help navigate the latest episodes, WIRED has provided a comprehensive ranking of every episode from Black Mirror season 7.
6. "Hotel Reverie" (Episode 3)
At the bottom of the list is "Hotel Reverie," an episode that WIRED describes as the "unfortunate nadir" of the new season. The episode stars Issa Rae as a Hollywood star who participates in a reimagining of a classic film using AI-infused technology. However, as WIRED notes, the episode’s premise strains credulity, and the romance feels hollow. Despite the best efforts of Rae and co-star Emma Corrin, the episode fails to convince.
As WIRED observes, "The episode aims for that ‘San Junipero’ magic, but its romance feels more hollow, and its premise strains credulity. To put it simply: It’s not clear why anyone would want to remake a movie this way, and it’s even less clear why anyone would watch it."
5. "Common People" (Episode 1)
The first episode of the season, "Common People," is a familiar type of Black Mirror story, identifying social ills related to class and technology, then playing out a sci-fi premise to explore those issues. WIRED notes that the episode features an excellent performance from Chris O’Dowd and Rashida Jones, but ultimately feels "pat and obvious." The episode’s predictable trajectory makes it feel like a less engaging watch.
WIRED comments, "The problem is that the moment the monthly subscription idea is introduced, it’s immediately clear where the story is heading. The existential dilemma of having your life tied to the whims of a subscription service is upsetting and hits close to home. But when the message is clear in the first five minutes, sitting through the next 40 isn’t exactly enjoyable."
4. "Plaything" (Episode 4)
In contrast, "Plaything" is a more enjoyable episode, set in the same universe as the interactive Black Mirror special "Bandersnatch." The episode stars Peter Capaldi as a man who recounts his younger days as a video game critic, and WIRED praises its "fun" premise and unexpected twists. While the episode is exposition-heavy, it builds towards a satisfying conclusion.
WIRED notes, "The premise is a fun one, and the twists and turns in Walker’s tale lead up to a hell of an ending."
3. "Bête Noire" (Episode 2)
The second episode, "Bête Noire," is a surprise hit, according to WIRED. The episode follows a researcher who becomes convinced that a new coworker is manipulating her reality. WIRED describes the episode as "odd," but notes that it builds towards a "perfectly shocking and hilarious final scene."
WIRED comments, "It’s an odd episode. Much of it doesn’t even feel particularly like Black Mirror, and it seems to be spinning its wheels in the first half. But as the nature of what’s going on gets more extreme—emails that appear altered, security camera footage that has been doctored—the fun of the episode emerges."
2. "Eulogy" (Episode 5)
The most affecting episode of the season is "Eulogy," which stars Paul Giamatti as a man who uses a device to enter old photographs and resurface memories of his ex-girlfriend, who has died. WIRED praises Giamatti’s performance, noting that he brings "a gravitas to the role of a man sorting through the facts of his own life and what he did and did not understand about the woman he loved."
WIRED observes, "Giamatti is fantastic, bringing a gravitas to the role of a man sorting through the facts of his own life and what he did and did not understand about the woman he loved. Also a little too exposition-heavy at times, ‘Eulogy’ is nonetheless a beautiful story about regrets, miscommunications, and the way love stays in our hearts even as memories fade."
1. "USS Callister: Into Infinity" (Episode 6)
The top spot goes to "USS Callister: Into Infinity," a sequel to one of Black Mirror‘s most beloved episodes. WIRED notes that the episode succeeds as a science fiction adventure, with a humorous and action-packed plot that builds on the original story. The episode’s success is a testament to the Black Mirror team’s ability to craft compelling, thought-provoking stories that resonate with audiences.
As WIRED concludes, "The plot gets wilder from there, maintaining the sense of humor of the original episode while throwing in even more action and even bigger twists. Though it’s not the most emotionally affecting episode this season, it’s certainly the most entertaining, making a raucous meal out of its nearly 90-minute running time. Better still, the ending only has me more excited to see if they make a third one."
Source: WIRED
