Rashida Jones’ Dark Sci-Fi Reign Continues

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Warning! This article contains spoilers for Black Mirror season 7’s episode 1, “Common People.”

In my perspective, I’ve continued my journey into dark sci-fi narratives with my role in “Common People” on Black Mirror, following the success of my previous sci-fi projects on Apple TV+. This gripping episode, serving as the opening act for season 7, stands out as one of the most impactful and resonating episodes in the series. By weaving a chilling tale that mirrors the increasing prevalence of subscription models in our society, this first episode of Black Mirror’s seventh season sheds light on the mounting predicaments faced by a couple who find themselves trapped after agreeing to a new healthcare subscription service.

Over the course of the story, things become increasingly grim for the main pair, who come to understand that their subscribed service was never intended to aid them. By the finale of Black Mirror’s seventh season, they find themselves in a devastating predicament – innocent but at the mercy of a relentless and unfeeling system. Remarkably, Rashida Jones’ character in this episode shares similarities with her past roles, where she has often found herself ensnared within the clutches of a chilling, futuristic oppression.

After Black Mirror’s Common People, Rashida Jones’ Sci-Fi Characters Cannot Catch A Break

Rashida Jones’ Sci-fi Characters Keep Meeting Dark Fates

Prior to appearing as Amanda in “Black Mirror’s” “Common People,” Rashida Jones had already played Allison in Apple TV+’s “Silo” during its first season. In the early episodes of “Silo,” Jones’ character, Amanda, was one of the key figures. However, as the series progressed, her storyline took a dark turn when she uncovered the disturbing reality of the dystopian subterranean city where she resided. Ultimately, Amanda perished after leaving the silo and encountering the hazardous world beyond the protected city’s boundaries. Regrettably, her husband also followed her out and suffered a similar tragic end.

In the Apple TV+ series “Sunny,” Suzie Sakamoto’s character is drawn into a vast mystery concerning robots as she searches for answers about her husband and son’s unexplained vanishing. As she delves deeper into the sinister conspiracy, she becomes increasingly targeted by the Yakuza. The first season concludes with a devastating betrayal from her closest friend. In “Black Mirror” season 7, Jones’ character experiences an even bleaker outcome: after a close encounter with disaster, she receives a brain implant of synthetic origin.

In this retelling of the story:

Everything appears normal for Rashida Jones’ Black Mirror persona until the corporation responsible for her memory implant starts broadcasting advertisements directly into her mind. This unexpected expense puts her and her spouse in a tight financial spot, as they struggle to meet the ongoing subscription fees necessary for accessing the device’s premium features. The episode concludes on a chilling note, with Jones’ character meeting a tragic end at the hands of her husband. Given this bleak ending, Black Mirror maintains its tradition of presenting Rashida Jones’ sci-fi characters with seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Black Mirror, Silo & Sunny Prove Rashida Jones Deserves More Dark Sci-Fi Roles

She Seems To Be The Perfect Fit For Darkly Immersive Sci-Fi Dramas

Despite the challenging nature of the trials and hardships Rashida Jones’ characters face in sci-fi series like “Black Mirror,” “Silo,” and “Sunny,” her performances demonstrate a remarkable fit for the genre. Although Allison, Jones’ character in “Silo,” has limited screen time, she delivers a standout performance that makes the role unforgettable. In “Sunny,” Jones masterfully portrays her character’s loneliness and anger towards the world through a powerful display of quiet intensity, reflecting the emotional turmoil her character has experienced.

The performance of Rashida Jones in ‘Black Mirror’ stands out, particularly when her character exhibits ads running through her mind. Her acting alongside Chris O’Dowd is remarkable, adding depth to the already emotional ending of the episode. Given her impressive track record in sci-fi roles, it’s difficult not to anticipate a bright future for Jones if she continues to star in more thought-provoking and dark-themed projects similar to ‘Black Mirror’.

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2025-04-20 05:47