‘Black Mirror’ Creator Charlie Brooker on Dealing the Show’s ‘Biggest Body Blow’ in Season 7 and Whether He Took Another Swipe at Netflix: ‘Almost Disappointingly, No’

“Black Mirror” is back for another round of mostly-worrying near-future dystopia.

Charlie Brooker’s darkly humorous collection of standalone stories has reached its seventh season, with all six episodes becoming available on Netflix starting from April 10.

In contrast to the previous episode that primarily delved into horror genres while barely touching upon the technology-centric foundation of the show, this installment returns to its roots. It explores themes related to technology like digitization, tiered pricing, and video gaming. However, it maintains its signature dark — yet occasionally comical — perspective. Artificial intelligence makes frequent appearances in this episode.

Unlike the previous outing that primarily ventured into horror genres with minimal focus on the technology-centric roots of the show, this time we’re heading back to where it all began. This episode delves into technological themes such as digitization, tiered pricing, and video gaming, while keeping its distinctive dark (with hints of comedy) tone. Artificial intelligence is a recurring element in the storyline.

The previous outing was more about horror genres with minimal emphasis on the show’s technology-centric origins. In contrast, this time we’re going back to basics, focusing on themes like digitization, tiered pricing, and video gaming from a technological perspective. The story continues in its unique blend of dark humor. Artificial intelligence is a recurring element throughout the plot.

Rather than the previous episode that mostly explored horror genres with little regard for the tech-focused origins of the show, this time we’re returning to our roots. We delve into themes such as digitization, tiered pricing, and video gaming from a technological standpoint, while keeping up our characteristic dark yet comical tone. Artificial intelligence is a common theme in the narrative.

As a devoted fan of Black Mirror, I’ve always wondered if we’d ever see more from one of my favorite episodes – “USS Callister” from Season 4. Well, it seems my prayers have been answered! Creator Charlie Brooker has revealed that the spaceship is set to make a comeback for another thrilling journey in the digital world. This sequel, he mentioned, was something that’s been a long time coming but proved logistically challenging to pull off.

As a dedicated cinema lover, I’m thrilled to dive into the new season, where Jesse Plemons and Cristin Milioti, part of the Callister’s crew, rejoin the scene. But what truly sets this season apart is its stellar ensemble, a hallmark of this show. Familiar faces like Paul Giamatti, Awkwafina, Harriet Walter, Issa Rae, Emma Corrin, Peter Capaldi, Rashida Jones, Chris O’Dowd, and many others are joining the adventure. It’s going to be an unforgettable ride!

In a chat before the show’s premiere, Brooker, along with executive producer Jessica Rhoades, touched on maintaining the relevance of “Black Mirror” as it grows into a teen series. They also mentioned that while some episodes have a more hopeful tone, they still deliver significant punches. Interestingly, despite giving the impression otherwise, Brooker shared that he’s not actually resentful towards the streaming platform that supports him.

It’s been over a decade since you launched “Black Mirror“ and the name has almost become a genre in itself. While I expect that must be a huge compliment, how difficult has it become to keep the show feeling fresh and relevant?

As a devoted cinephile, I can tell you that crafting each episode of Black Mirror is an intriguing endeavor. We’ve got a rich archive of tales and concepts that we’ve previously delved into, but the aim is always to keep the series fresh and unpredictable. At the same time, we’ve cultivated a dedicated fanbase who anticipate specific elements from us. It’s like performing at a concert where some fans want punk rock, others want ballads, and yet others want acoustic tunes or poetry. The challenge lies in satisfying this diverse audience. Over time, we’ve expanded the definition of a Black Mirror episode to encompass hopeful tales, heartbreaking stories, dark narratives, and even humorous episodes. The varying stories reflect different aspects of my creative interests. In essence, Black Mirror is an eclectic show.

We seem a long way from that first episode involving the prime minister and a pig. As you say, there are some uplifting and hopeful episodes. Has “Black Mirror” mellowed over the years? Are you less angry?

Me: While some episodes may initially seem less optimistic, they often take a turn for the better towards the end. However, maintaining hope in today’s world can be tough. Yet, it’s important not to only present one tone or perspective consistently, and I aim to avoid leaving viewers feeling completely deflated. Although this season has certainly delivered some heavy blows, I wouldn’t want the narrative to become monotonous. Sometimes, we strive to evoke emotions and hopefully, that bittersweet mix is satisfying. Whether this shift in tone represents a softening of my approach or simply a desire to keep things interesting, I can’t say for certain – perhaps a psychologist could provide some insights!

The episide “Common People,” without giving too much away, would appear — much like “Joan is Awful” in the last season — to be you taking another amusing pot-shot at your paymaster at Netflix. Is this the case? Did an ad pop up on your TV and you thought, right, here we go?

AL: Unfortunately, not quite. I wish we could claim it as a secret rebellious act, but truthfully, it emerged from multiple directions. One inspiration came from noticing how podcasts seamlessly transition into sales pitches without interrupting their flow. This sparked a humorous concept. Additionally, I was pondering over a term coined by writer Corey Doctorow, ‘Inshitification,’ which refers to services that initially disrupt but, over time, as they become profitable, degrade the user experience. This idea can be applied to various platforms like Facebook and Uber, and more broadly, it speaks to a general feeling of being pressed for resources and needing multiple side jobs just to get by. So, I was attempting to express all those sentiments.

The episode “Eulogy” starring Paul Giamatti packs an emotional and thought-provoking punch. Do you find the ending optimistic at all?

Jessica Rhoades: It’s a mix of sweet and bitter feelings. One of the two thoughtful episodes of the season has come, and it’s fascinating how technology plays a role in this. Whether it’s Charlie writing with technology or someone utilizing advanced tech, I find it intriguing that we can delve into missed connections as a means for the character to ponder his life.

This season has two episodes: “Hotel Reverie” and “Eulogy.” The concepts for both episodes were developed over time. Collaborating with Ella Road on “Eulogy,” we had many discussions about memory, how photographs can stir emotions and music is powerfully evocative. The “Get Back” documentary, which employs technology to reconstruct the past, was a significant influence. It offered a fresh perspective on our memories, something that resonates deeply with ‘Black Mirror.’ The use of images, old media, faded recollections, and preserved moments creates an inherently emotional and evocative atmosphere.

Of all the many episodes that you could have brought back for a sequel, why did you choose “USS Callister?”

CB: Initially, I considered choosing the priciest option, but that decision was made as soon as we completed the initial project. To be honest, my preference for those characters and the cast was a significant factor, coupled with Director Toby Haynes’ eagerness from the outset to create a sequel. Moreover, the cliffhanger ending of the first one left them soaring into a fresh universe, which made it an intriguing prospect. However, the production process has been quite lengthy due to factors like the pandemic and coordinating everyone’s schedules, which proved challenging like solving a puzzle.

JR: The episode was consistently within a particular genre, and since that genre often invites follow-ups, it seemed perfectly fitting for the series’ characters to embark on another adventure together. This progression felt organic.

Have you tried to do a sequel to an episode previously?

Yes, indeed. The thought has crossed my mind since the ancient days of “Black Mirror” season two’s episode “White Bear.” I had an idea for a sequel that would follow in the vein of “Memento.” It’s something I’ve pondered over. We’ve always hinted at potential continuations, even bringing back easter eggs. There are certainly other episodes and storylines that I wouldn’t mind revisiting. However, it must always be the right story, one that isn’t a waste of everyone’s valuable time.

Speaking of returnees, genius 1980s games designer Colin Ritman from “Bandersnatch“ is back for an episode of Season 7. I was speaking to my uncle, the games designer Jon Ritman the other day and he wanted to convey his thanks for honoring his work.

AL: Wow, it’s clear that his last name is a nod to Jon, considering I’ve stared at it on Spectrum loading screens for quite some time as the game was bootup. We’re drawing inspiration from those captivating wizards of the early era. Does he realize this?

Yes, he’s aware and he’s repeatedly made aware — and I’m sure with the return of Colin he’ll be made aware some more. But what was it about Jon, of all the various games designers of the 1980s, that made you want to take his — and my — surname?

AP: Those games he created were simply amazing, and their titles have been etched into my memory ever since. I was around 11 or 12 when I used to immerse myself in them for hours on end, and they developed a kind of legendary status. Many creators’ names came to mind, such as Jon Ritman, Matthew Smith, Jeff Minter… They left an indelible impression that still lingers today. But I hope he appreciates the use of his last name in this context!

2025-04-09 20:17