Uncover the Hidden Gems: Top Easter Eggs in Black Mirror Season 7

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In the spirit of Black Mirror’s tradition of subtle references to past episodes, Season 7 doesn’t disappoint. Below you’ll find our top picks for Easter eggs hidden throughout the latest releases.

Black Mirror is well-known for including hints and allusions to earlier episodes in its science fiction series, and this trend continues with Season 7. Here are some of the most intriguing Easter eggs we discovered scattered across the new episodes.

While ‘USS Callister: Into Infinity’ represents the first sequel in Season 7, Black Mirror on Netflix typically presents its episodes as individual stories rather than an ongoing narrative.

However, it’s evident that the mind behind Black Mirror, Charlie Brooker, enjoys weaving intricate details and hidden references across episodes. The sixth season is a treasure trove of delightful Easter eggs for observant viewers to uncover.

In Season 7, you’ll find some delightful references to earlier episodes. Here, I’ve collected the standout examples for now, and will update this list whenever I discover more. Just a heads up, the following discussion contains potential SPOILERS. Proceed with caution!

Episode 1: Common People

Autonomous Drone Insects

At the outset of Episode 1, teacher Amanda addresses her class, inquiring: “Does anybody understand how autonomous drone insects aid with flowers?” Later on, she clarifies that “these ADIs hum from one flower to another, dispersing pollen, a method similar to how organic bees used to do it.

The ADIs (Autonomous Drone Insects) you’re referring to are the same ones that debuted during Season 3’s episode ‘Hated in the Nation’. It was disclosed then that these drones were designed primarily to take over bee duties, but they also served multiple purposes such as government surveillance and as a lethal tool.

‘Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)’

On our special anniversary, Mike and I swap our gaming controllers for room keys, opting for a cozy hotel stay instead. As the night unfolds, a captivating singing duo takes center stage, serenading us with an oldie but goodie – ‘Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)’ from 1964. This timeless tune was penned by Jeannie Seely and Randy Newman, and made famous by Irma Thomas.

Additionally, it’s an essential reference to the series Black Mirror, initially introduced in Season 1’s episode ‘Fifteen Million Merits.’ It later reappeared in episodes such as ‘White Christmas,’ ‘Men Against Fire,’ ‘Crocodile,’ ‘Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too,’ and ‘Joan is Awful.’

Charlier Brooker once mentioned to The Wrap that they chose “Fifteen Million Merits” because it has a timeless, eerie quality, but isn’t commonly known to many viewers. Producer Annabel Jones noted that Brooker wanted each episode to be interconnected and create an artistic world of its own.

Episode 2: Bête Noire

Barnies v Bernies

In Episode 2, the story centers on the theme of gaslighting as Verity manipulates Maria, her former tormentor, by altering her reality using a remote control. This results in things that Maria considers factual turning into fiction. For instance, in Monica’s world, she has an allergy to nuts. However, once Verity activates her device, nut allergies cease to exist, and no one appears to know about them.

As a gamer, I’d say it feels like a custom-made ‘Mandela Effect’ just for me! In this game of life, details often shift unexpectedly. To illustrate, let’s consider Maria’s love interest. He was once employed at a chicken joint called ‘Barnies.’ Strangely, he still sports the eatery’s cap. However, after Verity performs her mysterious magic, the restaurant’s name transforms from ‘Barnies’ to ‘Bernies,’ leaving Maria baffled and annoyed.

The connection? Kenny in Season 3 episode ‘Shut Up and Dance’ works at a Barnies.

Episode 3: Hotel Reverie

In the ‘Hotel Reverie’ episode, there are numerous connections to earlier episodes within the season, as well as throughout Season 7. This suggests a deep level of continuity between the different installments.

  • Netflix knockoff ‘Streamberry’ appears here, having been introduced in Season 6 episode ‘Joan is Awful’
  • Brandy lives on Junipero Drive, a reference to Season 3 episode ‘San Junipero’
  • A poster for a film called ‘The White Bear’ hangs in the movie studio, which is also the name of a Season 2 episode
  • A tech guy from Redream is wearing a ‘Space Fleet’ t-shirt, which is the fictional show in the two ‘USS Callister’ episodes.
  • Space Fleet also appears briefly as part of an explainer video that pops up when Brandy is researching Dorothy
  • A ‘Demon79’ video also pops up here, which was the title of a Season 6 episode

Episode 4: Plaything

Bandersnatch

Instead of considering “Plaything” as a direct follow-up to the interactive Black Mirror film ‘Bandersnatch’, it is more accurate to view it as a side story set within the same fictional world, featuring two familiar characters from that universe.

In this version, Will Poulter reprises his role as Colin Ritman, the brilliant game designer who continues to work at Tuckersoft, a software company owned by Asim Chaudry’s character, Mohan Thakur. However, there are more than just these two familiar faces; hidden references, or Easter eggs, can also be found in the storyline.

  • Lump offers Cameron LSD in ‘Plaything,’ just as Colin did with Stefan in ‘Bandersnatch’
  • Cameron has a ‘Space Fleet’ poster on his wall, which is a callback and forward to the USS Callisters
  • Cameron also has a ‘Striking Vipers II’ poster, which is the name of a Season 5 episode and video game therein

Episode 6: USS Callister Into Infinity

USS Callister

The initial sequel to Infinity is Black Mirror’s first installment, brimming with references, callbacks, details, and winks to the highly praised and award-winning Episode 1 from Season 4 titled ‘USS Callister.’ Let me share some of my favorite connections:

1. The use of Nan Morales as a character in both episodes, who plays a crucial role in the plot development.
2. The inclusion of the same video game, Space Fleet, which serves as the main setting for both stories.
3. The recurring theme of technology gone awry and the manipulation of characters’ realities.
4. A subtle reference to Walton’s “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” where Nan mentions a book titled “The Secret Lives of Callister.”
5. The appearance of the same antagonist, Robert Daly, portrayed by Jesse Plemons, who exhibits an eerie resemblance to his character in ‘USS Callister.’

  • Nida Huq and Gaap from ‘Demon 79’ appear as gamers in the final scene
  • Nanette is treated at the St. Juniper hospital, which harks back to the aforementioned ‘San Junipero’ episode
  • On the USN news broadcast at the end of the episode, there are references to the Hotel Reverie reboot hitting Streamberry (Season 7 Episode 3), Thronglets 2 launching to critical acclaim (Season 7 Episode 4), the Rivermind CEO stepping down (Series 7 Episode 1), and the former UK PM Michael Callow entering Celebrity Vet School (Series 1 Episode 1). There’s also “mysterious talisman found in plane wreckage” which could be another reference to ‘Demon 79’

Stream Black Mirror Season 7 on Netflix now! If you’re a Severance fan, don’t miss this particular episode that we think you’ll enjoy. Additionally, hear about how Black Mirror is sending TCKR Systems’ Nubbin to popular TikTok influencers. For more fantastic television options, explore the top new shows debuting this month!

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2025-04-10 10:19