Black Mirror, the British anthology series that explores the eerie consequences of modern technology, is back! For fans of this dark, speculative fiction, Season 7 is a return to form, blending the show’s signature themes with fresh, unsettling narratives. With six new episodes, including an unprecedented revisit to the USS Callister storyline, this season offers a mixed bag of hits and misses.

Let’s dive into a micro review of each episode as follows:

Common People – ⭐⭐⭐

This episode epitomizes classic Black Mirror themes, showcasing future medical advancements with an unsettling twist. A couple grapples with the financial strain of maintaining the wife’s life-saving treatment after a coma. Rashida Jones and Chris O’Dowd shine in their roles, portraying the harrowing reality of their situation in using a commercialised service. However, the plot feels a bit forced, with contrived scenarios leading to an all-too-predictable grim conclusion.

Bête Noire – ⭐⭐

Maria, an up-and-coming snack designer, finds her career threatened when old schoolmate Verity joins her team. As strange occurrences escalate, Maria’s sanity comes into question. The big reveal is once again, classic Black Mirror, but the story feels exaggerated for a story and theme of what essentially boils down to the repercussions of bullying.

Hotel Reverie – ⭐⭐

Unfortunately, this episode is the season’s weakest link. A tech advancement allows an actress to immerse herself in a 1940s movie classic for a revolutionary remake. However, a technical glitch traps her in this black-and-white world, where she falls in love with the film’s leading character. The lack of chemistry between the star-crossed lovers makes the premise feel off, and the humor injected into the narrative only adds to the confusion.

Plaything – ⭐⭐⭐

This one packs a punch with its devastating twist. An eccentric old man is arrested for strange behavior, linking him to a cold case murder. His story reveals a larger narrative involving a 1990s-style computer game with evolving AI avatars. Peter Capaldi and Lewis Gribben deliver chilling performances as the older and younger versions of the game’s enigmatic player.

Eulogy – ⭐⭐⭐ 1/2

My personal favorite, this episode stars the brilliant Paul Giamatti as a lonely old man who gets a chance to relive his youth and romance, thanks to technology that transforms old photos into immersive 3D experiences. The stunning special effects enhance the emotional depth of the story, which had me reaching for the tissues.

USS Callister: Into Infinity – ⭐⭐⭐

The season’s most ambitious episode, clocking in at nearly 90 minutes, revisits the USS Callister universe. As a sequel to the 2017 episode, it continues the Star Trek spoof, with real-life individuals immersed in a multiplayer game gone awry. This space adventure is thrilling, humorous, and leaves the door open for more sequels. Something tells me we haven’t seen the last of the USS Callister.

Overall, Black Mirror Season 7 offers a mix of highs and a few lows, but nothing that I would deem as stellar, with the exception of perhaps Eulogy. Nevertheless, it’s a must-watch for fans of the series’ dark, thought-provoking storytelling.