Black Mirror is back with its seventh season, and it has already sparked considerable conversation among fans and critics alike. The premiere episode, titled "Common People," dives deep into the intersection of technology and capitalism, exploring the dark consequences of commodifying human consciousness. Released on April 10, 2025, the episode has been praised for its chilling narrative and has garnered an impressive 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, attracting over 7 million viewers worldwide.
The episode stars Rashida Jones as Amanda and Chris O'Dowd as Mike, a working-class couple navigating a world where brain function is paywalled. The story takes a dire turn when Amanda is diagnosed with a brain tumor, prompting a desperate Mike to consider an experimental procedure offered by a tech conglomerate called Rivermind. This company proposes to replace a part of Amanda's brain with synthetic material that streams her consciousness from the cloud, essentially turning her into a subscription service.
As the episode unfolds, Amanda’s condition worsens, and the couple faces increasingly exorbitant costs to maintain her brain function. Mike is pressured to upgrade their subscription, which leads him to perform degrading acts on a gig economy platform called DumDummies to afford the mounting expenses. The satire of late-stage capitalism is palpable as Mike’s desperate attempts to keep Amanda functional turn into a darkly comedic descent into humiliation.
"Common People" is emblematic of the series' critique of modern society, where even the most intimate aspects of human existence, such as memory and consciousness, become commodified. The episode’s title, a nod to the struggles of everyday people, highlights the absurdity of having to make life-and-death decisions based on subscription tiers.
Tracee Ellis Ross plays Gaynor, a Rivermind representative who presents the procedure to Mike. Her character embodies the sinister undertones of corporate healthcare, as she pushes the couple to upgrade their subscription to access basic functions like remembering anniversaries or blinking regularly. In a world where the common people are at the mercy of tech companies, the episode raises critical questions about agency and the ethics of such invasive technology.
Rashida Jones, who previously wrote the acclaimed episode "Nosedive," expressed her excitement about returning to the Black Mirror universe. In an interview, she stated, "It was simply not a difficult decision to make because any time I can be a part of this universe, I will say yes." Tracee Ellis Ross echoed this sentiment, noting that the allure of being part of Black Mirror is enough to jump on board without needing to know the details of the story.
The episode's climax is both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking. In a moment of clarity, Amanda asks Mike to end her life when she is not in "Lux mode," a premium feature that allows her to escape the torment of constant ad interruptions. This request raises profound ethical dilemmas about consent and the influence of technology on personal choices. As Amanda’s consciousness fades into an ad-read, Mike is left to grapple with the implications of their decisions, culminating in a tragic conclusion that leaves viewers questioning the nature of love and sacrifice.
Fans have also noted a recurring theme throughout season seven: the word "juniper." This bizarre Easter egg appears in multiple episodes, sparking theories about its significance. In "Common People," Mike and Amanda visit Juniper Lodge and even eat a "juniper burger." The references continue in other episodes, such as "Hotel Reverie" and "USS Callister: Into Infinity," leading fans to speculate whether it symbolizes a place of eternal bliss or serves as a humorous nod from creator Charlie Brooker.
One theory traces the word "juniper" back to Saint Juniper, a 13th-century monk known for his bizarre acts of kindness, which parallels the often absurd behavior of characters in Black Mirror. Another suggestion is that juniper represents a paradise for characters, contrasting with the bleak realities they face. However, some believe it could simply be a playful jab from Brooker, who is known for his dark humor and clever storytelling.
As the season progresses, the implications of these references and the overarching themes of technology's impact on humanity will likely continue to resonate with audiences. The conversations sparked by "Common People" reflect a growing concern about the ethical boundaries of technology and its role in our lives. With its sharp writing and compelling performances, Black Mirror's seventh season promises to challenge viewers and provoke thought long after the credits roll.
Ultimately, "Common People" serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking at the intersection of technology and capitalism. It forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about our reliance on tech and the lengths we might go to preserve our humanity in an increasingly commodified world.
As fans eagerly await the next episodes, one thing is clear: Black Mirror remains a cultural touchstone, holding a mirror to society and reflecting our deepest fears about the future.
