Initially starting off as a tech-focused satire, which was often presented through a bleak lens, in the latter seasons, Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror branched off to other genres in an attempt to stay fresh. Although some felt the show strayed too far from its roots, which initially commenced as Brooker’s way of coping with his worries, season 7 takes the anthology series back to its roots.
As for the accusations surrounding the series becoming too mellow with each passing installment, Brooker claimed the new season would deliver on its reputation, and going by the reception, it certainly did.
Common People | Credit: Netflix
Black Mirror‘s return to roots is indeed devastating
While it’s true that Black Mirror has come a long way from its technological roots, the change in direction did keep things fresh, especially with the shuffling of various genres. But with season 7, the series is back to celebrating its roots and even features a sequel to the much-beloved USS Callister.
Common People | Credit: Netflix
As for Charlie Brooker‘s response to becoming mellow with each season, from the get-go, the show makes its identity clear, as the scariest episode this season no longer feels dystopian. He previously said (via Variety):
I would say at least one episode this season has possibly one of the biggest body blows we’ve done
Even though the creator added that “you don’t want to always end on a massive body blow”, the first episode in the new season, Common People, hits way too close to home for fans.
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The episode in question, starring Rashida Jones and Chris O’Dowd, revolves around the bleak reality of a subscription-based healthcare system. And given the times we’re living in, it’s hard not to draw parallels between Rivermind and health insurance companies in the real world, making the episode all the more devasting and depressing.
Charlie Brooker intends to keep on running with his Netflix series
Charlie Brooker | Credit: Netflix
With season 7 proving to be yet another hit for the anthology series, it’s safe that a season 8 is almost a given, even though Netflix has yet to renew the series. As for Brooker, if it’s up to him, he can see the show going on for years, as at its core, it reflects the horrors of technological advancements, meaning that the well for inspiration will never run dry (via BBC).
Hopefully [it will run and run]. Selfishly, it’s a fun job. Technology is developing in the real world very quickly. That means there are more sources of inspiration, and… the viewer is experiencing more [technological] things in their everyday life.
Hopefully, this proves to be the case for the Brooker’s revered series, and with how things are going, it’s safe to say the stories told within it will continue to resonate with fans in the foreseeable future.
Black Mirror is available to stream on Netflix.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
