Black Mirror Season 7: Exploring ‘Common People’
Released on April 10, the seventh season of Netflix’s acclaimed series Black Mirror presents a thought-provoking take on modern issues, particularly in its inaugural episode, ‘Common People.’
Episode Overview
‘Common People’ follows Amanda, a teacher portrayed by Rashida Jones, and Mike, a welder played by Chris O’Dowd, as they navigate the challenges of infertility in a world where a groundbreaking treatment by a tech start-up, Rivermind, operates on a subscription model.
The plot thickens when Amanda is diagnosed with a brain tumor, leading to a coma. A representative from Rivermind, Gaynor (played by Tracee Ellis Ross), informs Mike that they can create a synthetic backup of the affected part of Amanda’s brain, which would also require a monthly fee to access due to its cloud connection.
Subscription Model Satire
As Mike and Amanda engage with Rivermind’s service, they encounter several restrictions tied to the tiered subscription levels. The basic package confines them to their county, while also subjecting Amanda to unsolicited advertisements that she unwittingly promotes to her students. To eliminate these ads, the couple feels compelled to upgrade to a more costly option, leading to increasingly desperate decisions.
Charlie Brooker writing the Common People episode of Black Mirror knowing very well it satirises Netflix’s own bullshit tiered subscription model. pic.twitter.com/pnsipe6q2A
Fan Reactions
The episode has sparked a lively discussion among viewers, with many applauding its critical commentary on streaming services’ subscription practices. Observations have noted the irony of Netflix, the very platform airing the series, being a target of this satire.
The Common People episode of #BlackMirror is cheeky considering Netflix’s subscription tiers 🤣
Netflix making #BlackMirror – Common People is so ironic. That’s about YOU!! The call is coming from inside the house pic.twitter.com/IYNj9fcVmT
Critical Acclaim
James Mottram of NME lauded ‘Common People’ as a “very neat satire”, emphasizing Charlie Brooker’s astute observations and foresight regarding societal trends. This episode, along with the entire season, is recommended for viewers who value layered narratives and dark humor integral to the Black Mirror universe.