Common People

And we're back. Almost forgot the feeling of watching a Black Mirror episode for the first time, but this is the show that I remember. Had my jaw on the floor a few times, and that ending...

Driving 'common people' to the edge is something that's already happening. This is a satire on memberships, capitalism and the stuff people pay to see. If this is the first episode of this season, I can't wait to see what's next. Maybe I should rewatch the rest of the show, but this might be one of the more depressing episodes in this show, and if you watched the rest, you know that says a lot. Don't think I'll be watching the rest today, will have to process this one first.

Just wow. Black Mirror is back-and with a bang. This episode delivers a brilliant mix of storytelling, emotion, and tech-driven tension. From the opening moments, the pacing pulls you in, layering suspense with a deep emotional core. Every scene adds something unexpected-whether it's a surprise twist, a moment of quiet heartbreak, or a brutal commentary on the direction we're heading.

The performances are top-notch. Rashida Jones and Chris O'Dowd shine in roles that feel raw and real, pulling you into the struggles of everyday people caught in the jaws of high-tech promises. And Tracee Ellis Ross? Chillingly perfect as the face of corporate AI-equal parts charm and menace.

What really hit me was the way the episode tackled modern tech and capitalism. It's not just speculative fiction-it feels uncomfortably close to reality. Streaming consciousness, in-app purchases for memories, ads in your literal afterlife... it's satire, but it's also a warning.

The ending left me surprised and thinking. It wasn't just a twist for shock value-it added a layer of depth that stayed with me long after the credits rolled.

If this is how Season 7 starts, we're in for something truly special. Dark, emotional, provocative-this is Black Mirror at its best.

I am so glad they put this episode first. It really feels like the old black mirror is back. Amazing concept, well thought out execution, sad and dark but also realistic. The acting was also great. Even though it was based in America it had the British grit feel that I feel was missing in the previous few seasons.

What made it so depressing is the fact it really feels like it could/ would happen this way. This episode touches on many themes such as the subscriptions, the lengths someone would go to make money, healthcare and also at some points could have been a metaphor for addiction.

This episode alone is already better than all of the previous season in my opinion.

"Common people" is a thought-provoking eps that masterfully explores the dark side of modern subscription-based systems. It begins innocently - with a free offer that seems too good to resist. You accept it, enjoy it, and slowly begin to rely on it. It integrates seamlessly into your daily life, offering convenience, pleasure, and even a sense of control. But just when you're fully invested, the trap is sprung. Essential features that once felt like a given are suddenly locked behind a paywall. The system begins to tighten its grip, and if you want to continue experiencing the same level of comfort and functionality, you're forced to subscribe.

What makes this film so compelling is the way it mirrors real-life consumer behavior. It captures the psychological manipulation behind free trials and freemium models - how companies build dependence, then monetize it. The story is told with a dark, almost sinister tone, gradually immersing the viewer in a world where freedom of choice is an illusion, and the price of convenience is far higher than it first appears.

Brilliantly written and emotionally resonant, this episode doesn't just entertain - it warns. It holds up a mirror to our digital habits and asks us to consider: in a world where everything is a subscription, how much of our freedom are we willing to give away?

Wow, this was a hard watch, but so relevant and powerful. We should all be thinking about the ways contemporary capitalism is holding us hostage to the greed of corporations by increasingly intrusive and destructive means. There is no limit to how far they'll go to secure a profit at the expense of "common people".

Rashida Jones and Chris O'Dowd give devastating performances. Tracey Ellis Ross perfectly portrays the embodiment of corporate callousness.

In true Black Mirror fashion we are given a fresh take on the classic downward spiral storyline. A very strong start to the long awaited season. Wow.