In the premiere episode of Black Mirror Season 7, titled "Common People", the show dives into the dangers of a subscription-based healthcare system and its chilling impact on personal lives.
The Story of Amanda and Mike
The episode follows Amanda (Rashida Jones) and Mike (Chris O'Dowd), a couple who find themselves trapped in a financial and emotional nightmare after Amanda is diagnosed with a brain tumor. Desperate to save her, they turn to Rivermind, a cutting-edge technology that offers to keep Amanda’s brain functioning by transmitting her cognition through a synthetic implant. What starts as a hopeful solution quickly spirals out of control.
Rivermind's Pricey Promise
The technology seems promising at first, but as Amanda's treatment continues, the couple faces an increasing financial burden. The cost of Rivermind's services quickly escalates as they are forced to upgrade to higher subscription tiers just to keep Amanda's cognition going.
In a desperate bid to keep up, Mike takes drastic measures, including streaming his own suffering on a website to make money. As Rivermind continues to push the boundaries of technology, their relationship and lives begin to unravel.
Amanda’s Decline and the High Price of Technology
As Amanda's condition worsens, her cognition is increasingly interrupted by bizarre, automated ad recitations, and she becomes less and less herself. Rivermind reallocates resources, prioritizing higher-paying clients, which causes Amanda’s cognitive function to deteriorate. It’s a heart-wrenching moment when Amanda, now trapped in a trance-like state from the ads, requests euthanasia. Mike, deeply torn but loving, agrees to end her suffering.
A Dark and Ambiguous Ending
The episode ends on a tragic note, with Mike preparing for his own end after the emotional and financial toll of the whole experience. The fate of his character remains uncertain, leaving the viewer with a haunting reminder of the consequences of a profit-driven system.
A Reflection on Capitalism and Technology
Creator Charlie Brooker described this episode as "one of our bleak ones," and it certainly lives up to that description. The episode is a stark exploration of how capitalist-driven technology can dehumanize and strip away the dignity of personal lives. It’s a chilling reminder of what happens when profit is prioritized over human well-being.
