Review: Black Mirror back to its best in season 7
James Cox
* Warning: There are spoilers in this article if you have not seen Black Mirror season seven *
Black Mirror returns to its brilliant best in season seven with themes such as the dangers of AI, irresponsible billionaires and forbidden romance prevalent.
The genius of Charlie Brooker's storytelling is that so many episodes of Black Mirror feel all too real in the modern world, and things like the healthcare story in episode one 'Common People', seem eerily possible.
Rashida Jones and Chris O’Dowd star as a couple who are faced with a devastating medical diagnosis.
Without the means for the best care available, they turn to a high-tech subscription service that initially works miracles, but turns out to have a sinister edge.
'Bête Noire' is a fast-paced episode that feels like a psychological thriller. Maria (Siena Kelly) appears to have a very full life, and works in her dream job.
However, an old classmate (Rosy McEwen) suddenly arrives in her workplace and has her questioning her sanity, and reality.
Episode three, 'Hotel Reverie', was our favourite from season seven.
It has more than a few similarities with San Junipero, one of the best Black Mirror offerings to date, and expect a few easter eggs.
Issa Rae plays Brandy Friday, a high profile Hollywood star who has become frustrated with her career.
She can hardly believe her luck when she is invited to star in a remake of her favourite vintage film.
It is being reproduced by a cutting edge technology company, and Brandy soon realises it won't be like any film she has worked on before.
Transported into an AI-designed universe, her co-stars are AIs.
A replication of Dorothy Chambers (Emma Corrin) is more human than it initially seems, with big consequences.
'Plaything' features a character we've previously seen, eccentric video game developer Colin Ritman (Will Poulter).
One of his new creations is more rooted in reality than behind the screen, and it drives Cameron Walker (Peter Capaldi) crazy.. or does it?
'Eulogy' is a closs second to Hotel Reverie in our ranking, and Phillip (Paul Giamatti) plays a man haunted by his memories.
When he is asked to look back on the love of his life with a virtual assistant, Phillip gets far more than he bargained for.
Giamatti's performance is powerful.
'USS Callister: Into Infinity' is a sequel episode.
It is well saved as the sixth episode and might as well be a film of its own.
The effects and story are visually stunning. It boasts an ensemble cast including Cristin Millioti (who plays Nanette Cole), Jimmi Simpson (as James Walton), and Jesse Plemons (as Roberty Daly).
Brooker's dystopian anthology series has provided again, and viewers will be hoping for a season eight.
