Black Mirror’s first-ever sequel is a worthy USS Callister follow-up and a thrilling sci-fi adventure.
This article contains spoilers for theBlack Mirrorepisode USS Callister: Into Infinity.
Throughout its seven-season run,Black Mirrorhas covered a lot of ground.
From the comfort of his privateserver, Captain Daly of theUSS Callistertortures his crew of co-workers.
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USS Callister: Into Infinity is not the only timeBlack Mirrorhas tinkered with own past.
Hell,its not even the first time the show brings back an existing character this season.
Brooker and his collaborators have continually made good faith efforts to maintain a canon for the anthologys sci-fi universe.
But respecting the canon is one thing and attempting a full-blown sequel is another.
TheCallistercrews newly-mortal status also imbues the proceedings with some real stakes.
Into Infinity, however, is different.
These digital clones are likable folks just trying to make their way through impossible circumstances.
And more importantly: we know them from last time!
Jimmi Simpson also pulls compelling double duty as both the episodes big bad and theUSS Callisters only salvation.
It is largely a conventional science fiction story with a lightBlack Mirrorsheen.
But theres something about that conventionality that makes it endearing.
We already know thatBlack Mirrorcan doBlack Mirror.
Virtually every moment of USS Callister: Into Infinity is more creative and intriguing than the last.
This includes a handful of aerial battle sequences that capture a real sense of danger and escalation.
If Into Infinity is missing anything from the original at first glance, its only a sense of timing.
Outside of the reveal of which industry pioneered the banned digital cloning technology (Take a guess.
), the world of USS Callister: Into Infinity feels vaguely apolitical.
But of course, many political things often do.
Into Infinity also features a tense and emotional ending that in many ways surpasses the original.
All six episodes of Black Mirror season 7 are available to stream on Netflix now.
Learn more about Den of Geeks review process and why you’re able to trust our recommendationshere.
Rating:
4.5 out of 5
