Warning: spoilers for some Black Mirror episodes.
Black Mirror granted one of its best episodes a sequel, but there are other stories that are deserving of a continuation. Among the best sci-fi TV shows of all time is the British anthology series Black Mirror, created by Charlie Brooker. Black Mirror premiered in 2011 and is now preparing for its eighth season.
Although each episode of Black Mirror tells a different story, there are references between them that have built a connected universe. Each episode of Black Mirror explores a future with advanced technology and how this affects daily life, health, society, and more, with a heavy dose of drama and even horror, in most cases.
Due to its anthology format, Black Mirror doesn’t make sequels to its episodes, except for “USS Callister”, which got a sequel, “USS Callister: Into Infinity”, in season 7. However, it’s not the only Black Mirror episode that deserves a sequel.
Beyond the Sea
Season 6, Episode 3
Josh Hartnett in Black Mirror’s Beyond the Sea
“Beyond the Sea” was written by Brooker and directed by John Crowley. Set in a retrofuturistic 1969, “Beyond the Sea” follows astronauts Cliff (Aaron Paul) and David (Josh Hartnett), who, while on a six-year mission, have artificial copies of their bodies on Earth. Cliff and David can transfer their consciousness into these bodies, allowing them to spend time on Earth with their families.
However, after a tragedy, this practice gets out of hand, with even more tragic results. A sequel to “Beyond the Sea” can explore what happened in the spaceship between Cliff and David after what the latter did, as well as how they both deal with their tragedies when they go back to Earth.
“Beyond the Sea” established that there are groups who are against artificial humans, and after what happened to both, it would be interesting to see how the world reacted to it and the future of artificial humans.
Fifteen Million Merits
Season 1, Episode 2
Abi in Black Mirror Fifteen Million Merits
“Fifteen Million Merits” is set in an enclosed world where society must cycle on exercise bikes to generate electricity and earn currency called “merits.” The episode centers on Bing (Daniel Kaluuya), who meets Abi (Jessica Brown Findlay), noticing her artistic talents. Bing convinces Abi to audition for Hot Shot, a virtual talent show that, if she wins, could give her a life of luxury.
However, the plan takes a different turn, and Bing, feeling responsible for it, decides to make up for it. “Fifteen Million Merits” takes place in that enclosed world and only gives a very brief look at life outside of it, and the lives of luxury those who have gotten out of it are now living.
Because of that, a sequel to “Fifteen Million Merits” could show what happened to Bing and Abi now that they are living in luxury, how their new jobs on their respective TV shows have affected them, and how much (or little) life in that enclosed world has changed since then.
Be Right Back
Season 2, Episode 1
“Be Right Back” is one of the best Black Mirror episodes, and it left some big questions that should grant it a sequel. “Be Right Back” is the story of Martha (Hayley Atwell), whose boyfriend, Ash (Domhnall Gleeson), dies in a car accident. Struggling to cope with the loss, she agrees to try an online service that creates a virtual Ash she can communicate with.
This version of Ash is based on his online communication and social media profiles, and Martha later takes it one step further by buying a synthetic android body identical to Ash, where she can download his digital version. Of course, this isn’t as good an idea as it initially seemed.
A sequel to “Be Right Back” can show what happened between Martha and android Ash and how they have navigated parenthood, as well as how Martha and Ash’s daughter has handled the fact that she grew up with an android version of her deceased father.
Black Museum
Season 4, Episode 6
Nish in Black Mirror’s Black Museum episode
“Black Museum” is a unique episode in Black Mirror as it tells different short stories within another. “Black Museum” follows Nish (Letitia Wright), who is driving across the desert and stops to charge her car. While waiting, she visits the title museum, where the proprietor, Rolo (Douglas Hodge), tells him the backstories of the museum’s crime-related objects.
These stories include a doctor who becomes addicted to its patients’ pain, a toy monkey carrying the consciousness of a dead woman, and a holographic version of a supposed criminal that visitors can torture. “Black Museum” has a twist at the end, and that’s exactly what makes it worth a sequel.
It would be interesting to see if Nish has brought justice to other innocent victims in different places, as well as whether there are other museums like this across the country that could use someone like Nish to teach them empathy with a good dose of revenge.
San Junipero
Season 3, Episode 4
Two women dressed in 80s fashion from the Black Mirror episode “San Junipero.”
“San Junipero” takes viewers to the title beach resort town, where introverted Yorkie (Mackenzie Davis) meets outgoing Kelly (Gugu Mbatha-Raw). Yorkie and Kelly fall in love, but San Junipero is a simulated reality where the dead can continue living, and the elderly can visit it, and they all inhabit the bodies of their younger selves.
The twist in “San Junipero” is all about the different situations of Yorkie and Kelly in the real world, as well as the solution they find to their complex situation. “San Junipero” leaves the door open for different stories, as there surely is a lot more to tell about the residents at the resort and those who come to visit.
A sequel to “San Junipero” doesn’t have to tell what happened to Yorkie and Kelly after the episode, instead expanding the universe of this specific episode and telling other stories.
Release Date
December 4, 2011
Network
Channel 4, Netflix
Showrunner
Charlie Brooker
