At times bleak, at times brilliant: Ranking all Black Mirror 7 episodes

At its core, 'Black Mirror' has always thrived on the art of misdirection—you come in expecting the unexpected, yet somehow, it still manages to pull the rug out from under you.

This latest season leans harder into human emotions, offering stories where technology is a crucial thread but not always the centrepiece. Some episodes creep under your skin with a quiet dread, others fling you into full-blown existential spirals, and of course, there's that one signature Black Mirror season opener that leaves you blinking at the screen, unsure whether to laugh, cry, or just stare at your screen for five more minutes.

The result? A mix of standout gems and a few that feel more like clever footnotes. From follow-ups to earlier stories to fan-service cameos and non linear timelines, Season 7 is a puzzle box built for rewatches. Here's a spoiler-filled ranking of all six episodes—some brilliant, some just... there. 

Bête Noire

Episode 2

Maria and Verity, once high school classmates, reconnect when Verity joins Maria's chocolate company. What starts as a tense reunion soon takes a disturbing turn as Maria experiences memory lapses that grow increasingly severe. She begins to doubt her reality, with Verity at the centre of her confusion. 

The episode builds suspense effectively, playing with ideas like the Mandela Effect and stress-induced memory loss. However, despite the intriguing premise, the conclusion disappoints.

Verity is revealed to control reality—an idea with promise—but the reveal feels flat and underwhelming. What could've been a standout episode ultimately loses impact due to its weak ending.

Rating: 5/10

Hotel Reverie

Episode 3

Brandy Friday (Issa Rae) is tired of being sidelined in supporting roles, so when offered a part in an AI remake of a classic film, she demands to play the lead. The twist? Her co-star Clara (Emma Corrin) and the rest of the cast are all simulations. 

As Brandy becomes trapped in the artificial film world for months, she starts emotionally unravelling and unexpectedly falls for Clara. Meanwhile, time outside the simulation seems distorted. 

The episode cleverly critiques AI in art and industry sexism, but it falters due to Rae's lacklustre performance, which contrasts sharply with Corrin's compelling presence, weakening their emotional chemistry.

Rating: 6/10

Plaything

Episode 4

A man is caught shoplifting and quickly arrested when a suspicious officer links him to a potential murder. He's revealed to be Cameron Walker (Peter Capaldi), a former gaming journalist consumed by a virtual world populated by digital creatures promising to "upgrade" humanity. 

Set in the 'Bandersnatch' universe, the episode captures Black Mirror's eerie tone, blending tech paranoia with psychological unease. While not overly flashy, it's haunting in its ambiguity. Cameron's descent—whether due to isolation, drug use, or both—is never clearly explained, and that uncertainty is its strength. A thought-provoking, quietly disturbing story that lingers, even if it's best suited for a single viewing.

There's also a sharp moment of critique buried within: Cameron accuses humanity of still reacting like cavemen, defaulting to violence. It's especially striking when the police officer, who dismisses every word Cameron says, ends up lunging at him the moment he's denied information. The irony lands well.

Rating: 7/10

Eulogy 

Episode 5

Philip (Paul Giamatti), a grumpy old man, is contacted after the death of his ex-girlfriend Carol. Her family invites him to help craft her eulogy using a new technology that lets users step into old photographs and relive memories. 

What begins as a reluctant trip through the past slowly becomes an emotional reckoning. Initially bitter and resentful, Philip uncovers overlooked truths as the memories unfold, revealing missed opportunities and unresolved emotions. 

There's no twist or dark tech warning here; instead, the story uses technology as a gentle companion in grief. It's a quiet, heartfelt exploration of regret, perspective, and long-delayed compassion.

Rating: 8/10

USS Callister: Into Infinity

Episode 6

USS Callister is still adrift. The gang of digital clones may have escaped Captain Robert Daly (played by Jesse Plemons), but not the game itself. 

Nanette (played by Cristin Milioti) still carries the burden of figuring out how to get herself and the others into the real world. The question remains: what happens next, both for them and for their real-world counterparts?

This marks the first-ever sequel in the Black Mirror anthology, and it pulls it off perfectly. The space opera tone, topped with 'Star Wars' energy, blends naturally with the show's ongoing critique of how technology can be twisted by the wrong hands. 

It's a gripping ride from start to finish, packed with anticipation, character shifts, and just enough twists to keep things unpredictable. The final moments leave the door open for yet another chapter—and it works, making for a satisfying season finale.

The episode does more than just extend the story—it tears down the "nice guy" façade, skewers entitled tech billionaires who weaponise their privilege, and reminds us that even the so-called heroes aren't without cracks. It is a bold, well-played return to one of the show's most iconic narratives.

Rating: 9/10

Common People

Episode 1

School teacher Amanda (played by Rashida Jones) and metalworker Mike (played by Chris O'Dowd) are a middle-class couple with a simple dream of starting a family. But their plans are shattered when Amanda ends up in a coma. Desperate, Mike turns to Rivermind—a cutting-edge system designed to preserve consciousness. What's meant to be a lifeline quickly spirals into something far more troubling. As the subscription fee of Rivermind rises, what measures does Mike take to keep his wife alive?

This episode earns the top spot for being eerily close to the world we already live in. A high-priced subscription service that constantly demands more money to function correctly? 

Sounds familiar.

It mirrors the endless parade of digital subscriptions we're trapped in—prices rising, service remaining mediocre at best. It takes a direct swing at a healthcare system built to protect wealth over the ill, and the brutal lengths people go to just to hold on to those they love.

It's a strong opener for the season—bitter, uncomfortable, and deeply human. The episode doesn't need a dystopian leap to unsettle you; the world it shows is just a few steps ahead of our own. A haunting reminder of where we're headed—and what we're willing to sacrifice to keep someone with us.

Rating: 10/10

Black Mirror season 7 is available to watch on Netflix.