The beloved anthology series Black Mirror recently released its Season 7 on Netflix. Despite being an anthology series with each episode having a completely different story (along with some references to previous episodes here and there), Charlie Brooker created a sequel to one of the most successful episodes from Season 4, USS Callister—which was a tribute to the Star Trek universe, but with a Black Mirror twist. Without stating any spoilers, here’s a quick premise of the original episode followed by our detailed review of its sequel:
USS Callister (Black Mirror Season 4, Episode 1)
“Capt. Robert Daly (Jesse Plemons) presides over his crew with wisdom and courage. But a new recruit will soon discover nothing on this spaceship is what it seems.”
Starring Jesse Plemons, Cristin Milioti, Jimmi Simpson, Billy Magnussen, Milanka Brooks, Osy Ikhile, and Paul G. Raymond, this episode is considered a complete story in itself that never really needed a sequel, as it ended on a satisfying note.
Rotten Tomatoes: Fresh at 95%
IMDb Rating: 8.3 out of 10
USS Callister: Into Infinity – Our Review (Black Mirror Season 7, Episode 6)
“Nanette Cole (Cristin Milioti) and the crew of the USS Callister are stranded in an infinite virtual universe, fighting for survival against 30 million players.”
Rotten Tomatoes: Fresh at 100%
IMDb Rating: 8.2 out of 10
Cristin Milioti, Jimmi Simpson, Billy Magnussen, Milanka Brooks, Osy Ikhile, and Paul G. Raymond returned to their roles in this sequel episode.
They expanded the original premise even further while continuing the story right where it ended in the previous episode that aired eight years ago. A lot of backstory came into light regarding the technology and the virtual universe that Robert Daly created.
A sequel that successfully blended Black Mirror’s trademark existential dread with sharp comedy and unexpected heart. It’s also clear that the direction, CGI, and overall visuals have seen a noticeable upgrade, showcasing a level of refinement and ambition that surpasses the original. And while it ties things up in many ways, it definitely leaves the door open for more. A subtle but clever setup hints at fresh challenges ahead—just enough to keep fans theorizing and hoping for another sequel.
Surprisingly, the cast looks really good despite the time that has passed. Watching both episodes back to back is the best way to enjoy them, as they feel like a pair of sci-fi feature films.
While the whole cast performed really well, our main protagonist Cristin Milioti and Jimmi Simpson took the spotlight with their acting chops. Another very important cast member returned in this episode with an outstanding performance, but we’re not going to spoil that for you.
You can see a glimpse of this episode in Black Mirror: Season 7 Official Trailer below: