Fans of Black Mirror have been eagerly awaiting the return of the show, and with the release of season 7 on Netflix, they got exactly what they were hoping for—except for one surprising twist. The highly anticipated sequel to the fan-favorite episode USS Callister was finally delivered, but why is it the only episode to receive a continuation? Here’s a deep dive into why USS Callister stands out in the Black Mirror universe, especially with the return of its crew.
USS Callister: A Fan-Favorite Returns
When Black Mirror made its return after more than two years, fans were treated to a diverse collection of dystopian stories. This new season, unlike season 6, which had only five episodes, features six stories, one of which brings back the beloved crew of the USS Callister. The episode picks up right where the original left off, following the death of Robert Daly and the reformation of the crew under Nanette Cole, who now must survive in a digital world.
It’s a continuation that had viewers buzzing, but it’s also the only episode to receive this treatment. So why did this one story get the green light for a sequel, while others didn’t?
Charlie Brooker Opens Up About the Sequel
In an interview with Variety, Charlie Brooker, the creator of Black Mirror, shared his thoughts on why the sequel to USS Callister was such a difficult project to bring to life. “I love these characters and the cast,” Brooker said. “But Toby [Haynes], the director, was eager to make a sequel right from the start. The original episode ended with them flying into a new universe. But the project took time to come together. We had a pandemic, and coordinating everyone’s schedules was a real challenge.”
It wasn’t just the logistical hurdles that made this sequel unique. For Brooker, there was an undeniable pull to continue the story. “I knew we had to do it,” he said. “From the moment the credits rolled on the first episode, I thought, ‘I want to keep going. I want to keep telling this story.’ We left them in a brand new universe, and immediately, they had a problem: they’re virtual clones, but they’re real people in a video game.”
For the Black Mirror team, the appeal of revisiting these characters made perfect sense. As producer Jessica Rhoades explained, USS Callister was already “in a specific genre that lends itself to sequels,” with characters who could continue their mission together in this new digital world.
A Notable Absence: Robert Daly’s Exit
As you may have noticed, while the main cast from the original USS Callister episode returns in the sequel, there’s one notable absence: Jesse Plemons, who played the tyrannical Robert Daly. His character, who was central to the first episode, is notably missing from the sequel.
Instead, the show brings back Cristin Milioti as Nanette Cole, now the central figure leading the crew in the digital universe. Alongside Milioti, familiar faces such as Jimmi Simpson (as James Walton) and Billy Magnussen (as Valdack) also reprise their roles, while new actors like Osy Ikhile, Paul G. Raymond, and Milanka Brooks join the cast for this thrilling continuation.
Why USS Callister’s Sequel Works
The return of USS Callister feels fresh yet familiar, maintaining the essence of what made the original episode so captivating—an intense exploration of power dynamics, the consequences of virtual reality, and the ethical dilemmas that emerge when people become prisoners of their own creations.
Unlike some Black Mirror episodes, where the endings feel definitive and complete, USS Callister left so many intriguing questions unanswered that it naturally lent itself to a sequel. It’s this continuity of storytelling that makes the sequel feel almost inevitable.
The episode serves as a powerful reminder of digital ethics, the ever-encroaching influence of technology on our lives, and the ongoing fascination with virtual worlds. This follow-up promises not just to revisit the themes of the original but also to expand on them, pushing the boundaries of virtual reality and personal agency in the digital age.
What’s Next for Black Mirror?
While USS Callister stands alone with its sequel, Black Mirror continues to explore new and thought-provoking themes in the other episodes of season 7. The anthology nature of the series ensures that each episode is a standalone experience, though the success of USS Callister may encourage more of these unexpected continuations in the future.
For now, fans of the show can enjoy the return of this digital universe and the fascinating dynamics between its characters. Who knows? With Black Mirror, anything is possible, and the digital world may have even more stories to tell.