The season 4 episode “USS Callister” is just as bleak and fascinating as everyBlack Mirrorstory. The episode stars Jesse Plemons as the CEO of a company who puts himself into a game set on a spaceship and was honored with four well-deserved Emmy Awards. While each episode offers up a thought-provoking look at the problems that technology can bring, “USS Callister” is a particularly memorable tale.
Like every episode ofBlack Mirror,“USS Callister” features great characters, an epic plot twist, and an ending that makes everyone stop and think for a moment. Some episodes of the popular Netflix series are better than others, and this one is definitely a stand-out. What makes “USS Callister” so brilliant and what happens at the end?
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What Is Black Mirror’s “USS Callister” About?
TheBlack Mirrorepisode “USS Callister” is about a game where players control crew members on a spaceship in a game calledInfinity. James Walton (Jimmi Simpson) and Robert Daly (Jesse Plemons) started the company Callister Inc. Daly wants the game to look likeSpace Fleet, a TV series that he loves, and he puts himself in the game as the captain who bosses everyone around. While theBlack Mirrorepisode “White Bear” is a stand-out, “USS Callister” also captivates viewers from the opening scene. It’s obvious that something terrible is going to take place. The game itself is entertaining and cool-looking, which makes it easy to follow along with.
Daly has created a simulated version of reality as his employees look just like the crew members in the game. Nanette Cole (Cristin Milioti) works at Callister Inc. as a programmer and becomes one of the main characters in the episode. She is much smarter than Daly, whose greed and desire to be the best end up being his downfall. Both Nanette and Daly are some of the most well-developed characters in anyBlack Mirrorepisode. Daly underestimates her and thinks that she is no threat to him. But by the end of the episode, it’s clear that she is wiser than he is and that she has been seeking out her own power.
“USS Callister” might not be as realistic asBlack Mirror’s “Arkangel” episode, which offers a dark commentary on parenthood. But given the questions that people have about virtual reality and whether it’s actually a good idea, this episode feels particularly intelligent and relevant. Daly doesn’t seem to have thought out a way to escape the game or ensure that nothing bad takes place, and that is what ruins his life.
What Happens At The End Of Black Mirror’s “USS Callister”?
There are manychilling episodes ofBlack Mirrorand that includes “USS Callister.” From the beginning of the episode, it’s possible for viewers to guess the unforgettable plot twist: Daly will get stuck in the game. This definitely measures up to some of themost interesting plot twists in movies. Daly has ruined his own life by becoming so obsessed with technology, which is the message of the episode.
When Nanette wants to go to Skillane IV by herself, the members of the space crew find suggestive photos on Nanette’s PhotoCloud. They blackmail the actual version of Nanette so she will take DNA samples from Daly when she orders a pizza to Daly’s address. Nanette is then put onto the space shuttle. Daly keeps playing and realizes that the crew members want to get out. When an asteroid hits the ship, Daly isn’t able to leave the game that he has been playing. Daly can’t move, and it’s clear that his mind has been completely destroyed. This is a horrifying final scene to watch.
Jesse Plemons, who starred inFlowers of the Killer Moon,Fargo,Friday Night Lights, andGame Night, was the perfect actor to play Daly. He’s charming enough at first and viewers can tell how he has gotten so far in life. But by the time that he gets stuck in the game that he created, it’s obvious that he is angry at himself for getting into this situation. The ending ofBlack Mirror’s"USS Callister" wouldn’t pack the same punch without a talented actor like Plemons, who can be vulnerable and strong all at once.
Shania Lowry (Michaela Coel) and Valdack (Billy Magnussen) are human again and they find a game player named Gamer691, played by Aaron Paul. This suggests that the game will continue, even though it’s terrifying and dangerous.
There are manyNetflix shows that needed another season, and thankfully,Black Mirrorcontinues to be renewed for more episodes. The show may be dark and hard to take at times, but that’s definitely the point. Daly doesn’t want to live in the real world and his desire for control and power backfires.
