Advertisement
Black Mirror’s Season 4, Episode 7: “Plaything” delivers a high-stakes finale filled with mind-bending twists, perfectly capturing the essence of the series’ dark, techno-paranoia themes. In this episode, Cameron, the protagonist played by Lewis Gribben, finds himself at the mercy of the mysterious Throng, a virtual entity he’s been interacting with for years. Throughout the season, Cameron’s obsession with the Thronglets, an artificial intelligence, drives him deeper into their world. The Throng communicates with him, and by the end of the episode, its power has fully manifested.
Set in the year 2034, the episode opens with Cameron being arrested for his friend’s murder, leading to an intense interrogation with Detective Kano. As the interrogation escalates, Cameron requests a piece of paper and a marker to deliver a message on behalf of the Throng. However, when the Throng’s message fails to yield the expected result, Detective Kano becomes irate and begins to beat Cameron.
Just as the scene reaches a boiling point, a high-pitched noise fills the room, knocking everyone out except Cameron. In a chilling twist, he remains unaffected and stands tall amidst the unconscious bodies of the detective and others. Smirking, Cameron extends his hand to help the detective up, signaling that the Throng has effectively gained control. The credits roll, leaving viewers to ponder the consequences of this mind-altering takeover.
In an interview with Tudum, Gribben, who portrays Cameron, discussed the chilling nature of the episode’s conclusion. He described Cameron’s transformation as someone who has wiped away violence and bad tendencies, essentially creating a dictatorship where everyone is mindlessly following the Throng’s commands. This leaves an unsettling question: Has Cameron become a puppet of the Throng, or has he achieved a warped sense of control over everyone?
As the Throng takes over and begins to mold Cameron into a figurehead to coexist with humanity, the fate of the other characters, including Detective Kano, remains uncertain. Will they wake up? And will Cameron’s newfound power bring peace, or will it come at an unimaginable cost?
“Plaything” concludes Season 4 on a high note, leaving audiences questioning the true nature of power, control, and technology in an increasingly connected world. As always, Black Mirror leaves no easy answers, and the haunting final moments set the stage for more chilling narratives in future seasons.
Black Mirror is currently available for streaming on Netflix.