Black Mirror Ending EXPLAINED! (It’s Darker Than You Think!)

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Warning: Spoilers for the Black Mirror Season 7 episode “Common People” are in play.

Each time a fresh season of “Black Mirror” premieres, viewers are treated to a variety of conclusions that are either deeply moving or puzzlingly enigmatic. When the latest episodes were unveiled within the 2025 TV lineup, I labeled “Common People” as the most dismal “Black Mirror” storyline created by Charlie Brooker so far. But after witnessing Rashida Jones and Tracee Ellis Ross construct an even more somber interpretation of that final act’s meaning, I now believe my initial assessment may have been too modest.

Amanda’s State Of Mind In “Common People’s” Sad Ending Raises Some Huge Questions

As a movie critic, I recently attended an engaging roundtable discussion hosted by Netflix for the promotion of Season 7 of Black Mirror. In this session, both actors Jones and Ross graced us with their presence, particularly for the episode “Common People.” The conversation took an intriguing turn when someone posed a thought-provoking question about Amanda’s (played by Rashida Jones) plea to her husband Mike (Chris O’Dowd) to end her life. The query centered around whether this request was made in a state of sound mind, given the complex and emotionally charged nature of the scene.

TopMob was on hand to hear Rashida Jones share these thoughts about that aforementioned moment:

It’s intriguing since she goes ahead with this choice, yet it seems like she’s influenced by Rivermind Lux. There might be a debate about whether or not she truly acted independently, and to what extent her actions were her own. However, I tend to think that it represented the best version of herself because ultimately, I activated my peace-of-mind trigger.

In a deeper exploration of her perspective regarding the Netflix subscription booster situation, the former star of “Parks and Recreation” provided additional insights from that scene that bolstered her argument. Specifically, she referenced the garden backdrop with its expansive view of the woods as evidence supporting Amanda’s longing to be “one with nature.

In a literal sense, our character gains clarity and understands the bigger picture when surrounded by the calming influence of Rivermind Lux, much like seeing the forest instead of just the trees. Later, Tracee Ellis Ross, who appeared alongside her in “Common People,” expressed interest in rewatching the episode to provide a clearer answer.

I wholeheartedly lean towards agreeing with that choice, as the Black Mirror episode resonated deeply with me. Upon further examination of Chris O’Dowd’s character, Mike, in those closing scenes, my conviction has only intensified.

Rashida Jones And Tracee Ellis Ross’ Discussion Of “Common People’s” Ending Seals Mike’s Fate

It’s clear that the part of “Black Mirror’s” episode “Common People” evokes a sense of heart-wrenching beauty similar to the ending of “Hotel Reverie.” That’s why Chris O’Dowd’s closing moment, holding a boxcutter and shutting a door, is crucial to the overall impact.

One positive aspect I can draw from this sad farewell is the opportunity I had to observe Rashida Jones and Tracee Ellis Ross in action, right before my eyes. But let me first elaborate on some insights Rashida Jones shared about Mike’s mental condition following his tragic act of ending his wife’s life:

At my behest, it seems like one of his most challenging ordeals. Yet, enduring life without me, bearing the brunt of what he’s experienced – the shame, the anger, the exasperation, and the burden of having no alternative; I believe he too must grapple with similar emotions.

Although Chris O’Dowd’s character’s actions don’t definitively prove he committed suicide, those actions seemed like a crucial clue that led Ms. Jones and Ms. Ross to contemplate this idea. Consequently, this insight provided us with a moment of enlightenment and humor during the Black Mirror discussions.

  • Rashida Jones: “No! That is it! That’s what he does!”
  • Tracee Ellis Ross: “He livestreams his death.”
  • Rashida Jones: “He says ‘I’m doing a specialty thing later, ‘which is pretty dark.”
  • Tracee Ellis Ross: “Pre-tty dark.”

In typical Black Mirror fashion, they skillfully weave intrigue into the minutiae, much like what we’ve witnessed in the “Common People” conversation. As Mike stands before us for the final time at the door, it seems his disgraced online persona has reached its climactic end.

Reading this story first in Season 7 was truly a blessing, because I believe none of the subsequent stories are any more dismal than what we’ve covered here. However, based on audience reactions to the Paul Giamatti episode “Eulogy,” it seems that particular episode may have been the most heart-wrenching one, tear-wise.

Absolutely, it’s open to individual interpretation, and since all six episodes are now available on Netflix, you have the opportunity to judge for yourself which instance created by Charlie Brooker and his team seems most alarming, prompting a collective need to disconnect from technology immediately.

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2025-04-16 05:39