How Colin Ritman Survived Black Mirror: Bandersnatch and What Really Happened

In this story, viewers are taken back into the realm of ‘Bandersnatch’. This interactive episode on Netflix follows a young programmer named Stefan, who leads viewers through a choose-your-own-adventure style narrative set in 1984. The viewers influence whether Stefan creates the ‘Bandersnatch’ game or not, as there are several ominous outcomes depending on his success. Throughout the tale, Stefan faces difficult choices in his personal life, during therapy sessions, at work, and while he codes in isolation.

Through guidance from, he found himself facing two possible outcomes: the game’s launch or Stefan embarking on a self-exploratory journey filled with introspection and questioning life’s purpose. Given the numerous endings, people were taken aback by the sequel’s emergence. They didn’t expect Colin to still be alive in 1994, but the reason for his wellbeing can be traced back to the multiple paths in ‘Bandersnatch‘.

What Happened to Colin Ritman in Bandersnatch?

Colin Was Either Killed or Left Depressed After Stefan’s Murderous Breakdown

Stefan, who admired Colin greatly for his accomplishments, found himself in a situation where he had to choose between working with the legendary figure and maintaining his mental tranquility. As various alternatives presented themselves, such as whether Stefan should work at the office or from home, they significantly impacted how the game unfolded. In the primary narrative, Stefan and Colin indulged in drugs at Colin’s residence. There was a possibility that either of them might have chosen to leap off the balcony during this particular trip.

In the narrative I’m describing, it seems that both men managed to survive, with me, Stefan, spending time in solitude before experiencing a mental collapse that led to me taking my father’s life. During this interactive movie, Colin came to visit me, grasping the gravity of the situation, feeling terrified, and ultimately requesting me, with compassion, to end his life for him. If I complied, it would land me in jail, as Colin’s company, Tuckersoft, would be aware that I had gone to see their protégé.

The next part of the story might unify these conflicting narratives, presenting scenarios where Colin meets an untimely end or manages to evade capture due to drug-related charges. However, the outcome is left in the hands of the viewer and their choice, as the climax could depict Colin’s excessive drug use as a result of his personal struggles, but also because Tuckersoft suffered significant financial losses following the cancellation of the game’s release.

It’s important to note that Black Mirror doesn’t need to stick to a consistent storyline, as shown in particular by the character of Verity. This allows for the exploration of a different universe where Stefan’s collapse did not disrupt Colin’s life.

Black Mirror’s ‘Plaything’ Confirms the Real Bandersnatch Ending

Colin Didn’t Go to Jail or Die, He Kept Making Games for Tuckersoft

It’s noteworthy that after a decade, Colin remains employed at Tuckersoft, a testament to his expertise. His boss, Thakur, regards him as a prodigy. Colin stands out as a pioneer in video game development, with colleagues admiring him greatly. Over the years, Tuckersoft has continued to thrive financially. As a precaution, Thakur invites Cameron, a critic, to evaluate Colin’s latest creation. This move is motivated by past experiences.

The reason isn’t exactly clear, but it seems to revolve around Stefan. This might be because Stefan fell from the balcony and passed away, or he wound up in prison. As their relationship was more professional than personal, Colin could be grappling with disappointment over Bandersnatch, which didn’t achieve great market success. Regardless of whether it bombed, had mediocre numbers, or was shelved before release, one fact remains: Colin holds a fondness for the project. Evidence can be found in the form of Bandersnatch memorabilia in his office and subtle references to it in Season 7.

In light of the grim narratives from the series, it’s not surprising that Stefan’s death or imprisonment may have sparked interest in the game. This could pique the curiosity of fans, potentially shedding light on the fact that Colin is producing a product for individuals who seem to lack compassion. These people are more interested in the thrill and turmoil within their imaginary worlds rather than human emotions – a phenomenon similar to the debates over violent video games in the 1990s and 2000s.

This might have served as a turning point for him to yearn for Stefan again, understanding how the game affected his responsibility. Regardless, although the specifics are unclear and require our imagination, there’s one fact that’s clear: Colin made it through the Bandersnatch PR scandal and is now working towards creating the next groundbreaking gaming experience. In the meantime, he’s shaping something that brings optimism and encourages individuals to think about starting families and planning their futures.

Bandersnatch and Stefan Heavily Influenced Thronglets

Colin’s Thronglets Game Is About Appreciating Life and Love

In the series “Black Mirror”, Colin’s continued existence is hinted at by his desire for Cameron to nurture these sentient pixelated beings. It’s essentially about gamers raising AI families, engaging in activities like farming, gardening, and reproduction. The challenge of preventing their demise mirrors the popular 90s games “Tamagotchi” and “The Sims”. Essentially, users act as parents to these AI creatures, fostering a functional society.

To put it another way, Colin appears to be clean and sober now, but he’s still taking pills, indicating that he’s trying to leave his drug-addled past behind and create something positive and wholesome instead.

Black Mirror “Thronglets” Details

Writer	Director	Release Date	IMDb Rating	Rotten Tomatoes Score
Charloe Brooker	David Slade	Apr. 10, 2025	7.1/10	57%

Colin passionately convinces Cameron that this will mend the world and foster greater respect for the sacredness of life. It falls upon him to uplift humanity, which is truly refreshing. It’s striking how Colin seems disinterested in financial gains or business matters, instead striving for something higher. This could symbolize his efforts to make amends for neglecting his own ‘family’, if you will. Later on, Colin undergoes another emotional crisis as Cameron secretly plays the game, constructing a society for the Thronglets all by himself.

The incident where Cameron had to kill a drug dealer due to the dealer harming Thronglets in the episode serves to highlight the devastating impact of drugs on lives. However, ironically, Cameron falls victim to drug abuse himself and ends up creating a digital virus that transfers the Thronglets into his mind. Later, he infects the world with this virus. Although Colin’s fate is not revisited in the story, given that Black Mirror spin-offs are being produced, it would be fascinating to explore a follow-up on Colin’s journey towards recovery.

All seven seasons of Black Mirror are available on Netflix.

2025-04-27 05:04