Plaything

So I initially watched this because I thought it was gonna be a continuation of Bandersnatch. It's good, there's a decent of mystery to it, but I do feel the payoff was cut short. If they would've added a good 5 or 10 more minutes after where it ends I think it would've fleshed out the story a little more. The story you get isn't bad, except for the overly angry police detective. I do think the first episode of the new season was better. This felt a little off beat for their usual narrative. Again, not saying it's bad, just much different. Overall I enjoyed it, but i do think it think was a little underwhelming.

Cameron Walker is arrested and explains his remarkable story to The Police.

This was old school Black Mirror, if you're a die hard fan of the early years, this one will definitely appeal to you.

Dark and macabre, as far away from the likes of Joan is awful and Mazey Day as you can imagine, bleak themes, violence, psychosis, this one

It's weird in every possible way, the opening, the storyline, Capaldi's appearance, bizarre isn't the word, but I'd suggest it's a good and effective episode. Bandersnatch vibes perhaps.

One thing that's clear, series seven is offering up some very different styles, not two episodes have been alike so far.

One thing is clear, Capaldi is a fabulous actor, he's capable of elevating a decent script into something more. Lewis Grabben, excellent also.

Weird, but effective.

7/10.

This masterfully built episode channels the essence of good old Black Mirror - an unsettling return , forming cerebral and existential discomfort in all the right ways. The cinematography is true raw old school and the soundtrack elevates every frame, pulling from the pioneers of lush deconstructed electronica and meta-noise. There's a precision in the way it all breathes. Gribben is unapologetically chilling and Capaldi's performance is transfixing - the man unravels on screen in the most subliminal magnetic way.

Plaything isn't just a sci-fi trope, it's a well calculated descent into an existential mirror.

And some mirrors don't reflect you, they absorb you...

Loved the Trainspotting / Shallow Grave aesthetic for the 1994 scenes - I'm sure Danny Boyle and team would approve! Really caught the period beautifully.

Lewis Gribben as the young Cameron Walker was a compelling counterpoint to the shifting, shambolic older self in Peter Capaldi's brilliantly lurking performance.

Story structure was well put together, despite what others on here say about the ending. I beg to differ.

Black Mirror at its best wants you to think but I think the message here was crystal clear: The old cro-magnon core still drives us along, but technology has been worming its way inside our brain and changing our chemistry. How's that going to play out?

Peter Capaldi is consistently world class. This is another stellar performance to add to his already pretty heaving canon of work. Plus, a very memorable & scene-stealing cameo from the always captivating Will Poulter. For this alone, I'd say this one's worth a watch.

BUT...

It doesn't have an ending. Like, it just doesn't. I dunno if that's Brooker deliberately setting up another sequel episode a-la Callister, or just running out of steam/ideas (6 episodes is a pretty incredible return given the low standard and briefness of the last couple of seasons), but it was frustrating. Like a lot of entertainment right now.

Still delighted overall by the massive increase in quality in this season compared the the last - but overall, it's been very hit and miss.