Unveiling the Untold: 7 Unexpectedly Uplifting Endings in Black Mirror

In the midst of the majority of Black Mirror episodes that end in disaster, there are a select few stories that offer a glimmer of hope with their happy endings. Black Mirror is an anthology series that delves into the complex dynamics between humans and technology, often highlighting the dark consequences that can result from this relationship.

According to creator Charlie Brooker, the show does not present technology as inherently malevolent, but rather underscores the potential for negative outcomes when humans abuse advanced technological advancements. While the bleak conclusions of these stories effectively convey the dangers of mishandling such cutting-edge technology, they can also leave a profound impact on viewers. Nonetheless, a handful of episodes in Black Mirror manage to wrap up on a more positive note, demonstrating that even in this grim world, optimism and hope can still find a place.

7 USS Callister

"The USS Callister" episode of Black Mirror pays homage to Star Trek and explores the idea of transferring consciousness. The story centers around Robert Daly, the CTO of Callister Inc., who helps create a multiplayer space adventure game. Daly uses the game to upload the DNA of his coworkers, enabling him to control and subject them to various forms of mistreatment. This episode highlights the issue of toxic masculinity by showcasing Daly's abuse of his coworkers and the workplace harassment endured by Nanette.

When Nanette starts working at Daly's company, she finds herself trapped within the game simulation. She joins forces with her fellow crewmates to outsmart Daly, ultimately trapping him in the game and rendering him motionless in the real world. This episode takes a more positive turn compared to other Black Mirror stories, as the crew members successfully escape from Daly's torturous world. Nanette, who has experienced workplace harassment, finds redemption as the commander of the starship. The crew regains control over their own lives and can now explore the infinite universe.

6 Black Museum

In Black Mirror's "Black Museum," a captivating narrative unfolds, interweaving a series of interconnected stories that revolve around the transfer of consciousness. The story centers on Nish, who embarks on a visit to a secluded Black Museum. Here, she encounters Rolo Haynes, the proprietor, who unveils the intriguing backstories behind the artifacts within the museum.

As the episode progresses, it is revealed that Nish is actually Clayton Leigh's daughter. She harbors a deep-seated resentment towards Rolo, who had subjected her father to a perpetually painful existence as a holographic projection enduring electric chair executions. Nish, driven by a need for justice, is determined to avenge her father and confront Rolo.

The culmination of the episode offers a satisfying resolution. Nish successfully liberates her father from his torment and metes out punishment to Rolo for his unethical experimentation on people. The underlying message of the episode revolves around the harshness of the prison system and the vital importance of fighting for justice. Ultimately, the episode concludes on an uplifting note as the museum, a symbol of cruelty, burns down in the distance, signifying a hopeful future.

5 Crocodile

The Black Mirror episode titled "Crocodile" follows the unsettling journey of Mia, whose life takes a sinister turn after a night of partying alongside her then-partner, Rob. While driving home under the influence, their car collides with a cyclist, tragically ending his life. Faced with the decision of reporting the incident to the authorities, Rob convinces Mia that it would be mutually beneficial to dispose of the body.

Years pass, and Mia is now married with a child when she unexpectedly crosses paths with Rob, who reveals his intention to confess his guilt. Terrified of losing the stable life she has constructed, Mia desperately tries to dissuade him but inadvertently causes his demise.

Consequently, Mia becomes entangled in a cycle of eliminating anyone who poses a threat of exposing her dark secret. However, an unforeseen twist ensues when the police successfully extract memories from a pet guinea pig present during the murders. This leads law enforcement to apprehend Mia during her child's recital, resulting in her arrest. Though the conclusion may not adhere to conventional notions of "happiness" for Mia or the victims of her crimes, by Black Mirror's standards, Mia having to confront the repercussions of her actions could be considered a form of closure or resolution.

4 Nosedive

In the society depicted in "Nosedive," individuals are constantly rating and sharing their activities, which in turn impacts their socioeconomic status. Lacie, who has a rating of 4.2, aspires to increase it to 4.5 in order to secure her desired apartment. Determined to achieve this goal, she embarks on a journey to her childhood friend's wedding, seeking the approval of highly rated individuals. However, Lacie faces numerous obstacles during her trip, resulting in a significant decline in her rating to 1.4.

In a twist of fate, Lacie manages to sneak into the wedding but is subsequently apprehended and arrested. Ironically, her time in confinement becomes a refuge, where she can engage in conversations with a fellow inmate without the fear of being rated. Free from the societal pressure to project an idealized version of herself for validation, Lacie and her cellmate engage in playful banter and hurl insults at each other with a sense of liberation. This particular episode serves as a poignant critique of the relentless societal expectations to perpetuate an ideal image to seek validation from others.

The conclusion of this Black Mirror episode provides a sense of freedom and empowerment for Lacie as she finally embraces her life on her own terms, unburdened by the need for public approval.

3 Joan is Awful

In the sixth season of Black Mirror, the episode "Joan is Awful" revolves around Joan Tait, a tech executive who faces a series of events that ultimately lead her to reclaim control over her life. Throughout the day, Joan dismisses an employee, has dinner with her ex-partner, and returns home to her fiancé. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she stumbles upon a television show titled "Joan is Awful," which distorts and exaggerates her daily experiences, straining her relationships.

Driven by the desire to regain her narrative, Joan teams up with Salma Hayek, the actress whose persona is used to depict her in the show. Together, they embark on a mission to destroy the server responsible for stealing the story of Joan's life. As they succeed in this endeavor, reality reverts back, and both the real Joan and the actress, Annie Murphy, find themselves placed under house arrest.

The conclusion of "Joan is Awful" showcases Joan's newfound sense of empowerment and control. She expresses her intention to start dating again and fulfill her long-standing dream of opening a coffee shop. Through her experiences, Joan undergoes a positive transformation, finally embracing the role of the main character in her own life. The episode concludes on a hopeful note, leaving viewers inspired by Joan's journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

2 Hang The DJ

In the "Hang the DJ" episode of Black Mirror, Frank and Amy rely on a futuristic device known as "Coach" to assist them in finding their ideal partner. Through Coach's algorithm, they are paired with various individuals for predetermined periods of time, until the day comes when they are finally united with their designated life partner. However, despite the range of matches they encounter, they realize that their true connection lies solely with each other.

Ultimately, the couple decides to defy the confines of the system and embark on a daring escape from the simulated world. As they emerge into reality, they catch a glimpse of one another for the first time, and astonishingly, the application reveals that they are a staggering 99.8% match. Their bond is not coerced or predestined by technology, but rather, they effortlessly fall in love, emphasizing the supremacy of authentic human connection in this increasingly technologically driven realm.

1 San Junipero

"San Junipero" is an episode of the Black Mirror anthology series that has received immense praise. The story follows the journey of two women, Yorkie and Kelly, who form a connection in a nightclub. As the episode unfolds, we witness their blossoming romance throughout various time periods. We later discover that they exist within a simulated reality, where the deceased can live, and the elderly can visit.

Yorkie, who is paralyzed, expresses her desire for Kelly to stay with her in San Junipero. However, Kelly initially hesitates, citing the inability to upload her husband and daughter. Eventually, Kelly has a change of heart and decides to remain in San Junipero permanently, reuniting with Yorkie. The episode is renowned for its endearing characters who can finally embrace their true selves and its deeply moving conclusion. It stands as one of the most joyous and beloved episodes in the history of Black Mirror.