Photo credit: www.tvinsider.com
[Warning: The following post contains MAJOR spoilers for Black Mirror Season 7 Episode 6, “U.S.S. Callister: Into Infinity.”]
Fans of Black Mirror were taken aback by the announcement that Season 7 would include a follow-up to the popular episode “U.S.S. Callister.” Traditionally, the anthology series has avoided sequels, so this deviation from its norm intrigued many. According to actress Cristin Milioti, discussions about revisiting her character began shortly after the initial episode premiered.
In her interview with reporters, including those from TV Insider, Milioti revealed, “Conversations about a sequel started almost immediately after the airing of the first episode. [Creator Charlie Brooker] was eager to return to that universe, which led to multiple discussions over the years about various possibilities.”
Milioti explained that Brooker explored several concepts for the sequel, ranging from an independent series to a full-length movie. “At various points, it was envisioned as either a series or a completely different film,” she noted, adding that Brooker crafted different story treatment drafts for each idea. “Though some threads connected them, they possessed unique plots. The only themes that consistently appeared were the clones and the characters encountering versions of themselves.”
The conclusion of “U.S.S. Callister: Into Infinity” does suggest the opportunity for further adventures in the “Space Fleet” universe, yet Milioti mentioned that no plans for another sequel have been initiated at this time. Nevertheless, she is open to exploring how her character’s journey could evolve. “The central theme in both episodes is the corruption that comes with power,” she remarked. “It raises questions about someone with a strong moral compass who is suddenly given control over others.”
In this episode, Milioti’s character, Nanette, takes on a leadership role as she navigates her relationship with the digital crew and their new reality, after they are integrated into her consciousness using the technology first presented in the episode “Black Museum.” With this newfound control over her crew—including determining their access to entertainment—Milioti mused on the potential for her character to transform into an antagonist in future narratives.
For the present, Nanette emerges as a hero. After encroaching upon gamers from whom they’ve had to steal resources, she ventures into the “Heart of Infinity,” a location linked to the clone of her original captor, Robert Daley, played once again by Jesse Plemons. In this bizarre hideaway, her mission is to negotiate a means of escape for herself and the other clones.
This version of Daley is initially depicted as a victim of circumstance, confined in a virtual manifestation of his childhood garage, where he has been compelled to create artificial game worlds for his partner, James Walton. As the story unfolds, however, his latent tendencies to dominate and inflict suffering resurface, mirroring his previous actions in the game world.
When reflecting on which version of Daley is more dangerous, Milioti indicated that the current iteration poses greater threats: “In this version, he wields god-like powers. While the first one allowed him some level of control, there was always a chance for redemption in the real world. This one is far more menacing, as he has been isolated for so long without any possibility of companionship.”
Filming the climactic confrontation with Daley was a particularly enriching experience for Milioti. She recalled spending days in a constricted garage setting with Plemons: “I found that scene to be incredibly enjoyable. Han’s battling with a volatile opponent while wrestling with her own anger added layers of complexity to the interaction. It was thrilling to explore those stakes while also navigating their dynamic, which has changed since the first episode.”
A pivotal moment arises when Daley confronts Nanette with a choice: either merge with her human form and erase her fellow crew members or rescue them and remain trapped in the game. After a moment of reflection, she makes a decision that leaves Milioti questioning its morality.
“The ending has a semblance of happiness. They’ve escaped immediate danger, but they’re still in an unsettling predicament. The circumstances have shifted significantly, which I believe can evoke discomfort. They may not be in physical danger, but the notion of living confined to a single space—observing mundane activities like bathroom breaks—raises the question of whether they truly have any autonomy.”
Exploring the implications of Nanette’s complete control over the lives of her digital friends, Milioti expressed concern about the slippery nature of power: “This control could potentially drive her insane. Does she fully understand the ramifications? It’s definitely creepy and twisted.”
Source
www.tvinsider.com