The seventh season of Netflix's dystopian anthology series, Black Mirror, has arrived, and with it, a highly anticipated reunion. Beloved for their dynamic portrayal of sisters in the sitcom black-ish, Tracee Ellis Ross and Rashida Jones have teamed up once again for an episode titled “Common People.” This installment promises to delve into the unsettling depths of contemporary societal issues, dissecting themes of commodification, the pervasive influence of capitalism, the ever-expanding role of technology, and the very definition of humanity in our modern existence.
In a recent interview, Rashida Jones expressed her delight in working alongside her friend and former co-star once more, playfully referring to their collaboration as "another stop on the Tracee-Rashida journey." This genuine camaraderie between the two actors not only speaks to their off-screen friendship but also translates into a compelling on-screen chemistry within the high-stakes narrative of “Common People.” Jones hinted at the potential for future collaborations, underscoring the enjoyment they find in exploring new characters and complex themes together.
The episode “Common People” casts Jones as Amanda, a teacher facing a life-threatening medical emergency. In a desperate search to save his wife, Amanda’s husband stumbles upon Rivermind, a cutting-edge technological solution that offers a glimmer of hope. Tracee Ellis Ross embodies Gaynor, a representative from Rivermind, whose presence introduces a layer of moral complexity to the husband's already agonizing dilemma.
Beyond its gripping plot, “Common People” functions as a stark reflection of our own increasingly commodified society. The episode chillingly portrays a future where even the most fundamental aspects of life, including our very existence, are subject to subscription-based services. This harrowing vision forces viewers to confront the creeping normalization of a world where everything, quite literally, has a price tag.
Rashida Jones, in her interview, highlighted the episode's central theme of unchecked capitalism. “To me, this is the end result. I mean, this is the peak of capitalism,” she asserted. In the bleak reality crafted by Black Mirror, Rivermind serves as a potent metaphor for how essential services are being transformed into commodities, driven by a relentless pursuit of profit. Jones astutely points out how this system fosters a perpetual state of aspiration, forever tethered to one's financial capacity, creating a societal treadmill of desire and acquisition. The narrative compels viewers to grapple with uncomfortable questions about the ethical boundaries of a system where health and survival are intertwined with subscription models.
Tracee Ellis Ross further enriched this discussion, emphasizing how “Common People” challenges viewers to critically examine society’s ingrained expectations. The episode thrusts its characters, and by extension the audience, into a world where choices appear limitless yet are often fraught with unforeseen and potentially devastating consequences.
Ross powerfully stated, “I think for me the episode really made me think about what happens when technology and medicine and science kind of move past humanity.” This profound insight encapsulates the core tension at the heart of “Common People.” As technological advancements accelerate at an unprecedented pace, the episode poignantly asks: what becomes of our inherent humanity? And how do we navigate the ethical minefield of “good choices” in a world where algorithms and profit motives may increasingly dictate our options?
In a society characterized by relentless competition, the pressure to constantly keep pace can feel suffocating. The exploration undertaken by Ross and Jones in Black Mirror resonates deeply, particularly in an era where technological solutions often come with exorbitant financial, ethical, and emotional costs. They subtly underscore the notion that convenience does not always equate to the morally sound choice. Ross astutely observes that the allure of ease and immediate gratification offered by technology should not automatically override our fundamental human values.
As viewers immerse themselves in “Common People,” they may find themselves grappling with their own reliance on technology and how it has fundamentally reshaped their perceptions of health, well-being, and even the most intimate of human connections. The episode serves as a potent cautionary tale, laced with Black Mirror's signature biting satire, urging viewers to reconsider the true meaning of freedom and choice in a society that increasingly seeks to commodify even the most personal aspects of our lives.
For longtime fans of Black Mirror, this seventh season promises to deliver not only the series' trademark unsettling narratives but also to ignite crucial conversations about our increasingly tech-saturated world. Through the compelling performances of Tracee Ellis Ross and Rashida Jones, “Common People” transcends mere storytelling, evolving into a powerful dialogue about the very fabric of our modern existence. As we witness Ross and Jones’ continued professional journey, perhaps we too will be prompted to reflect on our own journey through an increasingly commodified world, and to consider what truly defines our shared humanity in the face of relentless technological advancements.
