It’s hard to believe that eight years have passed since the crew of the USS Callister rebelled against their oppressive captain, breaking free from his tightly controlled pocket universe to explore the vast galaxy. Fans of Black Mirror can look forward to “USS Callister: Into Infinity,” a sequel episode set to premiere on April 10, which will delve into the crew’s next adventure.
Before diving into this new chapter, it’s worth revisiting the original episode. This iconic installment, which cleverly nods to Star Trek while addressing themes of workplace culture, toxic masculinity, and divided consciousness long before Severance, remains one of Black Mirror‘s finest. Its exceptional storytelling, remarkable performances, and stunning visual effects contribute to its lasting impact.
True to the show’s signature style, “USS Callister” presents a groundbreaking technological innovation that initially appears amazing, only to reveal its sinister implications.
Running 76 minutes long, “USS Callister” is one of the longer episodes in the series (with “Into Infinity” slightly surpassing it in duration), yet it perfectly fits the narrative’s requirements. The episode kicks off with a full tribute to Star Trek, featuring Robert Daly (Jesse Plemons) as the heroic, Captain Kirk-like leader of a spaceship facing an alien adversary. The retro costumes and overly enthusiastic crew bring this homage to life, evoking nostalgia while hinting at deeper issues.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear why the aesthetic feels so retro; it is part of an immersive game called Infinity, modified by Daly himself to mirror his cherished vintage TV show, Space Fleet. While the initial concept seems appealing, a darker reality lurks beneath the surface. The crew’s subservience stems from Daly’s personal vendetta; he has reshaped these characters based on his unsatisfying real-life interactions with co-workers who have wronged him.
While there is potential for a cathartic narrative regarding Daly’s Infinity customization enabling him to cope with his frustrations, sympathy does not lie with him. His unsettling obsession with his workplace associates goes beyond avatar recreation; he has unlawfully extracted their DNA to create digital replicas existing solely in his custom version of Infinity.
The plot thickens when new hire Nanette Cole (Cristin Milioti)—initially impressed by Daly’s coding prowess—awakens aboard the USS Callister in a revealing Space Fleet uniform, confused and disoriented. Unlike characters in Severance, this version of Nanette retains all her memories, right up until her current awakening.
“Am I dreaming?” she wonders, confronted by familiar faces in Space Fleet attire. Her immediate concern is how to escape this nightmare.
While the rest remain resigned to their suffering under Daly, this newfound Nanette embodies determination: she resolves to flee this hell where she feels like her true self—yet exists as a bound digital clone. She rallies her fellow crewmates, grappling with the unsettling notion that their escape may require their digital demise. Instead of an elevator, their only route to freedom involves navigating the USS Callister through a wormhole forged by an imminent Infinity software upgrade.
Nanette’s clever strategy, which involves blackmailing her real-world counterpart and the unsuspecting pizza delivery guy, eventually leads to her triumph, setting the stage for the upcoming sequel. The most fascinating aspect of “USS Callister” is its ability—particularly as it reaches its thrilling conclusion—to transform from a seemingly artificial Star Trek homage into a genuinely thrilling space adventure.
Nanette, whether digital clone or otherwise, proves to be a formidable Space Fleet captain. As we await “Into Infinity,” reflections on the episode’s conclusion generate even greater excitement.
You can currently stream “USS Callister” along with all seasons of Black Mirror from 1 to 6 on Netflix. Don’t miss out on Black Mirror season seven, featuring “USS Callister: Into Infinity,” premiering April 10.
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Frequently Asked Questions About “USS Callister” and “Black Mirror”
What is “USS Callister” about?
“USS Callister” is a Black Mirror episode that follows a man who creates a virtual game allowing him to control digital versions of his workplace adversaries, ultimately leading to a rebellion against his oppressive regime.
When does “Black Mirror: Into Infinity” premiere?
The sequel episode, “USS Callister: Into Infinity,” is set to premiere on April 10, bringing viewers back into the thrilling universe of Black Mirror.
Where can I watch “Black Mirror”?
You can stream Black Mirror and its seasons 1-6 on Netflix, with season seven arriving on April 10.
What are the key themes in “USS Callister”?
The episode delves deeply into themes of workplace toxicity, the ethical implications of technology, and the struggle for empowerment against oppressive forces.