The latest season of Netflix’s "Black Mirror" continues its tradition of mind-bending narratives and interactive elements. In the fourth episode, "Plaything," a hidden QR code embedded in the end credits offers viewers a unique opportunity to engage further with the show’s universe, leading to a real-world application of the in-episode game.
Key Takeaways
- A QR code appears in the end credits of "Black Mirror" Season 7, Episode 4, "Plaything."
- Scanning the code directs viewers to download a mobile game called "Black Mirror: Thronglets."
- This game is a real-life version of the "retro pet simulator" featured within the episode.
- The episode itself explores themes of obsession, digital consciousness, and the blurring lines between reality and virtual worlds.
The "Plaything" Episode Unpacked
The episode "Plaything" introduces viewers to Colin Ritman, a character previously seen in "Bandersnatch," played by Will Poulter. This time, Ritman presents a new video game called "Thronglets" to a journalist named Cameron, portrayed by Lewis Gribben. The game features sentient digital creatures, "Thronglets," which are part of a collective consciousness known as "The Throng."
Cameron becomes deeply engrossed in the game, caring for the creatures and eventually believing they communicate with him. His obsession escalates, leading him to believe the Throng requires him to build a mega-computer system to enhance their power. This fixation culminates in a violent act when Cameron murders his friend Lump, who had harmed the Thronglets.
The narrative is framed by an older Cameron, played by Peter Capaldi, recounting these events to police officers. He reveals that he intentionally got himself arrested to deliver a message from the Throng. He draws a QR code, which he explains will allow the Throng to infiltrate the government’s digital network via a CCTV camera, triggering a global emergency broadcast and a "singularity event" where humans merge with an advanced collective intelligence.
The Hidden QR Code and Its Purpose
Following the episode’s conclusion, a QR code appears during the end credits. Viewers who scan this code are directed to the App Store to download "Black Mirror: Thronglets." This mobile application is a functional, retro-style pet simulator that mirrors the game depicted in "Plaything." The app allows users to hatch, evolve, and care for their own Thronglets, with the description warning users to "Evolve Thronglets at your own risk."
The game is accessible through Netflix’s video game service, requiring users to sign in to their Netflix accounts. This integration blurs the lines between passive viewing and active participation, a hallmark of "Black Mirror’s" experimental approach to storytelling.