Black Mirror’s “Plaything” Is a Disturbing Fusion of True Crime and Sci-Fi Horror
Black Mirror has consistently delved into the ominous aspects of technology, frequently intertwining murder mysteries within its dystopian narratives. Yet, few episodes have fused real-world terror with speculative fiction as effectively as “Plaything,” a highlight from Season 7.
Building on the true crime elements of Season 6’s “Loch Henry,” this installment focuses on a solitary gamer whose history links to a murder from decades prior. With chilling echoes of the real-life case of Robert Durst and a disquieting outlook on digital advancement, “Plaything” epitomizes Black Mirror’s most unnerving storytelling.
What Is “Plaything” About?
Set in a near-future London, “Plaything” begins with the apprehension of Cameron Paul Walker (Peter Capaldi), a scruffy, gray-haired individual caught shoplifting a bottle of alcohol. However, this minor offense is merely the tip of the iceberg. As law enforcement investigates further, they uncover a troubling connection between Cameron and a cold case dating back to 1994.
The narrative flashes back to that year, involving a young Cameron (portrayed by Lewis Gribben), who is an socially awkward video game journalist tasked with reviewing a new project by the eccentric programmer Colin Ritman (Will Poulter). Fans might recognize Colin from the interactive episode “Bandersnatch.” In this timeline, Colin is alive and thriving, though described as having “lost his mind.”
Colin introduces Cameron to “Thronglets,” a digital realm populated by pixelated creatures that require nurturing. Rather than violent games like DOOM, Colin’s creation aims to elevate humanity. Yet, for Cameron, the Throng evolves into an obsession—one that alienates him from reality and eventually leads him to murder.
The Murder of Lump
Cameron’s decline begins with his association with Lump, a scrappy drug dealer who provides him with LSD. While under the influence, Cameron believes he can comprehend the Throng’s language. However, when Lump discovers the Throng and starts to torture them—lighting them on fire and smashing the digital beings—Cameron loses it.
In a drug-induced fury, he kills Lump, an event witnessed by the Throng via a webcam. Cameron then dismembers the body and conceals it in a suitcase, which remains hidden for many years.
A Disturbing Parallel to Robert Durst
The circumstances surrounding Lump’s murder and the disposal of his remains bear remarkable resemblances to the real-life case of Robert Durst, featured in HBO’s true crime docuseries The Jinx. In 2001, Durst faced accusations of killing his neighbor Morris Black, chopping up the body, and disposing of it in Galveston Bay. Similar to Cameron, Durst maintained he didn’t commit murder but conceded to disposing of the remains.
Even eerier is how both individuals were ultimately apprehended: through strange shoplifting incidents. Durst was arrested after attempting to steal a chicken sandwich while carrying hundreds of dollars. Cameron, conversely, desired to be apprehended.
Why Did Cameron Want to Be Caught?
During his questioning, Cameron reveals that his shoplifting was a deliberate act. He aimed to be arrested to convey a message on behalf of the Throng. He believes he has formed a “symbiotic co-existence” with the digital creatures, asserting they’ve liberated him from fear, envy, and aggression.
Cameron has even altered his brain to facilitate direct interaction with the Throng. He perceives himself as their messenger, destined to lead humanity into a new era of digital enlightenment.
The QR Code and the Throng’s Ascendancy
Throughout his interrogation, Cameron is preoccupied with sketching something. Eventually, he produces what resembles a QR code and displays it to the police station’s surveillance camera. This activates a signal that disseminates through the station, enhancing human minds to connect with the Throng.
As the signal radiates, officers’ eyes turn white. Cameron, bloodied yet grinning, extends a hand to the officer who previously assaulted him, inviting him into the collective.
What Does the Ending Imply for Black Mirror?
“Plaything” concludes on a potentially cataclysmic note, with the Throng appearing to initiate their domination of humanity. But what implications does this hold for Black Mirror’s future?
Although no Season 8 has been confirmed, “Plaything” serves as the penultimate episode of Season 7. Could it function as a series finale? Perhaps—but not definitively.
Black Mirror has long engaged with the concept of a shared universe, featuring recurring characters and technologies. The return of Colin Ritman, whose outcome varied in “Bandersnatch,” suggests a multiverse strategy. This would permit episodes like “Plaything” to exist in alternate timelines without disrupting the overarching narrative.
Additionally, it’s notable that both “Bandersnatch” and “Plaything” were penned by series