How a Black Mirror episode title plays a hilarious joke on a J.J. Abrams Star Trek film 

Black Mirror (image via Netflix)
Black Mirror (image via Netflix)

Picture yourself watching a television program that subtly mocks another movie. This is how the Black Mirror episode "USS Callister" relates to J.J. Star Trek Into Darkness. The name of the episode and its follow-up, "USS Callister Into Infinity," are funny allusions to Abrams' motion picture titles.

This sort of playfulness demonstrates how Black Mirror uses humor and satire to reflect on mainstream culture, particularly in science fiction. The concept of using a title to mock another film is original and humorous. This suggests that Black Mirror is not just about grim narratives but also about playing with common topics.

The USS Callister episode is a black comedy examining power, control, and how fantasy and reality do not always mesh. Characters are imprisoned in a world based on older science fiction series like Star Trek in a virtual reality game series. Black Mirror and Star Trek are fascinating in that both delve into sophisticated ideas in sci-fi.

While Star Trek examines the future of mankind, Black Mirror frequently uses satire to discuss technology and society. The truth is that Toby Haynes, director of "USS Callister," works on both shows and emphasizes his flexibility with many sorts of science fiction narratives.


The context of USS Callister

A Black Mirror episode released in 2017 is called "USS Callister." Known for his projects on other well-known series, including Andor and Doctor Who, Toby Haynes' direction was used here. Robert Daly, a game creator who created a virtual reality game called "Infinity," is the subject of the episode.

This game is based on an older television series called Space Fleet, which is reminiscent of Star Trek. Daly's colleagues are sentient clones trapped in the game and compelled to perform parts in his imaginary world. Set in a funny and satirical fashion, the episode examines ideas of power, control, and the merging of reality and imagination.

Jesse Plemons as Robert Daly and Cristin Milioti as Nanette Cole are among the episode's notable actors. The episode's people are sophisticated and well-developed, hence the complexity. The use of humor and satire in "USS Callister" distinguishes it from many other Black Mirror episodes, which usually center around more somber topics.


The Star Trek link to Black Mirror

The link between "USS Callister" and Star Trek is more than just the title. The episode itself remarks on science fiction fandom and the power dynamics therein. "USS Callister" examines what occurs when someone seizes control of a make-believe world and its characters; Star Trek has a vast following.

Both Black Mirror and Star Trek address challenging societal and technical problems, so this subject applies to both shows. Significant is Toby Haynes' participation in both Black Mirror and an upcoming Star Trek movie.

His encounter with the USS Callister reflects his knowledge of how to interact with science fiction subjects in a funny and inventive manner. For the Star Trek movie from Kelvinverse, a series of films including those helmed by J. J. Abrams, this might be helpful.


The Importance of "Into Infinity"

The title "USS Callister Into Infinity" is not just a joke about Star Trek Into Darkness; it also references Buzz Lightyear's famous catchphrase, "To Infinity and Beyond!" from the Toy Story movies. This mix of pop culture references illustrates how Black Mirror can transform a well-worn subject into something fresh and engaging.

Following the USS Callister crew as they negotiate the wider Infinity world, the sequel to "USS Callister" further investigates survival and identity within digital environments.

This originality in title selection and narrative method highlights the influence of Black Mirror on modern science fiction and its creative style. Black Mirror can offer both funny and insightful insights on popular culture via humor and satire.


In essence, "USS Callister" references Star Trek movie titles and follows playfully, thereby revealing Black Mirror's inventive approach to science fiction narrative.

Edited by Sohini Biswas