Opinion: Revisiting Black Mirror’s Controversial Twist in “Joan Is Awful”

Black Mirror Star Annie Murphy Reflects on “Terrible Mistake” Twist in Season 6

Black Mirror actress Annie Murphy has opened up about her reaction to a shocking twist in the first episode of the show’s sixth season, titled “Joan Is Awful.” The Schitt’s Creek star plays the character of Joan, whose life is turned upside down when all her actions are played out in a TV adaptation on streaming platform Streamberry. However, the twist reveals that not only is Joan played by Salma Hayek, but also by Annie herself.

Reflection on the Twist

In an interview with Metro.co.uk, Murphy admitted that she initially thought the twist was a “terrible mistake.” She found it surreal to hear her own name being involved in the show and questioned whether it was the right decision. However, she described reading the script and experiencing the moment as something wild and crazy. Despite her initial doubts, Murphy acknowledged the uniqueness of the twist.

A Change of Pace

Murphy also discussed the ending of the episode, noting that it was a slightly darker but more optimistic conclusion compared to other Black Mirror episodes. She expressed appreciation for show creator Charlie Brooker’s decision to offer a slightly more hopeful ending, given the dark and disturbing scenarios typically portrayed in the series. According to Murphy, this optimistic tone was a breath of fresh air, particularly in the context of the challenges and hardships the world has faced during the pandemic.

Inspiration from Real Events

The episode “Joan Is Awful” was inspired by the story of Elizabeth Holmes, the disgraced founder of startup Theranos. Brooker revealed that he had the idea of an average woman finding herself on the front page of a newspaper, not for a scandal or heroism, but for a minor and trivial reason. Additionally, he had the concept of deepfake artificial intelligence-generated imagery being streamed by a news network. Ultimately, these ideas merged and became the basis for the episode.

Black Mirror, known for its thought-provoking examination of the dark side of technology and society, continues to captivate viewers with its innovative storytelling and unexpected twists.

Keywords: technology, Black Mirror, controversial twist, Joan Is Awful, opinion, TV series