Episode 3 of Black Mirror Season 6 thrusts us back into the swirling '60s, a masterful blend of taut suspense, stellar acting, and a profound, thought-provoking narrative. David Ross lives a picture-perfect life with his children and partner Jessica. Everyone knows who David is, yet they are equally amazed by his presence, marveling at how "real" he seems.
That evening, after a passionate encounter with his partner, David receives a notification on his wristwatch, signaling his imminent departure. Meanwhile, Cliff, a man with a more serene life, shares a home with his partner Lana and their son, Henry. He recently sought solitude in the countryside, yet his son remains distant and reserved towards him.
Unexpectedly, both David and Cliff receive a simultaneous notification on their watches, leading them to individual chairs that transport them to a spaceship. They have been summoned due to a dire warning, which prompts Cliff to embark on a space mission to make repairs. The mission is a success, and the pair is once again reunited with their lives on Earth.
Upon returning, Cliff finds Lana nestled in bed, reading peacefully. She proposes a gathering for the locals, hoping it will give Henry a chance to mingle with new faces. However, Cliff is hesitant, reflecting their contrasting values and perspectives.
Elsewhere, David awakens to a horde of cultists swarming his home. Their resemblance to Charlie Manson's followers is unmistakable, each with their own moniker and a fervent belief that they are carrying out God's will. They demand to see the "machine," and when they finally force David down, they slice through his arm to reveal its true nature—a maze of intricate wires. With a frosty gaze, one cultist declares, "You are nothing natural, friend," and proceeds to shatter his hand into pieces.
Deep in the night, David and his cherished family were held captive, their fate cruelly unfolded before his eyes as they were brutally slain. The blaze that followed consumed not just the structure, but David's entire world, leaving him shattered.
At Cliff's abode, the stillness was shattered by a call conveying the tragic news of David's loss. Grieving, Cliff hastened back to the spacecraft, where he found his friend sunk in despair, hidden amidst the hydroponics. David, too distraught to speak, left Cliff in an awkward position, with the knowledge that his earthly replica had been destroyed, forcing him into a solitary existence.
Cliff faced a choice: remain loyal to his companion or alternate between the spaceship and the world he once knew. Four years remained on the mission, yet even if Ground Control could replicate David, what would he return to?
As David watched his family's funeral in space, his thoughts were his only companions. Meanwhile, Cliff balanced his time between the ship and Earth. While fishing with his son, an urgent report broke the tranquility — David was in an airlock, in a trance, seemingly intent on jeopardizing the mission and perhaps taking his own life.
Lana urged Cliff to allow David to use his link, but to keep it from Henry. Thus, David awoke in Cliff's body, stepping into a whole new world. He marveled at the sights, sounds, and even the touch of nature, but it was all too much, and he wept, Lana's comfort his only solace.
Back on the ship, David shook Cliff's hand, grateful for the fleeting respite. But it was evident that he was not yet ready to let go. Alone again, he began sketching, his talent shocking Cliff. David proposed using Cliff's replica to create an oil painting as a token of gratitude. Time-consuming as it may be, Cliff discussed it with Lana, who eventually concurred.
Each week, they dedicate an hour to their artistic pursuits, the canvas and paints arranged neatly in the barn, while Cliff fulfills his duties in the vastness of space. However, a subtle rift begins to emerge, Lana gravitating towards David and gradually distancing herself from Cliff.
One day, David convinces Lana to embark on a trip to the hardware store for painting oil. Their journey continues to the bookstore, where the cashier unknowingly engages Lana in conversation about replicas and Cliff's partner, David. Unaware of Lana's true identity, he even recommends a science fiction novel to her.
As they switch places again, Cliff, grounded on Earth, completes the painting, delicately rendering Lana's likeness on the canvas. When they dance together, mirroring the steps David had once shared with his wife, Jessica, Lana feels a chill and hastily excuses herself to fetch water. Lana is displeased and adamant about not betraying her husband, reminding David that he is merely a guest and not her rightful spouse.
Upon returning to Earth, Cliff learns of the developments and decides that it's best for David to finish his oil painting as a means of closure, while concocting a strategy to prevent his return. With the treadmill malfunctioning and David on Earth, Cliff rummages through David's bunk, uncovering startling nude sketches of Lana.
David, returning to the spaceship, confesses that he has nothing left to lose, not even his shame in admitting the drawings. He bitterly laments, "You possess everything, yet you care so little," leaving Cliff deeply troubled. Indeed, Cliff begins to cast doubts on his wife, particularly when he realizes how lonely she must have been all this time.
Unfortunately, this also strains the relationship between David and Cliff, the latter accusing him of deceit and betrayal. The situation reaches its climax when David brings Cliff back to the ship, revealing an ominous issue beyond its confines. However, David abandons him, stranding him on the ship while he visits Lana and Henry once again.
After Cliff returned, he felt an uneasy feeling in his heart. He "excused to go to the bathroom", but soon realized something was wrong. He hurried back to Earth, only to find a horrific murder scene. Blood stained the wall, leading to where Lana and Henry were. Dead, a victim of David's cruelty.
Cliff, devastated and grief-stricken, returns to the spaceship. David, with a cold facade, offers him a seat, unaware of the turmoil raging within Cliff's heart.
