Season 5 of Black Mirror has drawn criticism as one of the series’ least compelling installments, yet Anthony Mackie’s performance in the episode Striking Vipers has been widely praised as its highlight. The episode explores complex themes through a captivating narrative where Mackie’s character courageously navigates the blurred lines between virtual reality and real emotions. With Mackie also set to star in Peacock’s upcoming Twisted Metal season two in July, his continued presence in high-stakes roles solidifies his reputation for tackling challenging, genre-driven material.
A Closer Look at Anthony Mackie’s Acting Journey
Anthony Mackie began his acting career with a minor role in the film 8 Mile (2002), before delivering notable performances in Spike Lee’s She Hate Me (2004) and Half Nelson (2006), where he shared the screen with Ryan Gosling. His profile rose significantly with Kathryn Bigelow’s critically acclaimed The Hurt Locker (2008). Mackie gained widespread fame playing Sam Wilson, also known as Falcon, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, starting from Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) and eventually assuming the mantle of Captain America. Beyond superhero fame, Mackie has appeared in dramatic films like Detroit (2017) and continues to broaden his repertoire with upcoming projects like Twisted Metal, where he stars as John Doe in a post-apocalyptic world adapted from the popular video game.
Exploring Virtual Reality and Identity in Striking Vipers
The episode Striking Vipers focuses on lifelong friends Danny (Anthony Mackie) and Karl (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), who reconnect through an immersive virtual reality fighting game reminiscent of the late 1980s classic Street Fighter. Their gameplay gradually transforms when they realize they can share physical sensations through their avatars, leading Danny to question his own desires and his relationship with his wife, Theo (Nicole Beharie). This narrative probes the impact technology has on intimacy and human connection, suggesting shifts in how relationships might evolve.
As NME commented on the season’s personal themes amid changing technological landscapes,
This is the most personal season of the show we’ve had yet, and in a time when the boundary between humanity and technology is narrower than ever, that’s not a bad thing at all.
—NME
Mixed Reviews Cloud Season 5’s Other Episodes
Despite Striking Vipers being viewed as Season 5’s strongest entry, the remaining episodes received more tepid responses. In Smithereens, taxi driver Chris (Andrew Scott) launches a desperate attack on a social media company to highlight its damaging influence. However, The Ringer expressed disappointment, saying,
It seems impossible for a show as creative as Black Mirror, with a lead actor as charismatic as Andrew Scott, to produce a boring episode of television. But that’s exactly the case with Smithereens…
—The Ringer
The episode Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too critiques the music industry through the story of a robotic doll modeled after pop star Ashley O (Miley Cyrus), whose own life is in jeopardy. While containing strong characters and a surprising plot, Mashable noted,
While ‘Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too’ does present fascinating central players and an unpredictable storyline, it barely scratches the surface of its own ideas.
—Mashable
Anthony Mackie to Lead in Twisted Metal’s New Season
Continuing his engagement with gaming-themed stories, Mackie headlines the second season of Peacock’s Twisted Metal, where he portrays John Doe, an amnesia-stricken milkman caught in a violent post-apocalyptic world. Alongside Stephanie Beatriz’s character Quiet, John participates in the deadly vehicular combat tournament run by the enigmatic Calypso (Anthony Carrigan). This series revives a cult gaming franchise, blending high-octane action with character-driven drama.
The new season premieres on July 31, 2025, with an episodic release schedule designed to maintain viewer interest through periodic drops until August 28. Whether this series matches the cultural resonance of Mackie’s Black Mirror appearance remains uncertain, but it underscores his commitment to complex, genre-crossing projects that test the boundaries of storytelling.
