What Happened to Mike in Black Mirror: Common People?

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Attention: The content of this article reveals all details about the first episode of Black Mirror Season 7 titled “Common People”. Additionally, it discusses topics related to suicide that might be upsetting for certain readers.

The much-loved dystopian series has made its grand return, and the first episode of Black Mirror’s seventh season, titled “Common People,” brilliantly demonstrates the show’s ability to delve into the darkest, most twisted realms while addressing various contemporary issues head-on.

The story revolves around Amanda, a school teacher (portrayed by Rashida Jones), who experiences an unforeseen medical crisis, causing her life to hang in the balance.

This continues until the doctor shares information about Rivermind, an advanced technology, with her husband Mike (Chris O’Dowd), which has the potential to sustain her life.

In a seemingly divine intervention, saleswoman Gaynor (Tracee Ellis Ross) offers Mike and Amanda an opportunity they’ve longed for, yet it comes with a price tag attached.

As the married pair harbors hopes of eventually expanding their family, the expenses associated with Rivermind are escalating at an alarming rate, leading to significant discrepancies in the offerings and benefits provided.

In a challenging situation, Mike must make extremely difficult choices for his wife’s well-being, leading to one of the most emotionally resonant conclusions in the series.

However, let me clarify the conclusion of “Common People”. If you’d like a comprehensive explanation of how the seventh season episode ends, please continue reading. But be aware that the information provided contains complete spoilers.

Black Mirror: Common People ending explained – What happened to Amanda?

Although Rivermind appears to provide an ideal chance for Amanda to carry on living post her severe health crisis, it eventually becomes clear that this new setup operates much like a profit-driven tiered enterprise.

For Amanda and her husband Mike, Rivermind serves as an invaluable resource, but it quickly emerges that this sleek, client-friendly, and seemingly fashionable tech firm is ultimately capitalizing on other people’s hardships.

Struggling with financial difficulties, Amanda and Mike decide to tighten their belts and reduce spending. To cover the cost of Amanda’s Rivermind subscription, Mike takes on additional jobs.

Upon their visit to Gaynor regarding a potential issue, she discloses that they are launching a new subscription level called Rivermind Plus. This tier offers extended coverage, allowing them to journey beyond their county. However, at $800 per month, it might be unaffordable for some; in which case, Amanda will continue on the now renamed Rivermind Basic tier.

It eventually becomes clear that on the Common level, advertisements are being shown via Amanda. Strange public service announcements seem to play at the least convenient moments, potentially putting her job at risk. For instance, an ad for Christian family counseling leads to trouble for her when she shares it with one of her students.

Even though Amanda doesn’t remember the ads when they appear, Mike quickly notices them. Later, when he talks to Gaynor at Rivermind offices, she reveals it’s part of a new trial they’re conducting. The only method to avoid advertisements is by upgrading to Rivermind Plus.

If Amanda can’t manage to halt the advertisements, it may lead to her losing her job, thereby exacerbating their current financial troubles that are already being stretched thin due to the ongoing Common subscription costs.

As a cinephile, I’ve found myself delving into the questionable depths of DumDummies.com – a site I was initially introduced to by my colleague Shane. Initially, my first financial contribution elevated Amanda to Rivermind Plus, yet it wasn’t long before it became apparent that Amanda was spending more time in dreamland than awake.

At her office, Gaynor tells them that Plus has been changed to Standard, implying that since Amanda isn’t a premium user, she’s in an extended sleep mode.

However, everything seems to be in order, as Gaynor clarifies, since they have a fresh level dubbed Rivermind Lux. Despite Amanda’s reluctance towards another upgrade, Mike performs certain actions (unmasked) on DumDummies and manages to afford Amanda’s Lux subscription for the day.

Upon returning to work, unfortunately, my colleagues discovered my secret online persona. Feeling cornered, I approached Shane to discuss this revelation. In a tense moment, I found myself closing in on him, only for him to stumble backwards – right into the path of an approaching truck. Tragically, it resulted in him sustaining grievous injuries to his legs.

In an effort to spare Amanda the truth, Mike suggests they both appeal directly to Rivermind about the situation since they are long-standing clients of theirs.

In a predictable turn of events, Gaynor informs them that she is unable to assist due to constraints, while Mike clarifies that they cannot utilize the funds they’ve accumulated for their child.

In the course of discussing their aspirations for having a child, Gaynor unexpectedly disclosed a sobering truth: they hadn’t previously known that pregnancy would cost an additional $90 per month, which Amanda and Mike had been unaware of.

What happened to Mike in Common People?

One year on, we find Mike preparing a coffee laced with whiskey, while his home appears disorganized, strewn with dirty dishes and laundry piled high. A young couple visit to purchase a baby crib from him, revealing that due to their childless state, Mike and Amanda’s lives have taken an unfortunate downturn.

Roaring with uncontrollable laughter at the absurdity that the pair, who aren’t planning to have a baby, are instead using it as a prop for a music video, it’s clear that Mike has resorted to extracting one of his own teeth for monetary gain, likely from selling DumDummies.

As a movie buff, I nudge my beloved Amanda, reminding myself it’s our special day. In honor of our anniversary, I splurge on a 30-minute Lux subscription to create a magical moment for us. Though she’s familiar with DumDummies, I share that this time, I didn’t part with one of my teeth but rather secured the funds from a discreet buyer instead.

Mike amplifies Amanda’s tranquility to its peak as they relax outside, and with a content smile, Amanda suggests that “now might be the moment”. Initially resisting her idea, Mike eventually concedes, provided Amanda is absolutely positive about it. “Do it when I’m not around,” she requests, her voice choked with tears.

Mike gently puts Amanda to bed while her transition period approaches its last moments. When the moment arrives, instead of resting, she resumes reciting an ad for antidepressant lozenges. Mike begs for more time, but with no other option, he covers her with a pillow.

After it becomes evident that Amanda has passed away, Mike collapses onto the floor, overwhelmed by grief for his actions, and begins to vomit.

Next, he re-enters his office, finding the Dummy’s Guide screen already on and ready. Mike enters, carrying a pocket knife, and quietly shuts the door.

In my perspective, it appears that Mike might resort to drastic measures due to his circumstances. He could potentially consider self-harm as a means of acquiring additional funds, or he may feel so overwhelmed by the absence of his wife that he contemplates taking his own life as a way out.

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2025-04-10 12:12