Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Black Mirror season 7, episode 1!

This article makes mention of suicide and self-harm.

Black Mirror season 7, episode 1 focuses on part of Amanda's brain being replaced by material that causes her to be unable to live a normal life without an expensive subscription service, Rivermind. The ensuing struggle slowly drains the couple, until Amanda decides she no longer wishes to live. The episode ends with Mike smothering her while she's delivering an ment for the company, while his fate is left ambiguous.

During a roundtable interview for which ScreenRant was in attendance, Jones explained the meaning behind Amanda's decision to die and Mike's possible death at the end of Black Mirror season 7, episode 1. She said that her character made her decision while under Rivermind's influence, but believes she was in her best mindset possible when she decided she wanted to die. As for Mike, she believes he took his own life, not wanting to live after having to kill his wife. Check out what Jones had to say about the dark ending below:

It's interesting because she does make this decision, but she makes it under the influence of Rivermind Luxe. So, I bet it'll be debated whether or not she actually had the agency to make that decision, and how much of it was her.

But I kind of chose that it was the best version of herself because I push up my serenity button at the end, and I think it's still me. It's me in a clearer mindset where I wasn't distraught with pain and fatigue, and I could actually see the forest for the trees. Literally, I'm looking out, and I can kind of see myself as part of nature and be okay with the idea that I've taken it as far as I can. It's time to let go of this version of our relationship, which is extremely sad. But I think, for me performing that, I had to accept that it wasn't sad. It was actually a relief and actually the right thing to do.

As far as Mike is concerned, my interpretation is that he is doing the same thing. It was probably the hardest thing he's ever done, to have to do that at my request, but then to live without me after going through what he's been through, the humiliation and the frustration and just the overwhelming [feeling] of being left with no choice? I think he does the same. He says, "I'm doing a specialty thing later," which is pretty dark.

What Jones' Statement Says About Black Mirror Season 7, Episode 1's Ending

A Tragic Commentary That Ends With Inevitable Death

According to reviews of Black Mirror season 7, "Common People" is one of the stronger episodes in season 7, providing a tragic look into the lives of people whose lives are destroyed by their attempt to bring back normalcy. Not only does Amanda's life-saving treatment result in a subscription service necessary to keep her from reading off ments, but it pushes Mike to his limits as well. He ends up self-harming on a website called DumDummies for extra money, later getting fired from his job after he's discovered by a co-worker.

Because of the spiral their need to pay Rivermind's subscription service causes, the pair end up deciding death is the only way out of their current situation. It's a potent commentary that seems reflective of the medical industry, with the cast of Black Mirror season 7 who appear in the episode offering a technology-centered lens around which to view the issue. The bleakness of the episode is bolstered by the inevitability of its conclusion, as there was nothing Amanda could do to reverse what the company had done to her.

Our Take On Amanda & Mike's Bleak Fate In Black Mirror Season 7

Episode 1 Doesn't Hold Back Its Punches

The potent message of Black Mirror season 7, episode 1 is commentary that doesn't hide behind a veneer of hope, making for a bleak yet important story. Amanda and Mike's fate was brought about because of the company that allegedly saved her life, something that showcases a dour tale that is, unfortunately, reflective of some real-world struggles people can and do go through. It's a tough watch, but, based on Jones' statement, ultimately ends on an important note, despite being so difficult to see transpire.

All episodes of Black Mirror season 7 are now streaming on Netflix.