Black Mirror Season 6 Demon 79 Ending Explained
by Aishwarya R
Updated Jun 19, 2023
Black Mirror
Black Mirror is a renowned British anthology television series created by Charlie Brooker. With its roots in The Twilight Zone, the show delves into various genres while predominantly portraying near-future dystopian worlds shaped by sci-fi technology. Serving as a form of speculative fiction, each episode offers social commentary on contemporary issues by examining the impact of technology on society.
Charlie Brooker is the primary writer for most episodes, collaborating closely with executive producer Annabel Jones. The series comprises a total of 27 episodes spanning six series and one special, in addition to the interactive film Black Mirror: Bandersnatch (2018). The initial two series aired on Channel 4 in 2011 and 2013, alongside the 2014 special episode "White Christmas." Subsequently, the show migrated to Netflix, where four more series premiered in 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2023.
Netflix also produced two webisode series related to the show, while the companion book Inside Black Mirror, offering insights into the first four series, was published in 2018. Several episode soundtracks have been released as albums. Black Mirror has garnered widespread critical acclaim and is often regarded as one of the finest television series of the 2010s.
Notably, the show secured the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie three times consecutively, recognizing the exceptional episodes "San Junipero," "USS Callister," and Bandersnatch. However, some critics argue that the series' moral messaging is too explicit or highlight a perceived decline in quality over time. Alongside American Horror Story and Inside No. 9, Black Mirror is credited with revitalizing the anthology television format, and numerous episodes have been hailed as remarkably prescient by reviewers.
Black Mirror Season 6 Demon 79 Ending Explained
In the conclusion of "Demon 79," the world falls apart, leaving viewers to interpret the true nature of the apocalypse. Needa, the protagonist, faces a choice as the destruction unfolds. Gaap, the demon who had been guiding her, reveals that for failing to assist Needa, he is being cast into eternal oblivion. Gaap offers Needa the opportunity to join him there, as human companions are allowed. Needa agrees, and they walk away hand in hand as the world crumbles around them, accompanied by the song "Bright Eyes" by Art Garfunkel.
The ending of the episode raises questions about the nature of the apocalypse and Needa's mental state. It is possible that the cataclysmic event was inevitable, independent of any demonic influence. The rising political tensions, depicted through far-right riots, Cold War talks, and the threat of nuclear attacks, may have been the catalyst for the destructive outcome. Gaap hints that the rain of fire is a manifestation of these tensions.
Alternatively, if Needa is perceived as mentally disturbed, the demonic interpretation of the rising political attacks could be a product of her fear and paranoia. As a result of racism and being an outcast in her small town, Needa's perception of the world may have been distorted. Thus, the demonic guidance and the impending apocalypse could be figments of her imagination.
Ultimately, "Demon 79" leaves the true cause of the apocalypse open to interpretation. It suggests that the world's collapse may have been an inevitable consequence of political strife or a reflection of Needa's troubled state of mind. Regardless, the episode explores themes of powerlessness, the consequences of societal tension, and the human tendency to seek meaning and guidance in chaotic times.
Black Mirror Season 6 Demon 79 Plot
Needa, a shy sales assistant living alone in Northern England during the late 1970s, faces escalating political tensions as the Conservatives and the National Front gain power. Racism affects her personal and professional life, leading her to discover a mysterious talisman in her workplace's basement.
Unveiling the Demon
The talisman turns out to be the dwelling place of Gaap, a friendly demon who appears as a dancing man from Boney M. Only Needa can see and hear Gaap, causing her interactions with him to appear mentally disturbing to others. Gaap informs Needa that they must work together to prevent the impending apocalypse by carrying out three human sacrifices before May Day.
Reluctant Beginnings
Needa reluctantly accepts the task, targeting individuals she deems deserving of punishment. Her first victim is a man who molests his own daughter, but his death attracts police attention. Undeterred, Needa proceeds to seduce and murder a man who previously killed his wife. In the process, she also unintentionally kills an innocent bystander, leaving her with mixed feelings.
Faltering Progress
Despite her efforts, Needa fails to complete the required three sacrifices in time. It becomes apparent that she is potentially imagining the impending apocalypse, casting doubt on the legitimacy of her mission. Needa manages to kill two individuals, but the rule against murdering murderers prevents her from claiming a third victim before May Day arrives.
Targeting the Political Figure
Needa sets her sights on Michael Smart, a Conservative candidate pushing the party toward alt-right and National Front tendencies. Gaap advises against targeting him, as his election victory would result in significant suffering—a prospect demons relish. Instead, Gaap suggests killing the pursuing policeman, who is destined to die from a heart attack the following year. Ignoring Gaap's counsel, Needa confronts Smart, attempting to bludgeon him to death but is interrupted by the policeman who believes she is mentally distressed.
Consequences and Revelation
Taken to the police station, Needa's claims about the talisman are dismissed as it is revealed to be a mere domino piece. With nobody believing her, Needa awaits the end of the world on May Day. Sirens blare, and fireballs and explosions engulf the town, visible to everyone except Needa. A cataclysmic explosion decimates everything, marking the conclusion of Black Mirror Season 6.
The Final Encounter
In the interrogation room, as the destruction commences, Gaap appears to Needa. He explains that his failure to assist her will result in his eternal banishment. Gaap offers Needa the chance to join him in the oblivion, as human companions are permitted. Accepting the offer, Needa and Gaap walk away hand in hand amidst the chaos, with "Bright Eyes" by Art Garfunkel playing.
Interpretation of the Apocalypse
The episode suggests that the apocalyptic events may not be solely attributed to demonic intervention. The rain of fire could represent warfare resulting from the escalating political tensions depicted throughout the season, including far-right riots, Cold War discussions, and the threat of Russian nuclear attacks. Gaap hints that the destruction is a manifestation of these tensions. Alternatively, if Needa is considered mentally unstable, her interpretation of the events as demonic could stem from her fear and paranoia, fueled by her status as an outcast due to her race.
Regardless of the true cause, the world collapses in "Demon 79," hinting that Needa's life may have already been a form of hellish apocalypse before the cataclysmic events unfolded. The episode explores themes of powerlessness, societal strife, and the search for guidance and meaning in chaotic times.
Where to Watch Black Mirror?
Black Mirror is streaming on Netflix. To watch Black Mirror on Netflix, Black Mirror is available exclusively on Netflix, so make sure you have an active subscription to the streaming platform. Open the Netflix app on your smartphone, tablet, or smart TV, or visit the Netflix website on your computer using a compatible web browser. Enter your Netflix email address and password to log in. If you don't have an account, you'll need to sign up and create one.
Use the search function within the Netflix app or website to look for "Black Mirror." You can type the title in the search bar and press enter to find the series. Once you find Black Mirror in the search results, click or tap on the series to access its main page. From there, you can choose the specific season or episode you want to watch. Click or tap on the episode you wish to watch, and it will begin streaming automatically. You can adjust the playback settings, such as subtitles or audio language, according to your preferences.
Sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the world of Black Mirror. Each episode is a self-contained story, so you can choose to watch them in any order or follow the recommended sequence
Black Mirror Season 6 Demon 79 Ending Explained - FAQs
Demon 79 follows the story of Needa, a shy sales assistant living in Northern England in the late 1970s. She discovers an unusual talisman that activates and reveals the presence of a friendly demon named Gaap. Gaap informs her that she must carry out three human sacrifices to prevent an impending apocalypse.
No, Needa fails to complete the three human sacrifices before the designated deadline. Due to a rule that prohibits her from killing murderers, only two of her kills are considered valid. She is unable to kill her intended third target, Michael Smart, before the arrival of May Day.
As May Day arrives, sirens start ringing, and fireballs and explosions can be seen from the police station where Needa is held. A cataclysmic explosion engulfs the entire town, resulting in widespread destruction and seemingly marking the end of the world.
Yes, Gaap appears to Needa in the interrogation room as the destruction begins. He reveals that for failing to assist Needa, he is being cast into eternal oblivion. He offers Needa the choice to join him there, and she agrees, leading to a somewhat hopeful ending as they walk away hand in hand.
The episode suggests that the apocalypse may not be solely caused by demonic intervention. Rising political tensions, far-right riots, Cold War talks, and the threat of nuclear attacks are portrayed throughout the series. It is implied that the rain of fire and destruction could also be a manifestation of these real-world events, and Needa's perception of it as demonic could stem from her own fear and paranoia.