Joan Is Awful Ending Explained, Cast, Plot, and Review
by Srinithi
Updated Jun 16, 2023
Joan is Awful Ending Explained
Black Mirror episode is both hilariously funny and incredibly mind-bending in multiple ways.In the climax of the episode, Joan, portrayed by Annie Murphy, becomes increasingly frustrated with Streamberry's invasive portrayal of her on their show, "Joan Is Awful," featuring a deepfake version of Salma Hayek Pinault. Believing that Salma would not want to be associated with anything that could harm her successful career, Joan takes matters into her own hands.
In a scene reminiscent of a memorable moment from the movie Bridesmaids, Joan consumes a large number of hamburgers, takes laxatives, wears a cheerleading costume, and rushes into a church to defecate in the middle of a wedding ceremony. Unsurprisingly, the same scene is reenacted on the Streamberry show, with Salma replicating Joan's actions.
Following this incident, Salma visits her lawyers to express her dissatisfaction with Streamberry's use of her image. However, she is informed that the image rights agreement she signed explicitly covers Joan's actions, including defecation and beyond.
Fueled by anger towards Streamberry, Salma pays a visit to Joan's home, where the two concoct a plan to sabotage the computer system and server located near Streamberry CEO Mona Javadi's office, portrayed by Leila Farzad. Salma heads to the office and tells the receptionist she is going to the restroom but instead allows Joan to enter through the back entrance. While Mona is giving an interview about the future of Streamberry, Salma and Joan make their way to the server room.
During the interview, Joan and Salma overhear Mona discussing the "quamputer" they are after, which is located down the corridor. Mona explains that the quantum computer creates entire multiverses and generates fully-edited programs, a process that typically takes months. Mona reveals her plan to expand this worldwide, with personalized content for each Streamberry user in their own show, "Joan Is Awful."
After leaving Mona's office, Salma and Joan arrive at the quamputer room, where Michael Cera's character Beppe is operating the computers that track Joan's movements. Beppe clarifies the reason Annie Murphy's Joan appears on the screen is because that is the variant of Joan that the Joan below her sees when watching the show.
Beppe reveals that Annie is not the original Joan but rather a version of Joan played by a digital likeness of Annie Murphy. He shows Annie footage of herself on the red carpet, mentions her role in Schitt's Creek, and then shows footage of the real Joan in reality.
It is unveiled that when the original Joan watches the show "Joan Is Awful," she sees Annie portraying her character. Annie's show represents the fictive level they are all on, known as fictive level 1. Michael Cera, Annie Murphy, and Salma Hayek have all licensed their faces for the show, but Salma genuinely believes she is herself because she has been programmed to think so within this level of the show.
To clarify, they are not in reality at the moment; they are in Source Joan's story on fictive level 1. Annie becomes even more infuriated and takes an axe into the chamber housing the computer. However, she becomes apprehensive when she contemplates the versions of themselves that believe they are real and might be destroyed as well.
Annie realizes that the events depicted in the show have already taken place, meaning she has no choice but to destroy the computer because the real Joan would have already done so. As the computer is destroyed, the true reality of the situation unfolds, with the real Joan demolishing the computer while Annie is dressed in the yellow jumpsuit that Salma previously
Black Mirror Episode 1
"The National Anthem" serves as the inaugural episode of the renowned British science fiction anthology series, Black Mirror. Crafted by the series' creator and showrunner, Charlie Brooker, the episode was skillfully directed by Otto Bathurst and initially broadcasted on Channel 4 on December 4, 2011.
The narrative of this episode revolves around a distressing scenario where a prominent member of the British royal family gets kidnapped. The kidnapper sets forth an audacious demand, stipulating that the only condition for the royal's safe release is for the British Prime Minister, Michael Callow (portrayed by Rory Kinnear), to engage in sexual intercourse with a pig while it is broadcasted live on television. The storyline subsequently delves into the government's frantic efforts to locate and apprehend the kidnapper, the media's intense coverage of the unfolding events, and the reactions of the general public.
"The National Anthem" drew inspiration from various sources, with the core concept originally conceived by Brooker several years prior. In its initial conception, the role of the prime minister was envisioned as being portrayed by broadcaster Terry Wogan. The episode deliberately adopts a grave and somber tone, effectively capturing the gravity and weightiness of the situation at hand.
Joan is Awful Actor
Joan leads a rather ordinary and uneventful life until she stumbles upon a shocking revelation—her mundane daily existence has been transformed into a television show, with none other than the renowned actress Salma Hayek portraying her character. What makes this situation even more distressing for Joan is the fact that every embarrassing moment and intimate detail of her life is depicted on screen within mere hours of it happening.
The sudden exposure of her private life to the world takes a heavy toll on Joan. She experiences a series of devastating consequences as a result. Firstly, she loses her job, as her employers find it difficult to handle the unwanted attention and intrusion caused by her newfound fame. This loss not only affects her financial stability but also shatters her sense of identity and purpose.
In addition to losing her job, Joan's romantic relationship also crumbles under the strain of the public scrutiny. Her boyfriend, unable to handle the constant invasion of their privacy, decides to part ways with her. This betrayal leaves Joan heartbroken and further isolated in her struggle to cope with the unforeseen consequences of her life becoming a spectacle.
Moreover, the loss of privacy takes a significant toll on Joan's mental and emotional well-being. The constant exposure, judgment, and ridicule from strangers cause her immense distress and anxiety. Joan finds herself trapped in a state of vulnerability, feeling like a pawn in a game controlled by the whims of the television industry.
This unnerving situation pushes Joan to confront the profound implications of her life being played out on screen without her consent. It forces her to question the nature of privacy, the impact of celebrity culture, and the commodification of personal experiences for entertainment purposes. As Joan grapples with these existential questions, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, seeking to reclaim her autonomy and rebuild her life on her own terms.
Ultimately, this intricate and unsettling portrayal of Joan's life being transformed into a TV show with Salma Hayek as her on-screen counterpart explores themes of privacy, identity, and the consequences of fame. It shines a critical light on the blurred boundaries between reality and entertainment in our increasingly media-saturated world, leaving viewers contemplating the price one pays when personal lives are turned into public spectacle.
Black Mirror Season 6 Episode 1
The latest season of the popular anthology series Black Mirror kicks off with a refreshingly light-hearted episode, diverging from the typically dark and dystopian themes that have become its trademark. "Joan Is Awful" stands out as a near-comedy within the series, showcasing a different tone and offering a unique viewing experience.
The episode revolves around a character named Joan, whose life takes an unexpected turn when it becomes the subject of a TV show. Unlike the usual bleak and thought-provoking scenarios depicted in Black Mirror, "Joan Is Awful" embraces humor and comedic elements, offering a departure from the show's typical narrative style.
The story unfolds with a comedic lens as Joan's everyday antics and misadventures are exaggerated and presented in an exaggerated manner. The episode explores the humorous aspects of Joan's life, incorporating elements of slapstick comedy, witty dialogue, and comedic timing to create a lighthearted atmosphere.
As viewers delve into Joan's world, they are treated to moments of laughter and amusement, experiencing a departure from the show's usual dark and introspective themes. This shift in tone allows for a different type of engagement, offering a respite from the intense and often unsettling scenarios commonly associated with Black Mirror.
While "Joan Is Awful" maintains the underlying signature Black Mirror concept of technology's impact on society, it approaches it from a comedic angle, delivering a refreshing take on the series. By blending humor with the show's core themes, the episode stands out as a unique entry in the Black Mirror canon, showcasing the versatility and creative range of the series.
In essence, "Joan Is Awful" offers viewers a reprieve from the series' typically serious and unsettling narratives, introducing a lighter and more comedic tone. It proves that Black Mirror can effectively explore different genres and evoke a wide range of emotions, further expanding its appeal and demonstrating the show's ability to captivate audiences through various storytelling approaches.
Who Plays Joan in Joan is Awful?
In the story "Joan is Awful," Annie Murphy portrays the character of Joan, an ordinary woman who comes home after a difficult day. As Joan relaxes with her romantic partner, she is surprised to find out that the renowned actress Salma Hayek has been cast to play her in a fictional streaming show called "Joan Is Awful." This revelation completely shakes up Joan's life and becomes the catalyst for a series of captivating and unforeseen events.
The introduction of Salma Hayek as Joan's on-screen representation raises a variety of questions and creates a sense of intrigue. Joan must navigate the impact of this unexpected turn of events, which adds an element of unpredictability to her life. The story explores the consequences of having one's personal experiences and identity reimagined and portrayed by a famous actor.
As the narrative unfolds, Joan's interactions with the production and its repercussions become central to the plot. It delves into the themes of identity, fame, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. Joan is faced with unique challenges as she grapples with her newfound connection to a high-profile celebrity and the portrayal of her own life on a streaming platform.
Black Mirror Season 6 Review
Black Mirror's creator and writer, Charlie Brooker, harbors grand ambitions for the anthology series' sixth season. However, the attempt to transition from suspenseful science-fiction to horror and bleak drama falls largely short of expectations. Among the five episodes, there is a standout that deviates from Brooker's sole writing, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to expand Black Mirror beyond its familiar dystopian narratives.
Notably, three episodes of this season delve into various iterations of the past, while one remains set in the present. Only the premiere episode, "Joan Is Awful," maintains the traditional Black Mirror essence by exploring the potential dangers posed by emerging technologies. Brooker adeptly navigates this familiar territory by directing his critique at Netflix itself, cleverly renamed Streamberry within the show. He targets the streaming giant's addiction to true crime stories, which often exploit the real-life individuals involved without their consent.
Black Mirror Season 6 Episode 1 Cast
Joan
Annie Murphy
Krish
Avi Nash
Mac
Rob Delaney
Beppe
Michael Cera
Episode 1 Cast
Characters
Joan is Awful Plot
The episode revolves around Joan, a supervisor at a media company, who leads a seemingly ordinary life. She has a boyfriend named Krish and deals with the unpleasant task of laying off her coworkers. Joan also struggles with lingering feelings for her ex-boyfriend, Mac.
After a rendezvous with Mac and sharing a kiss, Joan returns home to Krish. They have a bland dinner prepared by Krish and then snuggle up on the couch to stream content on Streamberry, the equivalent of Netflix in this universe.
While browsing for something to watch, they stumble upon a show titled "Joan is Awful," starring Salma Hayek, who remarkably resembles Joan with her signature blonde streaks. As Joan's assistant, his boyfriend, Mac, and the coworker she fired tune in, it becomes evident that the show is a recreation of the events that unfolded in Joan's day.
Annie Murphy plays Joan in Black Mirror Season 6.In the show, they witness Joan firing her coworker, kissing Mac, and expressing her dissatisfaction with Krish's cooking and personality during a therapy session. Hurt by the revelations, Krish packs his bags and leaves Joan. Matters worsen when Joan gets fired from her job because Streamberry airs sensitive company information based on their recreation of her life.
Seeking legal recourse, Joan visits a lawyer to sue Streamberry and Salma Hayek for defamation. However, her lawyer informs her that Streamberry has the right to profit from using her life and likeness, as she agreed to their terms of service. The company collects information about Joan's daily life through her devices, including her phone and laptop, which constantly monitor her conversations.
The lawyer explains that Joan cannot sue Salma Hayek since the actress isn't truly portraying her. Hayek simply licensed her image to Streamberry for their use. Essentially, the service utilizes a deepfake of Hayek to torment Joan.
Desperate for help, Joan turns to Mac, but he rejects her to avoid tarnishing his image on the show and in front of Salma Hayek. Feeling trapped, Joan resorts to eating numerous burgers and consuming a laxative to induce a bowel movement in the aisle of a nearby wedding. She hopes to catch the attention of Salma Hayek, as these events would be shown in the next episode of the series.
Her plan succeeds, and Hayek visits her lawyer to find a way to remove her deepfake version from the show. Unfortunately, the contract Hayek signed is ironclad, and there's no legal recourse to detach herself from the show.
Hayek visits Joan, and together they form an alliance to bring down Streamberry once and for all. Infiltrating Streamberry's headquarters, they discover the service plans to launch more "Blank is Awful" shows tailored to their 800 million users. When questioned about the choice of the term "awful," the head of Streamberry explains that their users prefer negative connotations as it validates their deepest fears—they simply cannot look away.
Joan and Hayek manage to breach the server room, where they encounter Beppe, a producer of the show. Beppe reveals that this reality is not real—it's all just a show. Joan is actually TV star Annie Murphy, portraying the character of Joan. It's a show within a show within a show, and while there is a real Joan out there, Annie Murphy is not her.
Murphy destroys the Streamberry server, transporting everyone into the real world, where they meet the genuine Joan, a coffee shop employee tired of her life being exploited for content. The episode concludes with Annie Murphy visiting the real Joan's coffee shop, and both of them wearing ankle monitors as punishment for their actions against Streamberry
The episode provides a chilling examination of what it means to be the main character under constant scrutiny. It reflects the everyday phenomenon of Twitter selecting a "main character of the week" and subjecting them to relentless scrutiny. Joan becomes another victim of the relentless content generation cycle that surrounds us daily.
Joan is Awful Ending Explained- FAQs
The significance of the ending may vary based on the story. It could provide closure, reveal a twist, or leave room for interpretation. Understanding the context and themes of the story will help determine its significance.
Annie Murphy portrays Joan in the episode.
The episode follows Joan, a woman whose life becomes a TV show starring Salma Hayek that recreates her daily experiences, leading to a series of consequences.
Joan Is Awful" stands out as a more comedic and lighthearted episode compared to the typically dark and dystopian themes of Black Mirror.
Salma Hayek licenses her image for the TV show, but she is not portraying the real Joan. Her likeness is used in a deepfake to torment Joan.