Black Mirror season 6 has arrived, and with it comes Charlie Brooker’s ‘spooky’ scifi take on the dangers of technology and society. And while he may have been hindered by a writer’s strike before, this time he’s free to explore the timely and relevant topic of AI in Hollywood during last year’s labor disputes.

Now Brooker gifts us with “Joan Is Awful,” a cautionary tale about the dangers of AI taking over human jobs. Because what could be scarier than seeing your own life played out on TV without your consent? Oh wait, maybe losing your job to a robot because you dared demand fair treatment as a human worker. (Insert eye roll here).

Fear not – Brooker has decided to mix things up this season with a sequel to the beloved Star Trek parody episode “USS Callister,” and even a foray into the horror genre with “Red Mirror.” However, it seems the success of Hulu’s “The Dropout” has influenced Brooker to focus more on real-life scandals and public figures in his episodes, rather than fully embracing the horror genre. Here’s more analysis on YouTube:

Let’s not forget the real reason behind the Hollywood strikes: pay inequality and studios raking in billions while creators struggle to make ends meet. Who needs fair treatment when we can have more episodes about how scary technology is, right? And don’t worry, Brooker is making up for lost time with yet another cautionary tale warning us against embracing new technologies too quickly. (Insert another eye roll here).

So sit back and enjoy as Black Mirror continues its path of tech-based satire and existential dread, now free from pesky writer’s strike constraints. Just remember, not everything is as spooky or relevant as Brooker claims, especially when he decides horror isn’t worth pursuing. (Insert mic drop here).”