“Rachel, Jack, and Ashley Too” almost feels more like a juicy exposé on the music industry rather than a traditional sci-fi warning. It’s the kind of story that might make you question the reality behind every pop star’s perfect image. We follow a lonely teenager who gets her hands on an AI doll of her idol, Ashley O, played by Miley Cyrus. But as the plot unfolds, she discovers the unsettling truth behind the singer’s corporate-controlled persona. While the episode’s brain-uploading plot twist might seem far-fetched, the theme of artist exploitation hits uncomfortably close to home. It brings to mind the struggles of figures like Britney Spears and Kesha, who have famously fought for their autonomy and creative rights. In a world where AI vocals and deepfake technology are becoming increasingly sophisticated, the notion of artists losing control becomes terrifyingly plausible. Though Miley Cyrus brings her usual dedication to the role, it’s the episode’s sharp commentary and realistic tech scenarios that make it notable. Out of all the Black Mirror episodes, this one stands out for its unsettling plausibility—it’s not so much a matter of “if” these events could happen, but “when.”
