Can Sitcom Characters Effectively Predict The Future? This Dude Predicted Black Mirror’s San Junipero…
The One Where Ross Invents San Junipero
“So, I just finished this fascinating book. By the year 2030, there’ll be computers that can carry out the same amount of functions as an actual human brain. So theoretically you could download your thoughts and memories into this computer and live forever as a machine.”
“And I just realised I can sleep with my eyes open.”
– F.R.I.E.N.D.S, S06E07: The One Where Phoebe Runs
Do you remember this interaction between Ross and Chandler in the episode The One Where Phoebe Runs? This is where Dr. Ross Geller added an important achievement in his not-so-impressive-resume – professor, palaeontologist, Unagi expert, three-time divorcé and now, psychic. Yes! He predicted the future some 17 years before it even happened.
If you are still confused, let me elucidate – Ross’ statement was the setting for Black Mirror’s fourth episode of its third season, San Junipero, which won two Emmys a couple of weeks ago at the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards.
San Junipero won two Emmy awards
San Junipero is one of the best-loved episodes culminating in a happy ending in Charlie Brooker’s ground-breaking series Black Mirror, which is otherwise pretty dark and sinister. The episode is a touching love story between Kelly and Yorkie who meet each other in various eras, with a plot twist later revealing they are in a computer universe that timelessly stores people’s thoughts and memories – much like Ross’ disclosure. Yes, Dr. Geller predicted a storyline that hadn’t been made yet, 17 years before it became reality! That’s some real Black Mirror stuff right there!
Netflix recently released a crossover video titled, The One Where Ross Invents San Junipero, which showed Professor Geller explaining the idea behind San Junipero to a very cynical Chandler Bing (which aired in the sixth season of F.R.I.E.N.D.S, way back in 1999), and an even more sceptical studio audience. The video then cuts to the stars of the Black Mirror episode, Mackenzie Davis and Gugu Mbatha-Raw dancing to Belinda Carlisle’s hit number Heaven Is a Place on Earth.
The One Where Ross Invents San Junipero:
The Netflix ad very craftily urges people to watch Black Mirror and F.R.I.E.N.D.S, both of which are now streaming on their website. Black Mirror was picked up by the streaming giants for $40 million after successfully outbidding U.K’s Channel 4 for the rights. And F.R.I.E.N.D.S was acquired for $118 million in 2014 – all 10 seasons — all 236 episodes, and over 86 hours of Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler and Ross.
“We should do more mashups with other shows; that would send the Easter egg people into overdrive.” – Charlie Brooker, creator of Black Mirror series
Maybe Charlie Booker was lounging on his sofa one day, drinking warm beer and watching the F.R.I.E.N.D.S episode The One Where Phoebe Runs on Netflix, when he chanced upon Ross’ remark about future technology. And viola! Black Mirror: San Junipero was born!
Okay, maybe that’s a bit far-fetched. Nevertheless, whatever be the initial inspiration for Brooker to come up with an episode like San Junipero, we ain’t complaining! But, I’ll say this: Chandler wouldn’t be taunting Ross if he knew about Ross’ remarkable psychic abilities.
Also, Ross Geller just beat Phoebe Buffay in her own game!!!
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