‘Westworld’ Adds Heavy Intrigue in Week Three (TV REVIEW)

[rating-8.00] “The Stray”

As we delve deeper into Westworld it’s becoming apparent that the AI used in all of the hosts is more advanced than anyone could have imagined. Between Delores waking up from the monotony of her life/imminent death and the run of hosts falling victim to what’s looking more and more like internal sabotage, we’re on the fast track to a Jurassic Park-esque slaughter followed by a self-sustained world where humans aren’t welcome. That said, this show just gets better with each passing moment.

Jeffery Wright’s Bernard is a sad son of a bitch. We now know he’s lost his son, and is estranged from his ex-wife who tolerates his video calls as part of moving on. Because of his sad status, Bernard has taken to talking to Delores in a way that helps her learn and retain memories, but only during their “talks.” The fact that he hides this and hopes she won’t glitch over to the same problems as the other hosts is endlessly frustrating. Because Delores is the oldest host in the park you would think Bernard would take greater care to keep her mind clean slated. Then again, where would the suspense be if characters didn’t make stupid choices?

Head honcho and resident evil genius Dr. Robert Ford gave us some insight into the technology that blankets the park. Apparently secret co-founder Arnold wanted to give the hosts an actual consciousness. Science fiction has taught us that this is unwise, however it seems the loneliness that our scientists and park workers experience would leave them susceptible to allowing for the hosts to evolve in a way that makes them feel like actual people. The park would be Arnold’s downfall, as he apparently died mysteriously within the confines of its walls. From what we’ve seen so far, it’s safe to assume Arnold’s technology is deeply embedded in there somewhere, and that it’s coming back with a vengeance.

Speaking of secret founders falling victim to the park, could the Man in Black actually be Arnold and perhaps his “death” was actually the death of his soul? He’s mysterious and has yet to reveal his back story. It’s odd, because he hasn’t been acknowledged by the park staff yet. When we met him early on he described coming to the park for years, and knowing Delores for years, so would it be safe to assume that perhaps Arnold transformed into the Man in Black in order to live out an outlaw life. Maybe he fell in love with Delores who didn’t have the capability of doing the same? Maybe he’s taking revenge now by sabotaging the park? Just a thought.

Teddy and Delores’ relationship is curious considering their storyline. Teddy is an explorer, and yet he tends to die once the outlaws bring guests to Delores’ ranch house to cause mayhem. Teddy being the gentlemen keeps him from creating a triumphant end to a storyline; he’ll never get the girl, he’ll always be looking for the greater purpose, and he’ll always die the hero. Of course, it’s on the path to change now with Delores glitching and Teddy being fed new lines from Dr. Ford’s mysterious new story. This “Wyatt” character seems to be the tipping point of what will soon be Ford’s masterpiece, using Teddy as the center of the conflict.

There’s a severe lack of communication happening among the park team. While it’s apparent to programmers that there’s a problem with their hosts, they’re still allowing the guests (who are paying $40,000 a day) to traverse the park. Their guns might not contain real bullets, but there’s other ways to kill someone than using a gun. Case in point, the “stray” who almost crushes programmer Elsie to death with a giant rock, instead using it to bash his own skull in. He was embedded deep into the park, and yet he’s still afflicted with the same issues as the other glitching hosts. At this point it’s all generally fucked, making it all the more exciting as we venture into next week.

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