We are addicted to ‘escapism’. It’s all around us – movies, TV, video games, sports, art, etc. In all of these aspects, we revel in a fictional reality where we fill in the ‘disconnect’ with our imaginations. For example, we can choose to see ourselves amongst the residents in the sitcom “Parks and Recreation”, imagine ourselves the hero (or villain) in video games like “Call of Duty” and “Grand Theft Auto” or simply become enthralled by a catchy song or sporting event. While there are many forms of escapism, what if we were able to experience a fictional reality in which we cannot discern from our own?
This is one of the many questions that the groundbreaking HBO series, “Westworld”, pushes forth. Not only that, but also built around this premise is that you can live without any inhibition — thereby free of ridicule from the ‘real world’. This very notion should horrify anyone with a conscience as it will most definitely be an issue in our near future with the ever changing technological landscape that would rather satisfy an immediate want than actually take a look at the deeper implications.
With that, Westworld, at least on the surface, is an adult theme park. However, this park means something different to each visitor. So, as the initial, brief synopsis of the series would suggest this is about the dawn of artificial intelligence and the future of sin.
There are so many interesting angles in which to view the world building series. Should we feel guilty for enslaving hosts (aka androids) to do our bidding so that we can live out our wildest fantasies? Is who I am in Westworld the real me? How similar are we to the hosts in Westworld? What does it mean to be human? Where is the line drawn between nature and creator?
Other Factors to Consider
- The Production
Even outside of the wonderful and provocative elements that pervade the series, much can also be said of the production. This is a big budget series with brilliant performances by a proven cast that includes Evan Rachel Wood, Thandie Newton, Ed Harris, Jeffrey Wright, and Sir Anthony Hopkins. There is even a fascinating musical score to accommodate the beautiful visuals — thanks Ramin Djawadi (composer of “Game of Thrones”). Oh man, Djawadi’s rendition of “Paint it Black” in a pivotal scene from the pilot episode really brought every neat aspect of the show together.
- The Writing
As if the premise weren’t enough, you can appreciate the meticulous writing and the subplots, for which we know, are all entangled with one another. I do liken the narrative structure to that of “Game of Thrones” in that there are inter-weaving storylines that all take place in Westworld and behind the scenes (with the creators). Moreover, every character is uniquely different and is explored with a focus on their ethical stance in relation to the ‘sinful’ theme park.
The World Building
Unlike all video games (up until now), there aren’t any rules for human guests (aka newcomers) to abide by. They can go and do whatever they want. All guests are dropped in the center of a western town where everything is honky dory but everything becomes more dangerous the further they venture out. Humans cannot be killed but the hosts can (and are routinely). After being killed, the hosts awake without memory (supposedly) of what happened before with only their narrative loop to follow. How terrible of an existence is that?
There are even other towns to venture off to, if you are lucky enough to find an Easter egg to lead you to them. Each of these is distinct while other types of characters (hosts) are part of the interactive sprawl.
- The Mystery
Along with the world building, also comes the allure of the unknown. This takes form in the fact that (up until this point) we are not shown the ‘real world’ outside of the company overseeing the adult theme park. We get bits and pieces of how it may be but we see none of it. However, the Man in Black (as he’s known), does state that the real world is too blasé and that many seek places like Westworld so that they can actually feel a sense of adventure or an adrenaline rush.
Furthermore, even the Man in Black (Ed Harris) is ultra-mysterious. We slowly learn what he’s all about and that his ultimate goal is to reach a secret destination, by following a maze (which is also hidden within Westworld). All that the Man in Black knows is that it exists and he believes that it’s there to give the whole theme park meaning. Of course, the only person that truly knows is Robert Ford (Anthony Hopkins), one of the founders of Westworld. To say that the theme park’s origins are muddled would be a gross understatement. Everything we know about its true creation is only briefly touched upon, thereby leaving Ford’s true motivations up in the air. And boy, let me tell you that he’s one not to mess with. He controls every host with a wave of a finger.
Mid-Season Grade: A+
In Summation
Satisfy your curiosity and watch “Westworld”. You’ll be glad you did. There’s a reason everyone is starting to talk about it.
Note: You do not need to watch the 1973 film, “Westworld”, on which this is based. You aren’t missing out on that much outside of the original, sci-fi concept.
I can’t sing enough praise for such a provocative series. “Westworld” last aired its 5th episode and have five more to round out the first season, which will more than likely be renewed for a 2nd season (due to the incredibly high ratings).
The show was created by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy and airs on Sundays at 8c/9e on HBO.
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