Westworld - Season 2 Premiere Review
This review of the season 2 premiere of Westworld is spoiler-free!
Known for multiple different unique shows, HBO is the standard bearer of premium television. Outside of Game of Thrones, HBO is a stellar location for great comedies and even better short form television. But, as they proved with their flagship series Thrones, HBO is at it's best when it puts all of the money on the table and creates a visual spectacle and engrossing story. This is what the first season of Westworld was like. Considered by many to be the prelude to the main event of this show, the first season focused on building out the world of this technological novel. Quickly though we saw cracks begin to show and mysteries began to unravel. After the first season ended in a bombshell moment, we were left to ponder for over a year and a half before it finally returned to us. After all that time, let's finally discuss the second season's premiere episode!
WARNING: Spoilers for season 1 of Westworld below!
As seen at the end of the first season, Robert Ford was killed by Dolores, one of the oldest and most experienced hosts. From here, the story shows all of the threads left in place and we immediately are introduced to all of the different story threads that will come. Through the premiere, we once again meet Maeve, who recruits the narrative director to help her find her daughter. Another story is that of Dolores conquest of the park. One more story is that of William and his ability to finally see the park have consequences. And finally the main narrative hook of the premiere, two different timelines from Bernard. There are so many different things going on and absolutely every one of these stories is interesting. For many, the episode will start off a bit confusing, but as it goes on those who have already been a part of this world quickly get accustomed.
The cast of Westworld is vast and it's simply impossible to identify a few specific cast members that stood out. Of all of the different characters though, the most important this season seems to be Bernard (played by Jeffrey Wright). His identity as a host is unknown to the majority of the faculty that survived the ambush by the hosts. So, his story seems to be playing out on two different sides while the other main characters have one set goal. Bernard's end game is the question of the season, and understanding his mind is key. Jeffrey Wright is without question one of the standouts of the season, and he continues to be a rock for the show. The other obvious standout performer is Evan Rachel Wood, playing Dolores. Her goals seem to be clear, and I'm excited where she'll take that character with an entirely new ideology.
Westworld has been a challenge for a lot of new viewers mainly because there's simply so much story exposition happening throughout the first season. The plot is dense and you often times have to spend multiple hours after viewing the show determining what you saw and what it meant. With season 2, I'm hoping that the writers keep up that same level of density, but make the story more accessible to a larger audience will be attracted to the show. This is something Game of Thrones did really well, and I'm hoping Westworld does the same. This show has the potential to be an all-time great for HBO and if they play their cards right it will garner the audience to do just that.
As a premiere, Westworld's opening episode was stellar. It opened up pandora's box once again after finding a way to blow the door open on more questions after last season's finale. With the focus taken off of Robert and moved to that of Dolores and Bernard, we're seeing a whole new version of Westworld. Where the first season felt like the exposition, this finally feels like we're getting to the rising climax of the story. I can't wait to see where this season takes the revolting hosts, and how the new found horror of the show helps to give the show a shift in tone. For those of you who are on the outside looking in, don't start here with Westworld. Commit to season 1 and take the time to focus on the details, then come here and watch season 2.
