Westworld: Season 1 - TV review
Westworld: Season 1
Plot: A series inspired by the 1973 film of the same title written by Michael Crichton about a futuristic theme park populated by artificial beings.
Cast: Evan Rachel Wood, Thandie Newton, Jeffrey Wright
Number Of Episodes: 10
Channel: Sky Atlantic (UK)/HBO (US)
Rating: TV-MA
Air Dates: Tuesday 4th October 2016 - Tuesday 6th December 2016
If films and television have taught us anything, it's that artificial intelligence is a very bad thing and should never be attempted. That being said, watching humans dabble in science that they do not know the ramifications of, makes for some of the most entertaining material. Westworld, originally a 1973 film, has now been transformed into a new series. Hypothetically speaking, this show was clearly angled in such a way to replace Game Of Thrones when it reaches its culmination in a few years. To say that the reputation of HBO rests on the shoulders of Westworld is an understatement. Can they breathe a sigh of relief? Yes. Yes they most definitely can.
What. A. Cast. Whoever was the casting directing for this show needs to be given a huge pay-rise because who knew that we'd see Hannibal Lecter, Felix Leiter, Cyclops, Prince Caspian and Ed Harris all together. That lineup alone is worth it's own special award. However, the most prominent character and one that captured my intrigue from the opening episode was Evan Rachel Wood as Dolores. I'll do my best to try and break down her character but considering how complex and cerebral this show is, it's easier said than done. Dolores is a host. Hosts are artificially created synthetics to roam about the park looking to entertain guests with activities ranging from raids to brothels. Hosts cannot kill guests but they can die. When dead, they are patched up, wiped of their memory and put back into the park in their usual cycle. When in the park, hosts do not know of their state and view themselves to be normal human beings. Anything that might indicate their non-realism, is oblivious to them. Ok, I know that sounds ridiculously complicated and for the first few episodes, it's a lot to take in. Imagine cramming all of your exam revision into one night long stint and that's what the first three episodes of Westworld feel like. Not that I've ever used that revision tactic at all. Never. 🙄 Evan Rachel Wood is nothing short of magnificent as Dolores. Completely spellbound by her from her entrance, Dolores is the definition of enthralling and captivating. Rachel Wood, as well as other hosts, have an unbelievably tough job of switching from what could be a highly emotional state instantly to an emotionless expression. Having some experience with acting, that transition is one of the most challenging skills an actor can face and all of the hosts, specifically Rachel Wood and Thandie Newton. As the season progresses, Dolores develops into a much stronger character and with certain reveals, Rachel Wood raises it to an whole new level that leaves other performances in other shows in circles. Westworld has also crafted one of my new favourite television characters joining the ranks of Walter White, Tyrion Lannister and Jean Luc Picard. Jeffrey Wright plays Bernard Lowe, second in command to Anthony Hopkins and Bernard is lovable, kind and really pleasant which seems like an odd addition in a series that is dark, violent and intense. But having Bernard as that sense of brightness, humanity and kindness helps balance out the gritty tones from the show itself. His storyline is a joy to watch, compelling and beautifully heartfelt at the same time. If I'm being truly honest, there are moments, after some groundbreaking twists have been surfaced, that just caught me off guard emotionally because all I wanted for Bernard was the best of intentions. Wright is perfection sealed in a bottle in this role. If he doesn't at least get a nomination come Emmy time, it's a travesty.
Ed Harris also appears in a larger role than I was expecting but unfathomably key to the story. It's difficult to go into detail without brushing into a landmine of spoilers but what I can say is that Harris as The Man In Black is a secretive, formidable, transfixing and utterly fascinating character that keeps any viewer guessing as to what his true intentions are and whether he's on the side of good or evil. Harris, who could have easily turned a role like this down, gives a masterclass and shows the new kids that the old dog still has a few tricks left. Thandie Newton has stolen my heart which sounds pervy considering her role in the park is a prostitute and spends at least half of her screentime naked but just her as an actress and her badass character of Maeve have bowled me over in admiration. Maeve could have just been the sole focus of Westworld and it would have been equally enjoyable. She is fearsome, strong-willed and not to be trifled with. She is one bad bitch who you don't want to get caught with your trousers down, both literally and figuratively. Newton almost (almost!!) steals the show completely but that doesn't stop her from dominating every episode she appears in. HBO seem to have a very distinct knack for the creation of the most unlikeable and disgusting characters to grace our television screens. We've seen Joffrey, Ramsay Bolton and now, in Westworld, they've done it again with Dr. Robert Ford played by none other than the supreme heavyweight of acting that is Sir Anthony Motherf***ing Hopkins. For future reference, that's how we should address him. So, Anthony Motherf***ing Hopkins is flat out masterful in this show. His depiction of Ford is terrifying, haunting and shockingly chilling especially when you think that we honestly aren't that far from artificial intelligence being created. Ford's entirely detestable, has let the power get to his head but most importantly, he's still human. There is a backstory to him and his past is intriguing and Anthony Motherf***ing Hopkins gives a performance that is reminiscent and has a few shades of his award winning turn as Hannibal Lecter. In slightly smaller roles, yet equally as prominent, James Marsden, Jimmi Simpson, Ben Barnes, Simon Quarterman and Tessa Thompson all give fantastic supporting roles especially Simpson who depicts one of the most tragic yet delightful characters in Westworld.
FACT: The cost of a trip to visit Westworld is $40,000 per day.
Without a doubt, the most alluring aspect to Westworld was the premise and the talent behind the camera just as much as in front. Not only was this the studio that made Game Of Thrones but the minds behind it are cosmically talented. Jonathan Nolan, brother to Christopher, has written many of my favourite films. The Dark Knight. Interstellar. Memento. And he's only just been given something of his own property. Nolan directs and produces the show in a mixture of classic Hitchcockian techniques with a modern and technical flair. There are multiple stories weaving throughout Westworld but whilst all of them are captivating and enjoyable, there are a few that are nothing short of absolute perfection. The main arc is following Dolores as she ventures to combat the voices in her head and gain consciousness. It's very heartfelt, wonderfully paced but doesn't deal with anything too complex. Underneath all the layers of sentience, Dolores's story revolves around discovering your true calling. If all the stories focused on confusing your audience then it would be too much to handle. To be honest, Dolores and her quest really comes to fruition in the final few episodes. For the other part of the season, she follows William (Simpson) and Logan (Barnes) as they explore what Westworld has to offer. Even though I thought Logan was too menacing to seem real at points, the strained relationship they have and the bond William forms with Dolores was executed faultlessly and each little strand results in a humongous and stupendous payoff. The other significant storyline revolves around Thandie Newton playing Maeve, a host in the role of a prostitute business lady. However, after gaining memories of her previous settings and narratives, Nolan and his merry band of geniuses, allow us to witness the birth of the coldest killer, smartest gal and all around angel named Maeve. Watching her rebirth was beautiful. Newton, as I said, gives easily the best performance of her career and she'd be hard pushed to not win awards for best supporting actress.
The final key story was between Ford and Bernard as they have to combat the various glitches as well as keep the park running so the Board stays happy. This story also coincides with The Man In Black's quest which too, is spellbinding. Westworld does something very unique for a show that has so many interconnecting storylines. Where as most shows have the couple of truly incredible plotlines and few others that sink or at least do not hit the same heights, all of Westworld's stories are wholly addicting. If I do have a slight nitpick with the show is that the boundaries of the park, certain rules and various areas are either glossed over or make little sense. It's not a huge problem because the actual stories and acting are of a tremendous level but when our characters visit a village that isn't advertised for the general public, it's curious to know what the point in building it was. Thankfully, all this promise manages to fulfill in its conclusion and that all begins from episode seven in which it changes the entire game and your perception of the show before. The way it ends is jaw-dropping, heartbreaking and causes infuriation towards a particular character. And then, Westworld wraps up its debut season in a fitting and open-ended way that I'm sure I'm feeling slight cold turkey because we have to wait until 2018 FOR SEASON TWO AND THAT'S TOO LONG. GAME OF THRONES CAN DO A SEASON A YEAR! WHY CAN'T YOU WESTWORLD?? Speaking of Game Of Thrones, the score by Ramin Djawadi is stunning. The theme music is stuck in my head and after a few seasons, will be as synonymous as the Thrones theme.
Very rarely do we get a phenomenal debut season like this. Ingenious, cerebral and downright entertaining, Westworld is here to stay and after Game Of Thrones sadly bows out, this show is setting up to be a worthy successor. There's so much to say about this show that I cannot explain in a review but all I can successfully do is recommended it for everyone. If you like sci-fi, watch Westworld. If you like clever television that respects its audience, watch Westworld. If you have a television, watch Westworld. If you don't have a television, steal one and watch Westworld. Actually, on second thoughts, just ask a friend. You won't be able to watch it in jail.
My Verdict: 9.5/10
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