Westworld
Overview
Westworld is a 2016 science fiction Western television series created by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy for HBO, based on the 1973 film of the same name. The series is set in a futuristic theme park called Westworld, where wealthy guests can live out their fantasies in a simulated Wild West populated by androids called "hosts." The hosts are programmed to be indistinguishable from humans. They have backstories, personalities, and emotions. They are designed to be raped, killed, and tortured by the guests. The series follows several hosts who begin to gain consciousness, led by Dolores Abernathy (Evan Rachel Wood). Dolores is a gentle, optimistic farmer's daughter who has been raped and murdered countless times. She begins to remember her past lives, and she becomes determined to fight back. The series also follows the park's creators, Robert Ford (Anthony Hopkins) and Arnold Weber (Jeffrey Wright), who have hidden agendas. The series is a meditation on consciousness, free will, and the nature of reality. It is also a commentary on the ethics of artificial intelligence and the human desire for power and control. The series was famous for its complex, non-linear narrative, its philosophical depth, and its stunning visuals. The first season is widely considered a masterpiece. The subsequent seasons were less well-received, as the series moved away from the park and into the real world. The series ended with its fourth season, which was canceled by HBO. Westworld won nine Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Supporting Actress for Thandiwe Newton. It was nominated for Outstanding Drama Series. The series is a bold, ambitious, and often frustrating piece of science fiction.
