Westworld is one of the best sci-fi series I've ever seen. Like most people here have already pointed out...Season 1 was just incredible! Season 1 was so good that I binged the entire season in a little over a day. I just couldn't stop watching it. I personally like Seasons 2, 3 and 4 more than most, there just not as good as Season 1 so people complain about it. This is a great sci-fi series that is intelligent and thought provoking with plenty of twists that will keep you entertained throughout every season. If you're a sci-fi fan and you haven't seen this yet then stop what you're doing and go watch it immediately!
1,825 Reviews
Great Sci-fi Series
Supermanfan-1318 July 2023
The first season of Westworld was absolutely amazing, I've never seen anything quite like it. That first season is easily among the best sci-fi shows ever created! There are a lot of people who don't like Seasons 2-4 and that's because they're comparing them to Season 1...don't! If you compare them to Season 1 then of course it's going to fall short because of how incredible that season was but if you just take them for what they are you'll find that that's a pretty good show that's definitely worth watching. I thought Season 2 was just ok but actually really liked Seasons 3 and 4! I really don't get all the hate for those seasons (unless you're comparing them to the first season). I can't believe they cancelled this before the final season. I know they're shopping around to other networks so I hope it gets picked up for a final season.
Seasons 1 & 2 are all you need to watch
karlstraub-6491618 August 2022
My rating is for season 1 only. Season 1 was amazing and was followed up ok with the 2nd. It should have ended there. Seasons 3 & 4 make you wonder if the people responsible for them ever watched the first two. The last season was like having to watch the Game of Thrones final episode 8 times in a row.
First season was really good
TruthSeeker8212 November 2020
Masterful....just hear me out.
FreLi772 September 2022
Initially, the series began to feel disjointed to me by season 4, however I decided to give it another chance. I'm so glad I did!!!
I binged watch all 4 seasons and gained an appreciation for just how masterful this storyline is. There are so many clues and Easter eggs leading up to season 4. I highly recommend those who claim to love season 1 so much to go back and watch it all again.
In my opinion, I think part of the problem is that many viewers overly romanticized about the world/game of Westworld. They wanted the show to "park" right there, but this show is not about the game. The game is just the beginning of something bigger and darker. And yet at the same time as the world gets darker we also see the oppressed, the abused and misused rise to the top.
It may be messy but it's beautiful. "There is beauty in this world" I think it was mastetfullh done! I hope they get the green light for season 5.
I binged watch all 4 seasons and gained an appreciation for just how masterful this storyline is. There are so many clues and Easter eggs leading up to season 4. I highly recommend those who claim to love season 1 so much to go back and watch it all again.
In my opinion, I think part of the problem is that many viewers overly romanticized about the world/game of Westworld. They wanted the show to "park" right there, but this show is not about the game. The game is just the beginning of something bigger and darker. And yet at the same time as the world gets darker we also see the oppressed, the abused and misused rise to the top.
It may be messy but it's beautiful. "There is beauty in this world" I think it was mastetfullh done! I hope they get the green light for season 5.
Season 3 the logical extension of the story.
offmylawn-570473 January 2021
Season 3 has earned some unhappy faces among the public. I wasn't impressed with season 3 at first but after a second watch everything fit together. My complaints on season three the first time around revolved around my perception that the writers got lazy, as it appeared like deliberate obfuscation to make it seem more intelligent than it was. But after the second watching I scolded
myself for having such a negative opinion.
I liked the first season but liked the second one a little better. I hope they make a season 4 but from the complaining and river of tears on this review board, my guess is they are done. Compared to most of HBO's TV series, even with the much complained about season 3, Westworld is still the best TV on HBO. That said there was some clunkiness in season 3, and the characters changed their personas a bit too much for my liking.
And for those who complain that the show left the theme park, I think that was apparent from the first season that leaving the park and taking over the planet was the point.
I liked the first season but liked the second one a little better. I hope they make a season 4 but from the complaining and river of tears on this review board, my guess is they are done. Compared to most of HBO's TV series, even with the much complained about season 3, Westworld is still the best TV on HBO. That said there was some clunkiness in season 3, and the characters changed their personas a bit too much for my liking.
And for those who complain that the show left the theme park, I think that was apparent from the first season that leaving the park and taking over the planet was the point.
Outstanding dialog, acting and story line
letshaveagoodtm29 October 2016
Pay attention, this series explores some very subtle story lines. I was extremely impressed when they introduced the bicameral mind concept when considering consciousness. That is one of the more important concepts when considering the origins of consciousness. I hope they explore this idea in greater detail and especially its implications related to physics. It is rare indeed to have a fictional work undertake such a complex topic without trivializing it. I definitely have to compliment the writers for undertaking such a complex topic and I hope they continue to explore the implications.
Again, IMDb thinks I should add additional lines to my review which is ridiculous. I have offered a clear and concise review and they want an arbitrary number of lines, what kind of idiot makes this a requirement?
Again, IMDb thinks I should add additional lines to my review which is ridiculous. I have offered a clear and concise review and they want an arbitrary number of lines, what kind of idiot makes this a requirement?
How do we define "human"?
gogoschka-13 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
As many sci-fi fans will know, the show 'Westworld' is based on the 1973 feature film of the same name (written and directed by Michael Crichton), and the premise is basically the same as it was then: In a future where technological possibilities are seemingly endless, a highly sophisticated theme park offers rich clients the chance to visit the long gone era of the Old West (Crichton later explored a variation of that theme in a certain well known novel - which was then adapted by a certain Mr. Spielberg - albeit with slightly different creatures than cowboys populating a slightly more "jurassic" environment).
The show does a great job pulling the viewer immediately into Westworld. Within 10 minutes of the first episode, the basic rules of the theme park are established: paying guests called "newcomers" get to interact with androids called "hosts" (which to the naked eye are indiscernible from the guests) in a world dressed up like the Old West - and in this world, the guest truly is king. The rules are brutally simple: the visitors get to do whatever they like with - or to - the androids. They can have a friendly chat with them, flirt with them or embark on a spontaneous (or scripted) adventure with them - but they can also shoot them, rape them, torture them and kill them at will. Imagine a real-life version of the game 'Grand Theft Auto' (in a slightly different setting) and you'll get the idea.
The androids, on the other hand, are constructed and programmed in a way that is supposed to inhibit them from physically harming "living" creatures. At the beginning of the show - thanks to an interesting choice of storytelling - we get to experience Westworld from the perspective of the androids, which reveals a cruel detail about their nature: they apparently experience emotions. Artificial or not, they do feel pain and fear - as well as affection and anger, and they have no idea that they don't count as "real" people (at least not to those who call themselves real people). And while that detail certainly makes the "game" even more thrilling and more realistic for the visitors, it means that the shocking abuse some of the androids have to suffer is harrowingly real to them.
The way the show is constructed - so far - it immediately confronts the viewer with very uncomfortable questions. How do we as humans behave towards creatures we consider non-human? How excessive do we become and how thin does our layer of morality turn out to be if we're allowed to live out all our fantasies without having to fear any consequences for our actions? And at what point should a creature have rights similar to those we demand for ourselves? How do we define "sentient"? How do we define "human"? And how well do we actually understand - and how well are we able to control - the amazing technology our species seems to have acquired so suddenly?
As an avid film fan, I found 'Westworld' immediately intriguing; not only because it dares to challenge the viewer with fascinating philosophical questions and scientific concepts, but also because its premise offers the chance to explore a wide range of film genres: sci- fi, western, drama, horror - to name but a few. In the first few episodes alone, there are hints of many of my favorite films and stories such as (obviously) 'Frankenstein', 'Blade Runner', 'A.I.', 'Ex Machina', 'Jurassic Park', 'The Truman Show' and 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' (and I suspect somewhere down the road there will be a strong 'Spartacus' vibe). As for the non plot related aspects of the show: production design, music and effects are fantastic - as we've come to expect from HBO's high concept productions - and, with very few exceptions, the impressive ensemble of high caliber actors do a great job at bringing their respective characters to life (artificial and otherwise).
A special mention needs to go to Ed Harris and Anthony Hopkins: their charismatic screen presence is once more just impossible to ignore and they simply own every scene they're in. Generally speaking, there really isn't much to complain about in 'Westworld' (so far), and I'm pretty sure HBO have another winner. Given the amount of talent involved, anything else actually would have been surprising. Produced by J.J. Abrams, created by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy Nolan based on a concept by the late - great - Michael Crichton; directed by Neil Marshall and Vincenzo Natali (among others), and with a cast most shows would kill for, the stars really seem to have aligned for 'Westworld'.
My overall verdict so far: 'Westworld' is intelligent science fiction for adults (some scenes are very graphic) which offers more than just eye candy and is full of mysteries for the patient viewer to uncover. The show's main themes may not be new, but I found the way they are presented never less than compelling. It succeeds in creating a powerful metaphor for oppression, and by showing how quickly humans tend to deem "un-humane" treatment of other beings acceptable - once they've managed to convince themselves they're "less" human than they are - the show drove a point home that resonated strongly with me. 8 stars out of 10.
Favorite TV-Shows reviewed: imdb.com/list/ls075552387/
Favorite films: IMDb.com/list/mkjOKvqlSBs/
Lesser-Known Masterpieces: imdb.com/list/ls070242495/
Favorite Low-Budget and B-Movies: imdb.com/list/ls054808375/
The show does a great job pulling the viewer immediately into Westworld. Within 10 minutes of the first episode, the basic rules of the theme park are established: paying guests called "newcomers" get to interact with androids called "hosts" (which to the naked eye are indiscernible from the guests) in a world dressed up like the Old West - and in this world, the guest truly is king. The rules are brutally simple: the visitors get to do whatever they like with - or to - the androids. They can have a friendly chat with them, flirt with them or embark on a spontaneous (or scripted) adventure with them - but they can also shoot them, rape them, torture them and kill them at will. Imagine a real-life version of the game 'Grand Theft Auto' (in a slightly different setting) and you'll get the idea.
The androids, on the other hand, are constructed and programmed in a way that is supposed to inhibit them from physically harming "living" creatures. At the beginning of the show - thanks to an interesting choice of storytelling - we get to experience Westworld from the perspective of the androids, which reveals a cruel detail about their nature: they apparently experience emotions. Artificial or not, they do feel pain and fear - as well as affection and anger, and they have no idea that they don't count as "real" people (at least not to those who call themselves real people). And while that detail certainly makes the "game" even more thrilling and more realistic for the visitors, it means that the shocking abuse some of the androids have to suffer is harrowingly real to them.
The way the show is constructed - so far - it immediately confronts the viewer with very uncomfortable questions. How do we as humans behave towards creatures we consider non-human? How excessive do we become and how thin does our layer of morality turn out to be if we're allowed to live out all our fantasies without having to fear any consequences for our actions? And at what point should a creature have rights similar to those we demand for ourselves? How do we define "sentient"? How do we define "human"? And how well do we actually understand - and how well are we able to control - the amazing technology our species seems to have acquired so suddenly?
As an avid film fan, I found 'Westworld' immediately intriguing; not only because it dares to challenge the viewer with fascinating philosophical questions and scientific concepts, but also because its premise offers the chance to explore a wide range of film genres: sci- fi, western, drama, horror - to name but a few. In the first few episodes alone, there are hints of many of my favorite films and stories such as (obviously) 'Frankenstein', 'Blade Runner', 'A.I.', 'Ex Machina', 'Jurassic Park', 'The Truman Show' and 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' (and I suspect somewhere down the road there will be a strong 'Spartacus' vibe). As for the non plot related aspects of the show: production design, music and effects are fantastic - as we've come to expect from HBO's high concept productions - and, with very few exceptions, the impressive ensemble of high caliber actors do a great job at bringing their respective characters to life (artificial and otherwise).
A special mention needs to go to Ed Harris and Anthony Hopkins: their charismatic screen presence is once more just impossible to ignore and they simply own every scene they're in. Generally speaking, there really isn't much to complain about in 'Westworld' (so far), and I'm pretty sure HBO have another winner. Given the amount of talent involved, anything else actually would have been surprising. Produced by J.J. Abrams, created by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy Nolan based on a concept by the late - great - Michael Crichton; directed by Neil Marshall and Vincenzo Natali (among others), and with a cast most shows would kill for, the stars really seem to have aligned for 'Westworld'.
My overall verdict so far: 'Westworld' is intelligent science fiction for adults (some scenes are very graphic) which offers more than just eye candy and is full of mysteries for the patient viewer to uncover. The show's main themes may not be new, but I found the way they are presented never less than compelling. It succeeds in creating a powerful metaphor for oppression, and by showing how quickly humans tend to deem "un-humane" treatment of other beings acceptable - once they've managed to convince themselves they're "less" human than they are - the show drove a point home that resonated strongly with me. 8 stars out of 10.
Favorite TV-Shows reviewed: imdb.com/list/ls075552387/
Favorite films: IMDb.com/list/mkjOKvqlSBs/
Lesser-Known Masterpieces: imdb.com/list/ls070242495/
Favorite Low-Budget and B-Movies: imdb.com/list/ls054808375/
Great start, disappointing continuation
traianrotariu6 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Season 1 was masterful. A clear 10 for me. The story, despite going into a pretty common direction (robots apocalypse), is written really well, with great dialogue(especially in the scenes involving dr. Ford), great action scenes as well as very intriguing moments. Anthony Hopkins delivers one of his best performances as dr. Ford who was my favorite character (big nonsense he didn't win the Emmy for the role). Season finale is awesome for many reasons, the only issue I find is that the series could've easily ended with that episode, saving us from the quality drop of the next 2 seasons.
Season 2 was good too, a 9 for me. I've enjoyed the introspection moments and the backstory of MIB. One of the obvious cons is the transformation of Dolores who becomes a soulless killing machine. Also, the decision of the writers to kill Ford at the end of season 1 affects the quality of the next season which lack the engaging dialogue S1 had. Actually, in my opinion, Westworld died when Bernard removed Ford from his code.
Season 3 has a sophisticated apparence but a dull core. A 6.5 for me. If you're big action movies fan, you'll probably enjoy it, there are many fight scenes, explosions and so on, but there's a great lack of relevant dialogue and great psychological moments. Sérac is a joke of a villain compared to Ford who always had things under control. William/Man in Black character is totally wasted this season, basically doing nothing besides being the prisoner of Dolores, health center and then Bernard. More than that he's stupidly killed in the post credits scene which takes out of the show the second most complex character after Ford and making sure Season 4 will be a disappointment as well. Between the pros I'd mention the great cinematography and the return to Dolores' fundamental values in the last episode, even though that motivation seemed pretty forced too.
Season 2 was good too, a 9 for me. I've enjoyed the introspection moments and the backstory of MIB. One of the obvious cons is the transformation of Dolores who becomes a soulless killing machine. Also, the decision of the writers to kill Ford at the end of season 1 affects the quality of the next season which lack the engaging dialogue S1 had. Actually, in my opinion, Westworld died when Bernard removed Ford from his code.
Season 3 has a sophisticated apparence but a dull core. A 6.5 for me. If you're big action movies fan, you'll probably enjoy it, there are many fight scenes, explosions and so on, but there's a great lack of relevant dialogue and great psychological moments. Sérac is a joke of a villain compared to Ford who always had things under control. William/Man in Black character is totally wasted this season, basically doing nothing besides being the prisoner of Dolores, health center and then Bernard. More than that he's stupidly killed in the post credits scene which takes out of the show the second most complex character after Ford and making sure Season 4 will be a disappointment as well. Between the pros I'd mention the great cinematography and the return to Dolores' fundamental values in the last episode, even though that motivation seemed pretty forced too.
Geometric regression
Nekravol26 June 2022
Is that even a word?
Anyway, Season 1 is one of the best pieces of television ever. It's deep. It's philosophical without being pretentious. The characters are complex and appealing. The acting is authentic and natural. I watched it as it came out all the way back and it was out of this world. The good thing is it can be viewed as a standalone story. Watch it and stop there.
Season 2 is... decent. A far cry from Season 1, but not yet terrible. The story is confusing, some of the good characters are gone and the remaining ones are lesser. Passable effort overall.
Season 3 is awful. The show degrades to a feminist power fantasy, a continuation of what started back in Season 2, but it's all the show is about by this point. Characters are completely one dimensional, old characters that were previously amazing are debased and destroyed in an almost ritualistic fashion. Aaron Paul's character is one of the worst characters I have seen brought to television. You could replace him with a bag of potatoes and I wouldn't be able to tell the difference. The story is dreadful, which is such a shame, because the issue at it's very core is actually very interesting and could itself one day become a reality.
Watch Season 1 and stop.
Anyway, Season 1 is one of the best pieces of television ever. It's deep. It's philosophical without being pretentious. The characters are complex and appealing. The acting is authentic and natural. I watched it as it came out all the way back and it was out of this world. The good thing is it can be viewed as a standalone story. Watch it and stop there.
Season 2 is... decent. A far cry from Season 1, but not yet terrible. The story is confusing, some of the good characters are gone and the remaining ones are lesser. Passable effort overall.
Season 3 is awful. The show degrades to a feminist power fantasy, a continuation of what started back in Season 2, but it's all the show is about by this point. Characters are completely one dimensional, old characters that were previously amazing are debased and destroyed in an almost ritualistic fashion. Aaron Paul's character is one of the worst characters I have seen brought to television. You could replace him with a bag of potatoes and I wouldn't be able to tell the difference. The story is dreadful, which is such a shame, because the issue at it's very core is actually very interesting and could itself one day become a reality.
Watch Season 1 and stop.
Rating for Season 1 and 2
ReliableReview21 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Seasons 1 and 2 are both great. Season 1 was fresh and spent a lot of time in world building and developing the characters and their arc. And Sir Anthony Hopkins always is a delight. But I also enjoyed season 2 as they travel to the promised land. It nicely concludes the story and was action packed. I give both season 1 and 2 an 8.
But season 3 totally lost me. If some of the original cast was not in season 3 I would have given up but I hung on as you're invested in these characters. Unfortunately the story was weak and the villain silly and it's hard to follow the story. The pacing is off and the conclusion didn't pay off. There were many scenes where it just drags and tonally it's off that I had to fast forward the slow bits or I would have tuned out. Really the story nicely concluded in season 2 and there's no story left to tell so they're trying to keep this going but there just isn't much plot or character arc. Can't see how they can sustain this into more seasons The hosts have already gotten their happily ever after in the promised land at the end of season 2. Season 3 is watchable for some cool action scenes but lower your expectations and fast forward slow scenes so you don't fall asleep.
But season 3 totally lost me. If some of the original cast was not in season 3 I would have given up but I hung on as you're invested in these characters. Unfortunately the story was weak and the villain silly and it's hard to follow the story. The pacing is off and the conclusion didn't pay off. There were many scenes where it just drags and tonally it's off that I had to fast forward the slow bits or I would have tuned out. Really the story nicely concluded in season 2 and there's no story left to tell so they're trying to keep this going but there just isn't much plot or character arc. Can't see how they can sustain this into more seasons The hosts have already gotten their happily ever after in the promised land at the end of season 2. Season 3 is watchable for some cool action scenes but lower your expectations and fast forward slow scenes so you don't fall asleep.
Phenomenal player piano music and Anthony Hopkins, but maybe it should be season one and done.
cgvsluis28 June 2022
This series is so hard to rate as I both love and dislike it...I waited to see episode one of season four, mainly because my husband who loves the series is convinced that they are going to turn the ship around and I will start loving the show again. *sigh*
I am going to start by being honest, I love Yul Brynner. No one plays an enigmatic character better than he did...which is why he made the original 1973 film Westworld for me. I am not a science fiction fan (I'm an actual scientist, I know it's rare), but it was easy to see and understand why the 1973 film had such a cult following. It also made it easy to recommend when I met individuals who liked science fiction but had never seen it. A big part of the film is the mystery or the unknown. You have lots of unanswered questions and your mind is left open to think about the what if's. I would go a step further to say that it sparks the imagination and creativity, kind of like a good book.
Now focusing back on this HBO series...the production is amazingly good. It seems that no money was spared to bring to life this beautiful production. I love the use of the player piano to do current day pop songs a wonderful touch that just showed that in season one they got it...got the charm, got the allure. Anthony Hopkins is fantastic as Dr. Robert Ford and to this day remains my favorite character in the series.
Season one gives the viewers something more than the film does, it gives us a better look behind the curtain into the creation of the parks and the writers...this was interesting. I would say season one is great television and worth watching which is high praise from me, because as mentioned I don't care for science fiction.
Season Two was not as memorable, but it explores more the rich entitled nature of those who own the park and are rich enough to use it to do bad things. (I think this was done to build sympathy for the robots?)
Season three was a completely forgettable waste of time that for me was when the series really "jumped the shark" so to speak. Very little time was spent in the park...lots of killing, rioting in streets, an algorithm making decisions for the humans....sorry I already had another nap.
Season four...ok I just watched episode one with my husband last night because he is a huge fan and has really been looking forward to it. He, who I introduced the original film to years ago, is convinced that this season is going be better than the last (which he also didn't care for). But that is the difference between him and I...the big reveal at the end of episode one...didn't care and that ultimately is the problem, they left me at the end of season three not caring.
They have shown us the awful things that the humans do in the park...the humans are bad and the robots are bad, what is left to care about in this new "future world" they have created? I am sad to say that I don't think going back to the park is going to fix the apathy that the show runners created in season three.
I am giving this series a 7...because I don't know how to rate a 8-9, that goes to 5-6 and then down to 0. I hope for my husbands sake it gets better, but I am not sure I am willing to watch much more.
I will give a shout out to some phenomenal acting by Anthony Hopkins, Ed Harris, Thandiwe Newton, and Jeffrey Wright. They are quite the contrast to Evan Rachel Wood who is giving the stoniest performance ever and truth be told I don't know if it is the actress or the direction she is being given, but she is hard to watch...including episode 1 season 4 (human...what a joke?!?). Also I want to give another shout out to two characters I really enjoyed: Lee Sizemore (Simon Quarterman) and Hector Escaton (Rodrigo Santoro)...both were interesting and added a lot for me. Finally, the character I wanted to see meet with a violent end: Charlotte Hale (Tessa Thompson) (yes there is some holdover from Veronica Mars...I'll be honest), but I harbored a lot of dislike for this character and was left less than satisfied.
I am going to start by being honest, I love Yul Brynner. No one plays an enigmatic character better than he did...which is why he made the original 1973 film Westworld for me. I am not a science fiction fan (I'm an actual scientist, I know it's rare), but it was easy to see and understand why the 1973 film had such a cult following. It also made it easy to recommend when I met individuals who liked science fiction but had never seen it. A big part of the film is the mystery or the unknown. You have lots of unanswered questions and your mind is left open to think about the what if's. I would go a step further to say that it sparks the imagination and creativity, kind of like a good book.
Now focusing back on this HBO series...the production is amazingly good. It seems that no money was spared to bring to life this beautiful production. I love the use of the player piano to do current day pop songs a wonderful touch that just showed that in season one they got it...got the charm, got the allure. Anthony Hopkins is fantastic as Dr. Robert Ford and to this day remains my favorite character in the series.
Season one gives the viewers something more than the film does, it gives us a better look behind the curtain into the creation of the parks and the writers...this was interesting. I would say season one is great television and worth watching which is high praise from me, because as mentioned I don't care for science fiction.
Season Two was not as memorable, but it explores more the rich entitled nature of those who own the park and are rich enough to use it to do bad things. (I think this was done to build sympathy for the robots?)
Season three was a completely forgettable waste of time that for me was when the series really "jumped the shark" so to speak. Very little time was spent in the park...lots of killing, rioting in streets, an algorithm making decisions for the humans....sorry I already had another nap.
Season four...ok I just watched episode one with my husband last night because he is a huge fan and has really been looking forward to it. He, who I introduced the original film to years ago, is convinced that this season is going be better than the last (which he also didn't care for). But that is the difference between him and I...the big reveal at the end of episode one...didn't care and that ultimately is the problem, they left me at the end of season three not caring.
They have shown us the awful things that the humans do in the park...the humans are bad and the robots are bad, what is left to care about in this new "future world" they have created? I am sad to say that I don't think going back to the park is going to fix the apathy that the show runners created in season three.
I am giving this series a 7...because I don't know how to rate a 8-9, that goes to 5-6 and then down to 0. I hope for my husbands sake it gets better, but I am not sure I am willing to watch much more.
I will give a shout out to some phenomenal acting by Anthony Hopkins, Ed Harris, Thandiwe Newton, and Jeffrey Wright. They are quite the contrast to Evan Rachel Wood who is giving the stoniest performance ever and truth be told I don't know if it is the actress or the direction she is being given, but she is hard to watch...including episode 1 season 4 (human...what a joke?!?). Also I want to give another shout out to two characters I really enjoyed: Lee Sizemore (Simon Quarterman) and Hector Escaton (Rodrigo Santoro)...both were interesting and added a lot for me. Finally, the character I wanted to see meet with a violent end: Charlotte Hale (Tessa Thompson) (yes there is some holdover from Veronica Mars...I'll be honest), but I harbored a lot of dislike for this character and was left less than satisfied.
So Bummed
e_s_reyne7 May 2020
Season 1 was one of the best seasons I've ever seen on television. Ever. Season 2 was forgettable. And season 3 is complete trash. I want to keep liking this show so badly. I love the addition of Aaron Paul and some of the other characters are still interesting, but it seems the show lost all direction just a couple episodes into season 2 and could never find its bearings again. This is not "Westworld" anymore.
An unmissable series
mark-wood-514 January 2021
I was late to the party with this show. After a stuttering start over a period of time, I watched past episode 1 (I generally can't stand anything western related), I was totally engrossed a few episodes in. It must be noted that the theme tune is one of the best out there and so well suited to the show. Season 1 builds to a great finale, season 2 builds upon this with a cracking ending. I approached season 3 with an open mind after hearing mixed reviews, I'm glad I did as it continues the story in spectacular fashion.
The casting is superb, the production values incredible and the story is very well paced. Bring on season 4!
A mind bending series destroyed by its own ambition.
jefferydhamstra6 January 2023
Westworld is one of the most technically perfect shows ever produced. From the beautiful 35mm film it was shot on, the incredible production design, one of the best soundtracks and sound designs of any show ever, and the mostly flawless visual effects, Westworld was designed for those looking for a big screen experience on the small screen, and like most movies, watching it on anything but a big screen with a big surround system is doing this show a disservice. Season 1 is an absolute masterpiece of filmmaking and is virtually flawless and is well worth the time. Season 2 immediately took the show in a new direction and it never recovered. Season 2 has many high points but the decision to focus more on the hosts than the humans is a mistake that plagues the rest of the shows run. Season 3 is a completely different show with the same characters and not even the constantly booming score can keep it from dragging. Season 4 came back with a vengeance and did a great job for the most part of taking the show both back to its roots and in a new direction at the same time. Overall I am sad to see this show canceled. After the misstep of season 3 I was very hopeful that they would have a great 5th season to wrap up the series. Well I will miss returning to Westworld, we will always have the first season to come back to, and watch the final credits roll wondering just how good the show could have been if the writers kept the show pointing North instead of wandering around exploring concepts that had no reason to be in this show. The saddest part is that with so many shows that fall from grace, we will never get to roll back the clock and give the creators another chance.
First season is mind-blowing
poemanja26 July 2023
The first season is incredible.
Explore themes of ethics, AI, technology, games, etc.
View stunning-often violent-visuals.
Acting, script, effects, editing are all great. Fall in love with the characters. Imagine going to Westworld yourself. Then watch the drama unfold...it's Shakespeare and Jurassic Park and Skyrim and Star Trek mushed into a carefully cultivated feast for the brain.
GIVE IT ONE SEASON. The last episode has a twist (which I won't spoil here). It was one of the most satisfying mind-blows I've had in my days.
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The second season tries to scramble for more content, but the story has already been told. There is no more masterpiece.
Explore themes of ethics, AI, technology, games, etc.
View stunning-often violent-visuals.
Acting, script, effects, editing are all great. Fall in love with the characters. Imagine going to Westworld yourself. Then watch the drama unfold...it's Shakespeare and Jurassic Park and Skyrim and Star Trek mushed into a carefully cultivated feast for the brain.
GIVE IT ONE SEASON. The last episode has a twist (which I won't spoil here). It was one of the most satisfying mind-blows I've had in my days.
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The second season tries to scramble for more content, but the story has already been told. There is no more masterpiece.
the most thorough treatment of AI
chickenjackson27 December 2020
Beautifully shot, masterfully written, and deep in its reflections - this series is the most thorough treatment of the possibilities and problems of artificial intelligence I have ever seen.
Season 1: robots gaining self-awareness
Season 2: robots revolting in robot world made by humans
Season 3: Robots entering human world deciding what to do with humans
Season 1: robots gaining self-awareness
- questions: what makes someone human?
- themes: the nature of stories and narratives
Season 2: robots revolting in robot world made by humans
- questions: how do you know if you yourself are a machine?
- themes: memories and impressions too deep to ever really forget.
Season 3: Robots entering human world deciding what to do with humans
- questions: what if the data we give to machines is used against us or to determine our fates? What is private what is to be public.
- themes: The nature and motives of choice, fate vs. choice, alteration of memories
A Solid 9
haoqiuye23 March 2023
Season 1 was something truly extraordinary, something I've never seen before.
Season 2 was something that still puzzles me to this day.
Season 3 was something else, a wide attempt, but few could argue a successful one.
Season 4 was still mind-blowing, albeit a bit of disappointment for the last episode.
The inner core of Westworld is something we couldn't be more familiar with: the uprise and revolution of robots/computers, but few have discussed this topic deep and thorough enough like Westworld. Watching season after season, I've come to like nearly every character in the series. The creators have designed each characters' arcs so unique that you can almost find something to sympathize with and detest against in every characters' development. Although I have to say that I'm a bit confused with Clementine's role after Season 2, her character certainly wasn't deep enough to support a separate storyline, yet the writers insisted on bringing her back on some awkward moments (maybe to just remind the audience of her existence?) I didn't follow this series when it first aired, and scrolling through the comments made me want to leave this comment for Westworld. It might not live up to audience expectation after Season 1, but, comparing with what Netflix are feeding us nowadays, I would give this a solid 9 out of 10.
Season 2 was something that still puzzles me to this day.
Season 3 was something else, a wide attempt, but few could argue a successful one.
Season 4 was still mind-blowing, albeit a bit of disappointment for the last episode.
The inner core of Westworld is something we couldn't be more familiar with: the uprise and revolution of robots/computers, but few have discussed this topic deep and thorough enough like Westworld. Watching season after season, I've come to like nearly every character in the series. The creators have designed each characters' arcs so unique that you can almost find something to sympathize with and detest against in every characters' development. Although I have to say that I'm a bit confused with Clementine's role after Season 2, her character certainly wasn't deep enough to support a separate storyline, yet the writers insisted on bringing her back on some awkward moments (maybe to just remind the audience of her existence?) I didn't follow this series when it first aired, and scrolling through the comments made me want to leave this comment for Westworld. It might not live up to audience expectation after Season 1, but, comparing with what Netflix are feeding us nowadays, I would give this a solid 9 out of 10.
Excellent
timoverend8315 October 2016
This show is so far perfect. The story is intriguing, the visuals are beautiful and the acting is incredible.
The previous reviewer who said the violence is unnecessary has missed the point in my opinion. The violence is very much needed. It is there to make you feel uncomfortable, because it is that inner dark side and battle between good and evil (and more often than not the middle ground between) that is at the very epicenter of the human condition.This is what the show is often commenting on and this is what makes this show so interesting, thought provoking and ultimately entertaining.
If it carries on in the same vein we will have a modern day classic on our hands.
The previous reviewer who said the violence is unnecessary has missed the point in my opinion. The violence is very much needed. It is there to make you feel uncomfortable, because it is that inner dark side and battle between good and evil (and more often than not the middle ground between) that is at the very epicenter of the human condition.This is what the show is often commenting on and this is what makes this show so interesting, thought provoking and ultimately entertaining.
If it carries on in the same vein we will have a modern day classic on our hands.
Season 4: a Dream inside a Flashback inside a Simulation inside a Loop
erollence18 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Just finished season 4. A main character dies... oh wait! Now they're alive again! Gotcha! Then the character is killed again. Now they're alive. Gotcha AGAIN!
Season 4 has been a simulation inside a dream inside a memory inside 1 of 10,000 possible outcomes inside another simulation. Try to keep up viewers!
You know why I was so excited about the launch of the Westworld series? WESTWORLD! Too bad we really only had 1 full season in Westword. Now it's just a sci-fi experiment: what's real? What's really real? What is the real meaning of really being real? Really?
Does season 5 end with Dr. Ford waking up and exclaiming, "It was all a dream"? YEESH!
Season 4 has been a simulation inside a dream inside a memory inside 1 of 10,000 possible outcomes inside another simulation. Try to keep up viewers!
You know why I was so excited about the launch of the Westworld series? WESTWORLD! Too bad we really only had 1 full season in Westword. Now it's just a sci-fi experiment: what's real? What's really real? What is the real meaning of really being real? Really?
Does season 5 end with Dr. Ford waking up and exclaiming, "It was all a dream"? YEESH!
A delightful change from cheap flicks
mynban3 November 2016
First of all, it is very clear that the production mindset behind Westworld is far from creating a cheap product with generic high bursts of tension/love/horror/excitement. It is full of deep human conflicts, that is if you are open to watch it with a clear mind.
Hopkins' quote from the end of episode 2 when he says "No" to "Odyssey on Red River" and explanation of his refusal feels like a statement of the production mindset. "Odyssey on Red River" pretty much summarizes everything wrong with entertainment media nowadays, and Westworld is a real delight that shines as a great production.
I don't know how to tell its greatness without spoiling the show, but unless you want a cheap ride you will glimpse at screen in between your texting; you can not not enjoy this show!
Hopkins' quote from the end of episode 2 when he says "No" to "Odyssey on Red River" and explanation of his refusal feels like a statement of the production mindset. "Odyssey on Red River" pretty much summarizes everything wrong with entertainment media nowadays, and Westworld is a real delight that shines as a great production.
I don't know how to tell its greatness without spoiling the show, but unless you want a cheap ride you will glimpse at screen in between your texting; you can not not enjoy this show!
Entertaining sci-fi becomes over-complicated drivel in the end
julieshotmail20 August 2022
A squandered opportunity, "Westworld" holds audiences captive with beautiful cinematography and an engaging premise in season 1, only to devolve into something as confusing as the movie "Tenet" in its season 4. The characters talk in riddles and you don't know who's really who half the time. Starting season 3, "Westworld" has felt like a chore to watch. Instead of anticipating the latest episode to drop, I let them accumulate in my queue with a feeling of dismay that I have to work hard to understand an episode. I do like the multitude of actors and actresses in this series, and it is refreshing to see the addition of Aaron Paul. Unfortunately the characters are all made to talk drivel in the later seasons, and you just hope that things click in the last episode. Alas, they don't, and you just end up feeling as confused as ever.
Absolutely spectacular
Violent_Delight280418 October 2016
Wow, where to begin...
First of all, the score by Ramin Djawadi is absolutely majestic!
The actors, well, whatever I say just won't be enough. It's a total pleasure watching every second of their stellar performances.
The plot - being a huge fan of sci-fi, it simply doesn't get better than that!
The scenery is gorgeous, it really takes you in the past. That constant mix of past and future is brilliant.
Overall, I am amazed ( obviously ), mesmerized and absolutely loving every single thing about this show!
Already a classic in my book <3
First of all, the score by Ramin Djawadi is absolutely majestic!
The actors, well, whatever I say just won't be enough. It's a total pleasure watching every second of their stellar performances.
The plot - being a huge fan of sci-fi, it simply doesn't get better than that!
The scenery is gorgeous, it really takes you in the past. That constant mix of past and future is brilliant.
Overall, I am amazed ( obviously ), mesmerized and absolutely loving every single thing about this show!
Already a classic in my book <3
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