I kind of hated the pilot, but then thought ep 2 was much better, aside from continuing reservations about the body horror. Haven't had a chance to get to the next couple of eps yet, so I guess I'll either get further into it or it'll become one of those shows I started and didn't quite get further into.

So, here's my main source of intrigue about WestWorld. Which is speculation but not spoiler.

They seem to be developing multiple timelines of the characters at the same time. That is, I think we're seeing Delores' story over a period of 34 years. I think they'll tip their hand to this soon.

But basically they started the show with a Flash Forward built into it.

Second, they've hit upon a lot of intriguing notions about identity and self-hood and artificial intelligence so I'm getting echoes of: Blade Runner, Ex-Machina, Dollhouse, Battlestar Galactica (reboot).

Finally, the show really seems to be digging into a lot of issues with rape culture, PTSD and gaslighting. Finding a metaphorical base for engaging those issues.

The implication of this theory is that William (nice guy with Delores) is Man in Black (Ed Harris) thirty some years ago.

Oh, and that there is no labyrinth per se, but that it's Delores' path as she loops through time and multiple memory wipes trying to put her own story together.

Which has some credence since this show is being run by the guy who co-wrote Memento.

I am loving the performances in Westworld. Evan Rachel Wood's Delores is fantastic! And Thandie Newton is also knocking it out of the park. Jeffrey Wright. Anthony Hopkins doing his reliably creepy creepiness. I don't know the woman playing the QA head, but she's great as well. So many good performances. For that reason, more than for the story itself, I've been really enjoying the show. The story itself has yet to really grab me. I'm finding it a little bit pretentious, like it's taking itself way too seriously.

I concur on the acting. The three you note in particular stand out. Of those three, Jeffrey Wright was the known quantity. I knew he could do this kind of performance. But Thandie, and especially Evan Rachel Wood have been revelations.

I think Westworld is pinging me just the way it is you, Hec. The nature of humanity and identity and self stuff, and the quality of the acting is astonishing, especially Evan Rachel Wood and Thandie Newton, and oh yeah, that Hopkins guy just thrown in for shiggles. (I also love Bernard, can't wait for more of his scenes.)

They've hooked me. Every time someone says "Analysis:", I sit forward on the couch.

There is a ton of gore, sexual violence and disregard for (mostly robot) life in general, so I can see how it would be too disturbing for some, but it hits those Blade Runner keys for me.

I have ordered a set of the Outlander wines. I wish it were Claire/Jamie/Bree/Roger, but maybe they'll partner with a distillery for S4.

I am terribly excited about Westworld, but so far I have only managed to catch the first episode, due to school and work, and now my quick trip to LA. I hope to catch up soon.

I'm loving Westworld for the reasons Hec mentioned.

The implication of this theory is that William (nice guy with Delores) is Man in Black (Ed Harris) thirty some years ago.

I ran across this fan theory so I had to rewatch all the episodes with that theory in mind. It works, except if that's the case the show is trying to deceive us with editing that implies it's all one timeline.

Oh, and that there is no labyrinth per se, but that it's Delores' path as she loops through time and multiple memory wipes trying to put her own story together.

I don't think I buy this. Why is the maze such a big part of Native culture then? (That was shown in the preview for next Sunday's episode.