Westworld

:

Season 1
  • Network: HBO , SKA
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 2, 2016
Season #: 4, 3, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 1379 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,248 out of 1379
  2. Mixed: 79 out of 1379
  3. Negative: 52 out of 1379
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  1. CatToast
    Dec 6, 2016
    10
    From one of the best writers in the business, Jonathon Nolan (Memento, Inception, The Dark Night,). comes a wonderfully crafted script that has you guessing until the very end. Stick with this one, the tension builds every episode and was all worth it when season finale came. Anthony Hopkins was absolutely terrific in his role as Robert Ford.
  2. ozymandias79
    Dec 6, 2016
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Westworld was an interesting ride but I don't think the producers pulled off what they were aiming for. I don't know if it was too ambitious for the people involved or what, but that last episode was too WTF. The reveal was stupid and contradicted a previous plot point. The last episode is a real disappointment. May be the producers should have figured out the meaning of the maze before trying to explain it. So what's next? Samuraiworld?… Expand
  3. bcdserra
    Dec 5, 2016
    10
    Finally a show that gets better and more interesting as it goes instead of tricking you with a flashy start and boring you in the second half.

    I wasn't really into it for the first couple of episodes but in the end I see this as a masterpiece.

    I'm sure the first day reviewers who gave it an unfair 0 must feel really really stupid right now.
  4. Palladium-46
    Dec 5, 2016
    10
    After the superbly climactic and cathartic season finale, one is left wondering whether there will ever be another TV show like this one, because surely there hasn't been one before... Furthermore, even though I hate to sound overenthusiastic, there are a lot of philosophy and psychology classes that would benefit from the questions on emergent conscience and epiphenomenalism that thisAfter the superbly climactic and cathartic season finale, one is left wondering whether there will ever be another TV show like this one, because surely there hasn't been one before... Furthermore, even though I hate to sound overenthusiastic, there are a lot of philosophy and psychology classes that would benefit from the questions on emergent conscience and epiphenomenalism that this show plays around with. The last two episodes in particular, where the characters unravel and the plot gains in complexity, leave you at the edge of your seat constantly guessing, wondering what's next and finally realizing, that you have immersed yourself to such a great extent in the story-line, that you have suspended all disbelief that a world like the one depicted in the show, could actually one day really exist.… Expand
  5. Riflenator1234
    Dec 5, 2016
    10
    Critics are stupid. This show has to be one of the most satisfying things I've seen in ages. It's excellent from start to end, and even if the second season is terrible, the first season stands perfectly well on its own. You're doing yourself a massive disservice if you haven't seen it.
  6. SoBtRy
    Dec 5, 2016
    10
    Right up there with some of the best seasons of television I have ever watched. I'd probably put it below Season 4 of The Wire, but man, this was brilliant.
  7. Moo-vies
    Dec 5, 2016
    5
    The longer the show progresses, the more suspension of belief the spectator has to accept.
    The production quality is good, the actors.
    This is not hard sci fi but a TV series built around a mystery. It reminds me of Lost for that. But when your mystery is a loosely defined malleable element, the consequent writing is simply not coherent enough. From one episode to the next, the    The longer the show progresses, the more suspension of belief the spectator has to accept.
    The production quality is good, the actors.
    This is not hard sci fi but a TV series built around a mystery. It reminds me of Lost for that.

    But when your mystery is a loosely defined malleable element, the consequent writing is simply not coherent enough.

    From one episode to the next, the "hosts" are organic, then mechanic.
    The shootings are centrally controlled/allowed by the park in one episode then not.
    The labs with no camera to control what is happening there in a super high tech environment.

    There are just too many elements in the writing that call for a suspension of belief of the spectator.
    The accumulation of these moments are disappointing for a show that was promising in its first episodes but slowly turns into a "whatever goes" production.

    The story is already leaking everywhere and the quality of the story developed on promising premises is already drastically falling down. I hope they do not try to make this show survive more than the 1 or 2 seasons it can live on its sinking story.    … Expand
  8. Targayrean
    Dec 4, 2016
    10
    This is the best season of television I've ever seen. But, it's not the best television show. Only time will tell if it becomes a Breaking Bad. Certainly Westworld is a 10 hours or so well spent. I'm greedy for more but since it is such a heavy show I don't see how it can push the envelope.
  9. Nemo7777
    Dec 2, 2016
    4
    Just not very good.

    I wanted to like Westworld. The73 film is one of my favorites and I had very high hopes for the HBO series, especially given the cast. Unfortunately it just doesn't measure up, either as sci-fi or as a western. The problem isn't in the acting- everyone is very good with the possible exception of (ironically) Anthony Hopkins. He comes across very flat and at    Just not very good.

    I wanted to like Westworld. The73 film is one of my favorites and I had very high hopes for the HBO series, especially given the cast. Unfortunately it just doesn't measure up, either as sci-fi or as a western.

    The problem isn't in the acting- everyone is very good with the possible exception of (ironically) Anthony Hopkins. He comes across very flat and at times I felt like he was recycling his performance from Silence of the Lambs. Very flat, lack of affect, dead eye stare as he says something amoral. Lather, rinse, repeat. (I do have some bias against him as I feel he's way over exposed.) Evan Rachel Wood is very good as Dolores. Thandie Newton's accent slips through occasionally-- unless that's on purpose. Ed Harris doesn't have much to do here except act like a total bunghole and randomly eviscerate hosts.

    In the end it's the glut of sex and violence that wears on me here. Whoever wrote and whoever directed this series does not understand subtlety at all. Want to show how amoral Ed Harris' character is? OK we'll just have him rape someone or shoot someone for no reason. And show it all in gory detail. Want to show how the guests immediately sink into moral turpitude regardless of their character in the real world-- let's have a pointless orgy and every cut and bit of dialogue will have somebody **** in the background. After the second episode I got very tired of establishing shots of piles of bodies in the backstage areas. Yeah, we get it, the hosts are fungible and not really considered anything but disposable objects. Quit fingerpainting with blood already.

    The plot is simultaneously over complex and ridiculously transparent- everybody's got an agenda and they are all bad guys. But they are Snidely Whiplash style bad guys, not Ernst Stavro Blofeld bad guys. Every twist and turn is predictable and worse, they telegraph them.

    It's really too bad- I can see a good idea here somewhere buried under the hosts corpses.    … Expand
  10. stricklerfilms
    Dec 2, 2016
    0
    Michael Crichton's 1973 film terrified audiences throughout the world with the concept that artificial intelligence could one day turn on us. That is exactly the same concept on this show, except they drag out five episodes (because they want five seasons of this b.s.) to come to a conclusion about a character the fans predicted during the first episode. I am HIGHLY disappointed withMichael Crichton's 1973 film terrified audiences throughout the world with the concept that artificial intelligence could one day turn on us. That is exactly the same concept on this show, except they drag out five episodes (because they want five seasons of this b.s.) to come to a conclusion about a character the fans predicted during the first episode. I am HIGHLY disappointed with this show-0/10. With a predictable plot, terrible acting (seriously Anthony Hopkins could do waaay better) and awkwardly placed rape scenes-this show is simply not worth watching. Never intend to watch another season of this garbage, just go watch the 1973 Westworld instead-it's way more original and less predictable and there isn't rape.… Expand
  11. Catchy
    Dec 1, 2016
    10
    Best series I've ever watched! Great acting, good chemistry between actors and story is unbelievable good, every episode there's a mind-blowing twist, amazing story writing for each and every episode.
  12. JoyBell
    Nov 30, 2016
    10
    Great show. GOT season 1 quality.. I believe it has great potential, waiting on season finale. The plot twists did NOT dissapoint.. I hope season 2 will be as good as 1.
  13. Serenityinaz12
    Nov 27, 2016
    10
    This show is unbelievable. There were a few episodes earlier in the season that were good but not amazing, but man has this season gotten good. Overall I'm blown away and would put this already as my #3 tv show of all time with X-files #1 and Breaking Bad #2
  14. Metamule1970
    Nov 23, 2016
    10
    I loved it. Coud NOT stop and Saw the hole 10 episodes the same Night. A masterpice with so many Well written chareters Good plot and Great acting. I do love storis's with ai in Them. it is a easy Way to make us reflektere on our own live. Much better than game of thrownes with less plot holes.
  15. djbarker
    Nov 23, 2016
    6
    Westworld looks truly incredible and the budget must be immense. But I think this gloss fools you into thinking you are watching something of true quality. But then many of the characters are such cartoons that it shatters immersion. There are a different set of parallel plots running through the series that fail to intersect in pleasing or surprising ways. It seems the plot of this isWestworld looks truly incredible and the budget must be immense. But I think this gloss fools you into thinking you are watching something of true quality. But then many of the characters are such cartoons that it shatters immersion. There are a different set of parallel plots running through the series that fail to intersect in pleasing or surprising ways. It seems the plot of this is really 'what's the plot.' A pretty weak premise in my opinion. Finally a question of believability - a park that can monitor the location of all hosts and guests is unable to monitor the activities of it's staff, who do no end of story-breaking acts of selfishness and idiocy.… Expand
  16. IrishShark13
    Nov 22, 2016
    9
    Brilliant cinematography. Beautiful score and elegantly constructed modern music set to the western genre. Superb acting throughout all aspects of the narrative. Thought provoking plot and addictive storytelling. Wonderfully put together show with underlining details that rivals what "Lost" set forth in character development and narrative curiosity. 9/10 with two episodes left. Excited toBrilliant cinematography. Beautiful score and elegantly constructed modern music set to the western genre. Superb acting throughout all aspects of the narrative. Thought provoking plot and addictive storytelling. Wonderfully put together show with underlining details that rivals what "Lost" set forth in character development and narrative curiosity. 9/10 with two episodes left. Excited to know it has been renewed for a second season. Fantastic series, a must watch HBO original.… Expand
  17. MikeF
    Nov 21, 2016
    2
    Repetitive, slow and completely uninteresting. Too many questions, no answers. Unlikeable characters. This and the expanse have to be two of the worst shows on Television right now. At least Ash vs Evil Dead is exciting. I don't want to put to sleep, I want to be on the edge of my seat.
  18. Elaneium
    Nov 20, 2016
    4
    I try just about every show, movie, video game, and restaurant that I hear is good. And quite honestly, I've liked just about every single one. That said, Westworld is by far the most I've ever disagreed with general reception.

    As you probably know, it's a show about a Western theme park where robots can't harm people and people can do almost whatever they want. Sounds cool, right? Well    I try just about every show, movie, video game, and restaurant that I hear is good. And quite honestly, I've liked just about every single one. That said, Westworld is by far the most I've ever disagreed with general reception.

    As you probably know, it's a show about a Western theme park where robots can't harm people and people can do almost whatever they want. Sounds cool, right? Well be prepared to spend a ton of time witnessing scenes that feel like they're trying to develop characters but simply do not. It's clear to the viewer very early on that there are some issues with the robots and that they're behaving "out of the ordinary" (avoiding spoilers here). Here we get into the same frustrations I had with Fear the Walking Dead: The viewers know that they are zombies, and how the characters should handle them. But we see a ridiculous amount of stupidity that essentially only frustrates the viewers. Not to mention, there are extremely big plot holes regarding this stupidity that can't be justified. In Fear the Walking Dead, there's an excuse: The people don't know how to handle them. In Westworld, they do, to a degree that they've been doing it for 30 whole years. So here's an example of said plot holes: We're shown early on that the people running the theme park have tons of cameras, and that the people behind these cameras are quite keen. They see small details and notice inconsistencies in robots despite such a large world. Yet once one of the main robots starts acting strange in episode 5-6, they don't notice a thing. Obvious actions and dialogue that would instantly raise alarms are completely ignored. Somehow after 30 years of everything going smooth, the tons of people running the place apparently have simultaneously fallen asleep at the wheel. It's so jarring and immersion breaking that I nearly quit the show once I saw these actions go completely unnoticed.

    Not only are plot holes fairly abundant, the characters are completely one dimensional. Good guy is good guy, bad guy is bad guy. One character known as "the Man in Black" had a pretty great introduction. He's a guy that's been to the park so many times that he treats the robots like mindless dolls and knows their actions. But he quickly spins into an edgy bad guy cliche where if he's on camera, expect a boring shoot out. You see, when one side of the fight can't lose, action scenes are pretty much meaningless. Not only that, but we're shown that robots MAY be able to physically harm someone in other ways minus a gun. But expect plot armor or editing to quickly interrupt the scene so that we're left asking the question each week.

    The show can be summed up in a few words: Frustrating, tedious, slow, and boring. Again, I usually am not much a critic. If something is on, or if I'm eating some food, I usually just shut up and enjoy whatever is in front of me. But Westworld, for some reason, is different. I find myself almost constantly being annoyed with the presentation and the characters. If you're coming off of Game of Thrones hoping to find HBO's next big show, I'd suggest just waiting. The smallest characters in GoT are more interesting than the main characters of Westworld. Heck, even most of the more silent characters on GoT are more entertaining simply because of the plot/scenarios they're put in. But Westworld has none of that. There's no mystery. Everything is just laid out in front of the viewer and we're left with knowing many of the secrets 99% of the cast doesn't know about. It adds up to make a very frustrating experience.

    If you're going into Westworld hoping to see a show about humans acting in a world with almost no consequences in an awesome Western setting, be prepared to be disappointed. Instead, we're given a cliched robot drama that we've seen 100 times. "Oh no!! They realize they're not robots!" It's been done over and over. And worse, it's been done over and over and much better than this. Be prepared to see humans making dumb mistakes, plot holes, plot armor, and horrible pacing. I'm halfway through episode 7 and I feel like everything between now and episode 1 could've been in 1.5 episodes. I'm not over exaggerating just how slow this is. And slow isn't always bad. I actually liked Season 2 of The Walking Dead that many fans hated (again, I usually can watch just about anything). Why? There was still character development, and to be blunt, the characters were simply better.

    A show can only be so good when action scenes have no suspense, characters are used for failed pacing scenes ("We need some sort of bloodshed.. Man in Black scene!!"), and people do ridiculously stupid things to allow the plot to advance. After devoting well over 6.5 hours of my life to Westworld, I can honestly say I wish I had watched something else. My time invested has been entirely wasted, hoping SOMETHING would happen that would spark interest. The only thing I can say is that it's well shot, an interesting idea, and the effects are good.    … Expand
  19. jonnybgoode
    Nov 19, 2016
    10
    Multiple and intricate Plot Lines, great acting, and a seamless movement between the future and the past make this a great show. I look forward to each new episode.
  20. MikeHolloway
    Nov 17, 2016
    5
    A brilliant cultural critique turned into a snuff and porn show. The writers and producers tell us that this is a morality play about our using depravity for amusement (a metaphor for violent video games), then we're given depravity to be amused by. I appreciate the conceit to its full extent. JJ et al. have convinced me. I'm not watching anymore. But I am going to read the EW recapsA brilliant cultural critique turned into a snuff and porn show. The writers and producers tell us that this is a morality play about our using depravity for amusement (a metaphor for violent video games), then we're given depravity to be amused by. I appreciate the conceit to its full extent. JJ et al. have convinced me. I'm not watching anymore. But I am going to read the EW recaps which recount the story and actual ideas being expressed. This story would have been great as a novel. Making a multi-million dollar snuff and porn show out of though is just too cynical. Reading it allows the cultural critique to come through. Showing it in all Beavis and Butthead glory though is just making more Trump voters. So I give it a 10 for ideas and a 1 for execution. Averaged to 5.… Expand
  21. TheWaffle
    Nov 15, 2016
    6
    Every sequence is beautiful, and many of the characters are interesting, but the show just doesn't feel like it is going anywhere. I'm halfway through the season and there's still nothing but vague references to greater mysteries, it just keeps building atmosphere without ever leading to anything new. There have been gunfights and orgies and pensive stares all shot with beautifulEvery sequence is beautiful, and many of the characters are interesting, but the show just doesn't feel like it is going anywhere. I'm halfway through the season and there's still nothing but vague references to greater mysteries, it just keeps building atmosphere without ever leading to anything new. There have been gunfights and orgies and pensive stares all shot with beautiful cinematography and solid acting, but there's never a hint of real stakes and the plot is plodding along at a glacial pace.… Expand
  22. bogmire
    Nov 14, 2016
    9
    This is the best new show on TV right now. The critics are being their usual out of touch, "if its not about minorities in some trendy city being quirky and/or oppressed its crap" selves, but this is really good. It distills a lot of ideas from other media into an entertaining, thrilling, and cerebral experience. Its not perfect, but man is it good.
  23. tomray
    Nov 9, 2016
    9
    First show in a decade that made me count towards each new episode to come (and watch repeats in the mean time). The story takes you on a slow multi-level journey,, of which I only can assume these basic pieces will peel offl in place of an ever bigger mystery . The Nolan team has already proven to be capable of deep original storytelling, with a speciality of lifting a basic childishFirst show in a decade that made me count towards each new episode to come (and watch repeats in the mean time). The story takes you on a slow multi-level journey,, of which I only can assume these basic pieces will peel offl in place of an ever bigger mystery . The Nolan team has already proven to be capable of deep original storytelling, with a speciality of lifting a basic childish memory (superheroes, dreams, magic, time travel, wild west...) into mature thought-provocative masterpieces (that is if you are willing to invest the time needed). Whatver conclusion this ride will guido you to, you''re in the company of an authentic yet again phenomenal Anthony Hopkins, a convincing timebomb Evan Rachel Wood and an equally developingJimmi Simpson, in a wonderful universe that keeps expanding eeach episode. And... Don't forget to check the genius soundtrack by composer Ramin Djawadi,… Expand
  24. Laj
    Nov 6, 2016
    1
    Sexual violence, repetitive graphic murder and nudity is fast becoming HBO's stock in trade. That is a real shame.

    To my mind the writing is weak, the character development superficial and the (no doubt) storyline - the ultimate rise of the machines against their masters - entirely predictable. Pity the poor actors I say, having to do the best they can with the dross they have been    Sexual violence, repetitive graphic murder and nudity is fast becoming HBO's stock in trade. That is a real shame.

    To my mind the writing is weak, the character development superficial and the (no doubt) storyline - the ultimate rise of the machines against their masters - entirely predictable. Pity the poor actors I say, having to do the best they can with the dross they have been given. Worse they have to be complicit in the "shock horror titillation" rape culture beloved of TV Producers.

    I am not entirely sure I would ever want to go somewhere I could live out my vilest fantasies; not least because I don't have vile fantasies. Strangely I am not a psychopathic murderer that takes pleasure in inflicting pain on others. Westworld is about the last place I could imagine myself taking a holiday.

    Ultimately that is my biggest problem with Westworld. It isn't a place I want to be transported to. If it is your "thing" then have at it. But me? I'm hohum about the premise, underwhelmed by the acting, disappointed by the dialogue, sickened by the sexual violence and plain bored by the (increasingly repetitive) violence.

    Sad to say, two thumbs down from me     … Expand
  25. leftshark86
    Nov 6, 2016
    9
    Fantastic show. The story is really interesting and I find that I'm hooked after each episode. The disucssion of machines/ AI gaining consciousness is fascinating to me. The effects and acting are second to none. Each character is fleshed out well, and I am into each story arch.
  26. zubarsky
    Nov 6, 2016
    10
    I thought the show was going OK and i liked it at first. But, it keeps getting better. After watching tonights episode (11/6) I had to go online and give it my support. It's really getting good.
  27. genericboy77
    Nov 6, 2016
    9
    I was hooked on the first episode. Now after 4 more I can't wait to see where this goes. They story the characters are telling us berry compelling and enthralling.
  28. Brozzzzi
    Nov 4, 2016
    10
    Absolutely BRILLIANT show. A renaissance in acting from all cast members, stunning set & costume design, and mind bending concept & writing. Evan Rachel Wood is especially phenomenal in this role.
  29. revillo
    Nov 3, 2016
    6
    After 5 episodes, it's not clear whether HBO intends for Westworld to be anything more than a straightforward genre exercise with tropey characters. There's a glimmer of hope that something more intriguing is on the horizon, but I doubt I'll stay along for the ride.
  30. hopefulcynic
    Nov 3, 2016
    8
    I really loved the first 3 episodes (4 not so much), but I feel like the directors showed their hand too soon. It reminds me of the first scene of Game of Thrones where they introduced you to some series stuff that won't be addressed for a few seasons.

    I see this show playing out in one of two ways. They will either go the "Lost" route, where they just keep coming up with random out of    I really loved the first 3 episodes (4 not so much), but I feel like the directors showed their hand too soon. It reminds me of the first scene of Game of Thrones where they introduced you to some series stuff that won't be addressed for a few seasons.

    I see this show playing out in one of two ways. They will either go the "Lost" route, where they just keep coming up with random out of nowhere plots, or the Lord of the Rings route, where they make the story very clear and take forever to reach it's obvious conclusion.

    For me, the show seems like it will either be a huge success or a huge fail. I don't see any middle ground for this show, especially after the very audacious first couple episodes.

    I'm enjoying it so far, but there are only 4 episodes, at the time of writing this, so it's hard to really judge it yet. So far it has been the type of show where you watch the episodes again because there are a lot of little hints that leave holes to be filled with theories and speculation. I would give the show a look, but if you have an issue with violence, nudity, and graphic sex, than this is not for you.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

63
#63 Best TV Season of 2016
2
#2 Most Discussed TV Season of 2016
16
#16 Most Shared TV Season of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 43 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 43
  3. Negative: 1 out of 43
  1. Under The Radar
    Reviewed by: Julia Bembenek
    Oct 18, 2016
    90
    With a star-studded cast (notably featuring Ed Harris, Evan Rachel Wood, Anthony Hopkins, James Marsden, and Jeffrey Wright), lush production design, epically sprawling story, and astonishingly huge budget, HBO is banking on the J.J. Abrams-produced Westworld to become a tentpole series. In a rare case, the network's investment pays off.
    Read full review
  2. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Emily Nussbaum
    Oct 17, 2016
    70
    Westworld is explicitly, and often wittily, an exploitation series about exploitation, full of naked bodies that are meant to make us think about nudity and violence that comments on violence. It’s the kind of trippy conceptual project that would be unbearable if it weren’t so elegantly made. So far, it works, mostly--not because it’s perfect but because it gets under your skin.
    Read full review
  3. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Mary McNamara
    Oct 4, 2016
    100
    It isn’t just great television, it’s vivid, thought-provoking television that entertains even as it examines the darker side of entertainment.
    Read full review
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