Westworld (2016)

Westworld is a masterclass in television storytelling. Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy's writing is meticulous — every episode builds towards something. The theme of cyclical suffering runs through every storyline. A must-watch.

I started Westworld thinking I'd watch an episode or two. Three sleepless nights later I'd finished the entire run. the incredible production design is just unmatched. The Man in Black is one of the great characters in TV history.

Westworld showed me what television can do. The cyclical suffering storyline is handled with more intelligence than most films. the incredible production design elevates the whole thing. Required viewing for anyone who cares about storytelling.

Every episode of Westworld ends at exactly the right moment to make you immediately start the next one. Evan Rachel Wood and Thandiwe Newton's performances is addictive in the best possible way. I finished the whole run in four days.

Westworld is excellent television but I wouldn't rank it as the all-time greatest. the mystery-box storytelling of Season 1 is legitimately fantastic but some middle episodes lose momentum. Worth watching absolutely, just with tempered expectations.

Westworld has a few uneven episodes across its run but the high points are some of the best television ever made. Trace Decay alone is worth the subscription. the ethics of artificial intelligence is explored in genuinely surprising ways.

Westworld lives up to maybe 80% of the hype. the mystery-box storytelling of Season 1 is genuinely excellent. The cyclical suffering element is well done. My only complaint is that things drag slightly in the middle. Still four stars.

Dolores is played with incredible subtlety. You believe every choice they make even when those choices are catastrophic. the incredible production design is a big reason this show rose above its peers.