Who Is In Control Of Ghost Nation?

Why didn’t Ashely Stubbs’ commands work on the rogue Ghost Nation hosts?

Ghost Nation caused quite a stir in Westworld Season 1. Although shown just a handful of times throughout the season, their appearances have caused some speculation and theories among die hard fans. They seemed to have behaved differently from the rest of hosts in the park. Could someone have altered their programming for another purpose?

Who Are Ghost Nation?

[Credit: HBO]The only solid piece of information about Ghost Nation comes from what Logan told William and the DiscoverWestworld.com website:

"This area is only recommended for expert game-players; the journey alone is guaranteed to weed out the faint of heart. Ghost Nation storylines connect and intersect with some of the most thrilling in the park, but it will take more than courage to access them. Dig deep to ingratiate yourself into their inner circle, and the rewards may outperform your wildest expectations."

All other information is gathered through bits and pieces of conversations between the characters on the show.

The Man In Black introduces the natives and the maze symbol when he says to Kissy (once a host in the tribe then programmed to be a gambler),  “A lot of wisdom in ancient cultures. And perhaps it’s time to dig deeper into yours.” This group then becomes just as mysterious as the maze. It’s even noted that Ghost Nation has their own religion based on the maze symbol. This is proven when Teddy said, “The maze is an old native myth.”

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Although they appear in a few scenes, one scene stands out the most. When Ashley Stubbs (Luke Hemsworth) goes out to find Elsie’s (Shannon Woodward) beacon, he is confronted by the secretive group. When he commands them to stop, they keep moving and eventually capture Stubbs. This scene has lead to fans wondering about may have programmed Ghost Nation to ignore the commands. Who could be behind the programming?

Does Ford Control Ghost Nation?

If someone has reprogrammed the group, the most obvious person is Dr. Ford (Anthony Hopkins). During the finale, he revealed his secret plan of letting the hosts suffer by the hands of the guests to allow them to “awaken” and seek revenge. It took him 35 years to set this plan into motion. His biggest mistake was not listening to Arnold about the hosts becoming sentient. Thus, his plan to set the hosts free. He stopped at nothing to make sure his plan was executed. Even letting Bernard strangle Elsie when she started to figure out something was going on with bicameral mind transmission.

It makes sense that Ford was using Ghost Nation as a way to protect his plan. But what if Stubbs and Elsie are alive?

Did Elsie Change Their Programming?

While Ford was hatching his swan song, Elsie was starting to figure things out. Eventually, her inquisitive nature got the better of her when Bernard found her and ended her life.

Unless you subscribe to the theory that Elsie is still alive, and her and Bernard are working together. Her and Bernard have complete access to the programming of Ghost Nation. If Ford is made out to be the villain of the show, the writers will need a hero. In every Western movie, there’s always the struggle between good versus evil.

So maybe Elsie used her beacon to lure Stubbs and add him to her team of rebels. Having the head of security leading the Ghost Nation into battle sounds like a steadfast plan.

But Elsie is not the only person (or host) to have access to the programming.

Maybe It’s Meave Behind The Curtains?

Maeve is ready for Westworld Season 2

Wouldn’t it be interesting to see Ford match up against one of his creations? Who could be a better adversary than the newly sentient Maeve? It was during Maeve’s nightmare that we were introduced to Ghost Nation as one of the natives killed her daughter. If she wanted full control of the park, using this faction for her own devices would be perfect to battle Ford and the other hosts.

No matter which theory you think makes the most sense, you have to admit that something odd was happening with Ghost Nation. In Season 2 of Westworld, we hope to see more of this group and find out what role (or program) they have in the story.

Which theory do you think is most plausable? Or maybe you have a different theory? Let us know in the comments below.