The third episode of Westworld this season taught us a lot about the ongoing story but left us with a few questions we are dying to know the answers to.
We learned about an entirely new park, The Raj–an India British Colony introduced by a sultry cover of The White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army. Not to mention, we find out it’s what the dead Bengal tiger calls home.
Peter Abernathy is captured in his flimsy guest narrative from Sizemore. Felix, Sylvester, and Armistice are alive. The lovefest known as HecMae is still going strong. And lastly, we see a tiny sliver of winter wonderland Shogun World. But, of course, questions linger like decomposing gala guests.
Who let the dogs out?
Teddy did, and he is in big trouble. He is supposed to “put down” the trigger man for Confederados and his men but instead, he lets them go. Dolores/Wyatt witnesses his betrayal and walks away.
When she discovers her intellectual hobbled father Peter Abernathy earlier, she turns to Teddy and says, “You’re all I have now.” Dolores is a woman who does not forgive and forget.
But now that Teddy has disobeyed Dolores, what will happen to him? He’s died a billion times, but I have a feeling his punishment will be worse than death. Or worse than getting this song stuck in your head.
What is the Riddle of the Sphinx?
The title of episode 4 “Riddle of the Sphinx” is a major clue. Sophocles, a Greek playwright, wrote a play about a tragic hero and fate around 429 BC. The character of Oedipus (who has some serious mommy issues) finds the Sphinx. Half man, half lion, the Sphinx asks you a riddle to enter the ancient city of Thebes. If you can answer it, you will live. If not, you become lunch. The riddle is this:
"What goes on four feet in the morning, two feet at noon and three feet in the evening?"
Oedipus answers correctly. The answer is a man – it crawls on all fours as a baby, walks on two feet as an adult, and ultimately walks with a cane in old age. Interesting, right?
Could there be a Pharaoh World? I think Yul Brynner would’ve loved that.
We hope some light is shed on what “Riddle of the Sphinx” means in the context of the story that is unfolding in season two and how it will relate to what we have seen or will see in the coming episodes. Given the complicated, often philosophical nature of Westworld, we are certain that there will be some deep connection–and we can’t wait to see what it is!
Are those red velvet cupcakes in the drone lab?
What is with the railroad of bodies? Why is the Confederado captain associated with Jesus images? After all this time, where in the world is Dolores’ mom? There’s an emphasis on children this season from the opening montage to mama bear Maeve, to William’s daughter Emily.
Momma Abernathy, please show yourself! Why aren’t there real Westworld action figures for sale? HBO, please get on this! A Westworld Rebus and a The Walking Dead Simon would be awesome. Am I right, Steven Ogg?!
One last question: Are those red velvet cupcakes at the underground drone lab in the episode 4 preview?
Additional bullet points to ponder over
With chaos reigning supreme in the parks, who will fix the injured hosts? Dolores got shot twice at the fortress from Delos guards securing her father’s release. Who will take care of her injuries? Armistice lucked out and got her new Terminator arm courtesy of Felix or Sylvester. But what about the rest of the injured hosts?
How many techs and behavior executives are alive in the park? Bernard is in literally on his last leg when he is pulled by the neck by “all-business” Clementine. Will he survive? Speaking of, where the heck is tech Elsie? What does she have to do with Ghost Nation?
BTW, did you know that ’80s new wave sensation Gary ‘Cars’ Numan’s recent album with a song called Ghost Nation? I found it while doing research. Definitely worth a listen. And seriously, how does Louis Herthum do it? His infirmary scene with Dolores was breathtaking. He’s been making me cry ever since I saw him for the first time in that Super Bowl Toyota commercial.
Watch Westworld on Sundays at 9 pm on HBO for even more riddles and fun history lessons.