Westworld: 4 things we are excited to see in Akane No Mai

The next episode of Westworld is heading straight into Shogun World–who else is excited?!

If you have not seen the most recent episode of Westworld, please be wary of spoilers ahead! You have been warned.

The next episode of Westworld is just two days away and we can’t contain our excitement for what it will bring us. It is probably one of the most highly anticipated episodes of the series, following the revelation that other parks exist in season one’s finale. There is so much to discuss so let’s get right into it! Here are the top five things we want to see in this week’s episode of Westworld titled, “Akane No Mai.”

Shogun World–of course!

After 18 months of hiatus, and four episodes of season two, we will finally get a glimpse into one of the other parks we have been dying to learn more about since the season one finale–Shogun World! We were unfairly teased with its existence so long ago, and we can finally look forward to entering its doors this Sunday.

More from Westworld

• After ChatGPT, Westworld creator thinks her show looks “like a documentary”
• HBO boss explains why they removed Westworld from HBO Max
• The Last of Us boss uses Westworld to explain Kathleen’s arc
• James Marsden still hopes they can finish Westworld
• Westworld and other HBO shows headed to Roku and Tubi

Equipped with samurais, geishas, katanas, and (we hope!) so much more, Shogun World is sure to be a visual treat for fans that have anxiously awaited to see it. The question on all our minds going into this Sunday’s episode is what will the host situation be like there? Are they rebelling there too?

And what exactly will this new park entail? The Delos website states that Shogun World allows guests to “embrace their inner warrior, in a landscape of highest beauty and darkest horror.” What horrors await them? And could they be worse than the horrors we have witnessed in Westworld?We can’t wait to find out!

Maeve yielding a katana!

Who isn’t excited to see Maeve channel her inner warrior and kick ass like a samurai?! Based on the season two and episode 5 promos, we know she will be displaying her swag with a katana wearing a kimono.

We know Hector, Maeve, and Lee end up there and perhaps become part of a narrative while Maeve potentially tries to let the hosts free. But are the hosts there in need of rescue? Based on what the tidbits we’ve seen, the Shogun World hosts may not be rebelling in the same way as the Raj and Westworld hosts are. But time will tell what awaits!

Meeting Akane

“Akane no mai” translates to “Akane’s dance”, so it is safe to assume that a lot of Sunday’s episode will focus on her. Akane will be introduced as a new character and we can’t wait to see what she brings to the story. Is she a host? Is she a guest? We have no idea–and given how Westworld works, the possibilities are quite literally endless.

Along with Akane, we will meet another new character being played by The Last Samurai’s Hiroyuki Sanada. Based on the images and promos we’ve seen thus far, he will surely play a big role in Shogun World and we look forward to learning exactly what!

It appears not all of this week’s episode will focus on Shogun World, based on the images released from HBO. At some point, the story will shift to Dolores, and we are ready to see what she is up to–and oh, Teddy too. Ever since we saw Teddy floating dead in the river in the season two premiere, we wonder at what point he will meet his end.

Could this be the week? Is this hopeful look on Dolores’ face one alluding to something that will take place in the episode? Either way, some light will be shed on her storyline!

Next: Westworld actress Shannon Woodward talks about show’s fandom

There are of course many other things to anticipate in “Akane No Mai” including most of the episode being in Japanese! Based on the information we learned in last week’s episode, shifting our focus to Shogun World will take our mind off the thousands of questions we have about last week’s big reveal.

I have to say I am most curious about how Maeve transitions from being captured to yielding a katana. Perhaps she will have to fight for their freedom? It’s that or she assimilates rather quickly into this new park. And what I’m really hoping for is that somehow the hosts of Shogun World join her on the quest to find her daughter. Like I said before, the possibilities are endless–and we love it!

Who is ready for Shogun World? And what are you most excited to see? Share your thoughts below!

Westworld airs every Sunday at 9 PM EST!