Westworld: The latest Bernard timeline theory

Westworld continues to keep us in the dark about Bernard and his multiple timelines. So what exactly is going on? Let’s dissect the latest theory!

*There are spoilers ahead so do not read if you are not caught up or are looking to avoid any Westworld theories!*

Now that we have the spoiler warning out of the way, let’s get down to business, shall we?

So, fans have been speculating what the hell is going on with Bernard and what the multiple timelines mean for the narrative, his character, and the overall direction for the series. Well, one of the latest theories is speculating that the Bernard we see in the “two-weeks later” timeline is actually a simulation.

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Say what, a simulation? The theory suggests that it’s a simulation being run through technology referred to as The Cradle. We don’t know much at all about this technology apart from the brief mention of it in season two during episode 3, “Virtu e Fortuna”. Maling told Bernard and Strand that the device was not working.

However, fans that signed up on DelosDestination.com all received an email shedding some light on exactly what The Cradle may mean.

"“…stores and tests all of our storylines: the Cradle. Delos’ time capsule that ensures you get the immersive and dynamic experience you deserve.”"

Hmmm, interesting. Basically, we can think of The Cradle as an online storage system, like iCloud that stores all the narratives, according to Screen Rant.

Based on a theory by HaxDogma, it suggests that The Cradle is being used to extract information from Bernard. When we see Bernard wake up on the beach in the “two-weeks later” timeline, he looks a bit different. The scar isn’t there, his glasses are being worn differently, and he makes a comment suggesting he has been there before.

But here is where this theory gets really interesting. Remember when Clementine left Bernard outside of the cave that Elsie was left tied up in?

Fans began to wonder why Elsie was so clean, kept together, and oddly okay for someone who had been tied up inside of a cave with barely any food and a bucket to use the bathroom in.

Basically, The Cradle theory suggests that a simulation would be the only place where things could have been kept so neat and tidy with Elsie. And then there’s the determination to keep Bernard around.

As we’ve seen throughout the series thus far, Bernard is always the go-to for answers and help, but no one seems to ask him how he is doing. So the theory also alludes to the idea that if he wasn’t in a simulation, everyone would care about his well-being too. In order to get in his head, his narrative has to make him believe he is real.

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The Cradle theory is intriguing but of course, has us wondering if it could it actually be plausible. Like telling him that The Cradle is down or him not knowing he is in a narrative–something we feel he may pick up on by now.

However, the first season explored and dazzled us with the shocker that multiple timelines were a part of the story, so perhaps this is a new way to introduce that idea without overdoing the same plot.

And then there’s the “If you don’t know, does it even matter?” dialogue that has been a big part of this season. If reality is so skewed, then perhaps The Cradle theory just might make sense.

What do you think of this theory? Share your comments below!

Westworld airs every Sunday on HBO at 9 PM EST!