Westworld: Top 5 best and worst moments from S2E9
By Ashley Davis
The Westworld season 2 penultimate episode held many surprises for viewers and even more hints for the discerning theorists. Sela Ward, of course, dominates her scenes, and I scored pretty even on my predictions overall. Let’s see what really reached us or left us feeling flat.
Top 5 Moments
Robert and Maeve. I’ve suspected that this was either the case or she was some kind of experimental hybrid gen, but the confirmation was even deeper and better than I expected. She was confirmed to be on the Ford loop I predicted before gaining full sentience and going in search of her daughter. Thandie Newton exudes power in this episode, not that she doesn’t always!
Dolores’s reaction to what she’s done to Teddy. While I don’t think we know all there is to know about Teddy (he’s too flat a character to have such a simple story), her reaction was spot-on. Evan Rachel Wood blew us away here.
Juliet in general. Casting Sela Ward was perfect. William may have married her for love, but she’s not looking the other way when it comes to his obsessions and personal hang-ups. This is a woman on a mission, and she sees right through him.
Angela Sarafyan is back! Granted Charlotte has weaponized her, but damn I love Clementine. Speaking of Charlotte, we’re definitely getting closer to her background. (And one day I will achieve my goal of Angela befriending me on Twitter, and we will totally be best friends because come on, who doesn’t want a rocket scientist as a best friend?)
Robert Ford is everywhere. Uh, yeah. Of course, he is, William. You think he would under-prepare or not consider any hypothetical situation? Please. Though we all know Arnold had even more tricks up his sleeve. Exactly how well did William and the Delos family know Ford?
Top 5 Worst Moments
Teddy’s death. James Marsden was great in this role, and I’m hoping this isn’t a true end for him because there was so much potential in that character. He was too predictable a character to fall into this predictable of a story arc.
Grace’s death. This could have been a whole episode. I honestly don’t think they really gave her character a chance when they could have done some really fun twists and turns with her. The “bathtub suicide” previews were so obvious that it couldn’t have been her—Westworld never lets you see what it doesn’t want you to see…yet.
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Katja Herbers has fantastic nuances in the scenes with her on-screen parents. There are still questions there. Like the transformation from Grace to Emily. A different person? Without a doubt. Biologically human? It doesn’t matter, reinforcing our overarching theme.
William’s admission to Juliet. She knows. You can see it. But saying it out loud makes it that much more painful. Great performance by Ed Harris, as always, but that was killer to get through.
Not enough Elsie! Shannon Woodward, we know there’s more to you, and we can’t wait anymore! There are a few things from Season 1 and earlier in Season 2 that don’t quite add up for her. Mistakes or clues?
Now that the Man in Black is convinced he’s a host, I think my original theory may be wrong because it’s too obvious. But the question is: does it matter? If so, why?
Takeaways from Westworld: Season 2 Episode 9
First, I didn’t hear the talk about “Arnold’s game” that I wanted, but the Ford/Maeve reveal made up for it.
Charlotte is the one to watch right now in terms of action and surprises, but how will Dolores cope with what she’s done? Is there a Wyatt vs. Dolores war going on in there or is it all one consciousness now?
I’m also excited to see how they continue to develop Maeve’s daughter and Akecheta. I hope this wasn’t a true end for Teddy.
William’s character arc is brilliant, but I’m waiting for Elsie to step into the game.
With Grace presumably gone, will we ever delve deeper into her past with Ghost Nation and her father?
Also, Ben Barnes, you are a treasure as Logan. Loved Logan in this episode. Take us on your adventure!
Can’t wait to see what’s in store for the finale, but I have a feeling it will be explosive!
Tune in this Sunday night to HBO at 9 PM EST for the Westworld SEASON TWO FINALE!!! Hold on to your hats…so to speak.