The Greatest Flaw in HBO's Westworld: The Evolution of Host-Victim Dynamics

HBO's Westworld is a captivating and thought-provoking series that has intrigued audiences with its complex narratives, rich characters, and moral dilemmas. Despite its commendable efforts, the show has faced criticism for certain narrative choices that have detracted from the overall viewing experience. Among the various critiques, one of the most notable is the evolution of the host-victim dynamics, particularly in Season 2, where the line between hosts enforcing rules and harming guests became increasingly blurred. This article delves into the core issue of narrative inconsistency in the show and analyzes its impact on the storytelling narrative.

Overview of the Critique

As a long-time fan of Westworld, I believe the show is well-written, but Season 2 ventured too far into uncharted territory with its timelines and the actions of certain characters, most notably Bernard/Arnold. The show introduced a strict set of rules at the beginning of the park, with hosts forbidden to harm guests. However, over the course of the season, we observed a significant departure from these established norms. Hosts began to engage in violent behaviors that not only contradicted the initial park rules but also created a sense of inconsistency that detracted from the narrative's coherence.

The Rule of Park: Hosts vs. Guests

The core of the issue lies in the rules of the park itself. As we were repeatedly told, hosts were not supposed to engage in violent acts against guests. This rule was introduced to maintain a level of safety and to ensure that guests could enjoy their experiences without fear. However, the show chose to escalate the intensity of the interactions between hosts and guests, leading to instances where hosts used lethal weapons and inflicted severe injuries. The first instance of a host breaking the rule involved punching, pushing, and tackling, which, while still alarming, was somehow acceptable within the context of the show. However, as the season progressed, the line was crossed with more severe forms of violence such as pistol-whipping and applying fatal wounds.

The Bernard/Arnold Dilemma: A Paradox in Character Evolution

The character of Bernard/Ander, played by Matt Walsh, presents a particularly compelling and controversial case. Initially, Bernard was a standout in terms of maintaining the park's rules, showing restraint and understanding toward the guests. However, his transformation into an antagonist who disregarded the fundamental rules of the park introduced a significant inconsistency. The character’s arc from protector to enforcer of violence was not only jarring but also created a rift in the character’s previously established morality. This inconsistency, while serving the purpose of character development, hindered the show's ability to maintain narrative integrity.

Impact on Viewer Engagement

The most significant impact of these narrative choices is the erosion of viewer trust in the show's storytelling. When the established rules are broken without clear justification or a coherent explanation, the suspension of disbelief is dashed. Viewers, who have invested significant time and emotion into the story and characters, feel let down by the lack of consistency. This can lead to decreased engagement and a sense of disappointment, which is particularly unfortunate given the high standards set by the show in terms of writing and character development.

Conclusion: The Need for Narrative Consistency

In conclusion, while Westworld remains a testament to the power of television as an art form, the evolution of the host-victim dynamics, especially in Season 2, is a notable flaw. Narrative consistency is crucial for maintaining the show's integrity and the investment of its audience. It is essential for creators and producers to strike a balance between challenging the status quo and preserving the established rules to which the audience has become attached. The key lies in providing clear explanations and justifications for any deviations from the established norms, ensuring that the story remains compelling and coherent.