HBO's newest hit series, "Westworld," tells of a complicated and mind-boggling story about a highly-advanced theme park set in a Western backdrop. There are hosts or androids that help tourists bring their hidden desires to life, while a team of experts manage the vast estate. The broadness of "Westworld" could get confusing for viewers to initially follow. So, below is a comprehensive guide that simplifies the plot and cast of the show. Some spoilers ahead.
Anthony Hopkins plays Dr. Robert Ford on "Westworld." He founded the park over 30 years ago and he's also the overall head of the creative and tech programming team that operate the augmented reality environment. To everyone, Dr. Ford is like a god on "Westworld." But the knowledge that he can control and fix everything makes him less attuned to what's really happening around him.
Sidse Babett Knudsen plays Theresa Cullen, the manager of "Westworld." Her job is to ensure that the guests of the theme park get what they came for. She also oversees that there are no dangers and liabilities, which is why recent events regarding hosts/robots acting out of character have been concerning her.
Jeffrey Wright plays Bernard, the lead programmer on "Westworld." He works side-by-side with Theresa and has also become increasingly curious about the spate of glitches that the hosts have exhibited. Bernard gets help from Elsie Hughes (Shannon Woodward), who does the diagnosis and fixes of the robots. Suffice to say, these technical experts are supposed to really be great at their jobs, which I why "Westworld" should keep operating in great condition.
Simon Quarterman plays Lee Sizemore, who heads the creative side of "Westworld." He's in charge of the narratives and plots that guests can act out in the theme park. He's also in charge of each of the robots' characterization. As what has already been shown in the series' first two episodes, some of these robots have veered off their narrative, which is how the technical team have come to learn of the glitches.
The complete guide to all the 'Westworld' references https://t.co/ErpizjJT97
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As for the hosts/robots in "Westworld," Dolores (Evan Rachel Wood) is regarded as the oldest. In the debut episode of "Westworld," which aired on Oct. 2, Dolores was seen slapping and killing a fly off her neck. This suggested that Dolores' senses are awakening and she's slowly becoming a sentient being, who can feel and hurt other beings, per Uproxx. How can that be when the technical team makes sure that robots remain robots?
Teddy (James Marsden) is also a host/robot. Initially, the character came off as a human or a theme park guest, but it turns out he's just like Dolores. His narrative is that he's looking for his true love on "Westworld," but then that's the thing -- robots cannot fall in love, except when it's based on the programmed script embedded in their system. However, as Vulture suggests, Teddy might also becoming self-aware like Dolores.
Then there's The Man In Black (Ed Harris), a guest who has different goal than all the other theme park visitors that have ever come to "Westworld." He's seeking for the ultimate end to this alternate reality. He has visited the theme park several times and exploited a lot of the hosts, including Dolores. Will he emerge as the big bad of the show?
Catch "Westworld" on HBO, which airs every Sunday at 9 p.m. The show's first season will run for 10 episodes. Learn more about the show in the video below.
