Short Attention Span Review - Westworld (Seasons 1 and 2)

Short Attention Span Review - Westworld (Seasons 1 and 2)

Apparently, one of the silver linings of my injury and my recovery has been a steady diet of high-quality science fiction.  Westworld might be the best example of that yet, and anyone who hasn't made time for this series from HBO is truly missing out.  The original movie was a fun little adventure written and directed by Michael Crichton.  The idea behind that venture was rock solid, but the picture itself was pretty basic in a lot of ways--particularly if one compares it to Crichton's later efforts.  The series is an extremely complex and equally provocative affair with a stellar cast and magnificent special effects.  It will return with a third season sometime in 2020, but the first two seasons tell a striking tale that is a remarkable accomplishment in and of itself.  While some characters will return, I believe the program will see something akin to a new beginning.  One can only hope that this renewal will prove as compelling and daring as the foundation that has been laid.  There are powerful ideas in play here, and rich characters who are seldom good or bad, but some volatile combination of both.  The nature of the storytelling is just as inventive, with time shifts, dramatic twists, and shocking revelations allowing the talent involved to weave a visionary web.  I was damn near mesmerized by this one, and it continually raised the bar and caught me off-guard.  The marriage of awesome technology, killer effects, and profound ideas to a wild west setting is a stellar juxtaposition that gives all of this complexity an entertaining sheen.  I could single a lot of performers out here, as Westworld essentially litters the screen with dazzling performances.  I will limit myself to a handful in the interest of brevity.  Anthony Hopkins is as on as he has been in a great many years.  Jeffrey Wright has never been better, and the same could be said of Evan Rachel Wood.  Ed Harris is phenomenal, dude is like a force of nature, and he has been given the most audacious part in a show filled with them.  Westworld is unbelievably good, and anyone looking for riveting sci-fi will find something to treasure with this dangerous spectacle.  

Final Grade: A+

Ed Harris is absolutely legendary in Westworld, a true blue science fiction epic.