There were so many moments in this episode where I was terrified that it was about to end. I kept thinking "No, it can't be over yet, there's still so much left unanswered!" And yet the episode kept going and going. Clocking in at 90 minutes, the finale covers a truly staggering amount of ground. I didn't think it would be possible, yet somehow this one episode manages to satisfactorily wrap up an entire season of cryptic mystery. Dolores' visions, the nature and purpose of the maze, Ford's new narrative, Wyatt's identity, the Man in Black's identity, the relationship between Ford and Arnold, and Ford's master plan are all revealed. Literally the only thing I can think of that is not tied off in this gargantuan instalment is the fate of Elsie (and Stubbs).
It would be easy for the episode to collapse under the sheer weight of all this story, and yet it does not. Instead, it calmly, methodically parses out the information, focusing on one story at a time (for the most part). In fact, the episode can basically be divided into three acts. Act one, where Dolores faces off with the Man in Black. Act two, where Maeve executes her master plan. And act three, where Ford unveils his new narrative.
So, defying all odds and expectations, Westworld has delivered a slick, powerful, and oh- so satisfying conclusion to its powerful first season, which manages to leave every story and arc at a natural resting point, while setting up some exciting things for the second season. HBO's investment has paid off.
It would be easy for the episode to collapse under the sheer weight of all this story, and yet it does not. Instead, it calmly, methodically parses out the information, focusing on one story at a time (for the most part). In fact, the episode can basically be divided into three acts. Act one, where Dolores faces off with the Man in Black. Act two, where Maeve executes her master plan. And act three, where Ford unveils his new narrative.
So, defying all odds and expectations, Westworld has delivered a slick, powerful, and oh- so satisfying conclusion to its powerful first season, which manages to leave every story and arc at a natural resting point, while setting up some exciting things for the second season. HBO's investment has paid off.