I love the non-linear "choose your own adventure" opportunity this CBS show affords the mainstream viewer. It is well worth the RARE opportunity to pick and choose and the way Binge and myself (Purge) watched the series. Our order was mainly by intentionally following the crime date order PLUS for me (self-confessed armchair detective) the information we felt pertinent to the investigation. For instance, the genius of making the central case also a cold case/innocence project, gave you a chance to view in retrospect, or with the freshness of the crime and then the ensuing innocent/guilty?journey *i feel this one gave most satisfaction from a suspense perspective but I would love to hear other perspectives.) I think this method meant 3 deviations from the episode number. We also watched the first and last as recommended. Of course Binge appreciated the mass release of episodes and to follow our path, honestly we just used haircuts as the guide to confirm we were watching it as 1970's current crime- ensuing witnesses- coverups - verdict - 20years later innocence project - cold case - fresh eyes - final revelation and confirmation of what really happened and why. Even if you think you know how it ends, some surprises satisfy. The best thing I loved about the show is that I did not need a netflix subscription to enjoy the "you decide" format and that it was free and available to all. I really hope more stations have fun with the idea.
This season (season THREE ) was a definite slow burn and I fear it may be the last. Why did it take so long to reach it's conclusion, not to mention the amount of time it took to explain the plot thricely (episodes 1-4 bizarrely cryptic 4-6 disorganized flashbacks and finally in an almost palpable desperation of the writer's room - we were illuminated about the plot via long monologues from each character.]
The action scenes and automated vehicles sometimes had more character than actual actors on screen. As a Westworld fan, I come for the creepy and sneaky yet I understand that in order for movies to survive studios need to appeal to adolescent boys who really, really get off on explosives this season had an entire episode dedicated to a car chase, so my loyalty to the show was tested slightly!
Fortunately Delores and Mauve carry us through each episode with their typical badass aplomb. The addition of Aaron Paul seemed to replicate the audience's comprehension of what the hell was happening. His character arc allows him to shines in amazing action scenes but his origins and purpose remain stubbornly hidden when it no longer benefits the plot.
Westworld's hidden humanity and underdogs made watching the first 2 seasons rise to it's anarchic conclusion - pure addictive TV pleasure. The downside with blowing up the badass world - is knowing that for many excellent stories, the unique character of the stories setting also is a major loss
I rated this episode harshly mainly due to the standard I expect of a finale, or even a mid-season finale. I always feel cliffhangers are not needed if you progress the story and keep the pace from the get-go. I think I feel the same way I did when I knew Rick was leaving, every episode had this annoying tension built into it. I didn't want to "miss it" or something - lol! As if! Now, it's with Michonne, like is this boat trip going to be her ending (surely not!) but I still fuss!!
Miss Coulter really seemed to "ape" her daemon in this episode, I really saw it for the first time. It's so hard to decide whether to start reading the books now.. or keep the faith and watch the episodes as they come. For now, I am reading along with Mr Mercedes, The Watchmen Comics and this trilogy, His Dark Materials. I also have the prequel which is all about the "dust". I think that would spoil it for too much, so I keep that one hidden away.
