Review: “Dissonance Theory” – Hopkins & Harris Captivate WestWorld

Written by Ryan DeMarco

WestWorld “Dissonance Theory” Plot Summary:

As we dig deeper into the world of this park, Guests William (Jimmi Simpson) and Logan (Ben Barnes) continue on their bounty accompanied by Delores (Rachel Evan Wood), while the Man in Black (Ed Harris) finds more clues while making allies. Meanwhile Ford’s (Anthony Hopkins) big plans begin to take shape. 

So, after four episodes we are beginning to get a lay of the land with how this park is run-inside and out. And what four strong episodes they’ve been. We’re seeing characters desires coming to light. Case in point, Ford. We’re starting to get the feeling that he’s not as innocent or brilliant as initially thought. During his chilling scene with Theresa he exclaimed “Just stay out of my way,” when they talked about his big narrative plans, whatever that may be. There’s a whole lot more going on there that I’m sure we’ll come to see. But of what degree? What does Ford have planned for the future of the park? Also, side note, I found it incredibly creepy that Ford recalls the very details of Theresa’s (Sidse Babett Knudsen) childhood at the park, recreating elements as small as the same table and chair she ate dinner at. Ford claims to know “everything” that goes on with the park, including Theresa’s fling with Bernard (Jeffrey Wright).  What else does he know? The first thing comes to mind is Bernard’s sessions with Delores and his pursuit to humanize her. 

This scene may very well be the moment where we begin to see things take shape, including Ford venturing down a sinister path. Will he follow in the same footsteps as his old colleague, Arnold did fatefully? It might be too early to tell, but there was a lot of things going on with that scene. 

Another fascinating character finally had more screen time this week, the Man in Black. Who may or may not be connected to Ford in someway after explaining his connection to Arnold, or honoring him as an “original settler.” His whole plan up till this point has been vaguely finding a deeper meaning to this park. After freeing Lawrence in the previous weeks and killing an entire village, they’ve simply been tracking the lands, until they find a woman with a snake tattoo. This stops our Man in Black, as he believes this to be the next piece to his puzzle. It’s too early to tell where this storyline will go or who it will clash with, but for now it appears he and Delores are on a collision course at some point searching for the true meaning of the park and to be “free,” whatever that entails is uncertain. 

On a side note, would it safe to assume that The Man in Black could possibly be Arnold? It would make sense, both are consumed in the world looking for true meaning. Time will tell. 

As for Delores this week she had a change of scenery while out and about with William and Logan who are searching for a bounty. They all have great interplay with the gaming aspect of the park, including “Easter eggs” which I thought was a nice touch. It’s interesting to see the seasoned guest Logan compared to the doe-eyed William who still seems very innocent when going about the park. Delores on the other hand is continuously becoming more aware of her world and her overall role in it. No doubt with the help of Bernard she will begin to uncover more shocking secrets of both worlds. Along with Muave, who is also going through her stage of uncovery/discovery. Maybe they’ll team up: The Adventures of Maeve (Thandie Newton) and Delores, anyone?  

Overall, another strong episode feature multiple interesting storylines. Heavy character moments for Ford who seems to have a menacing side, while Delores and Muave have begun peeling away the reality of their existence in different ways. I’m expecting a tremendous amount of storyline collisions and discoveries in the episodes to come. What an exciting time to be watching this show. The anticipation is killing me. 

Rating: 9/10