I can't tell you the amount of times my jaw dropped in this episode. After last week's episode, I thought this one would be a bit of a slump, but the back half far exceeded my expectations! I haven't loved an episode of Westworld this much since Kiksuya and The Riddle of the Sphinx. Aaron Paul kills it, the writing is amazing, the cinematography, everything. I am in shock and I am so excited to see where the rest of the season goes!
42 Reviews
Westworld is BACK.
W011y4m518 July 2022
After the unfortunate & noticeable stumble in quality during S3, with its pleasantly surprising fourth season, Westworld has evidently worked hard to gradually reinstate its status as one of the cleverest & most creatively audacious shows in TV, restoring my faith in the entire franchise, pulling the kind of game changing plot twist I personally associated with the earlier seasons in order to reinvent the series as a whole, carving out a new, impressive future. Must concede I thought the narrative was limping on aimlessly & I was vying for HBO to put the story out of its misery when I began, but I'll happily admit I was sorely mistaken. Despite the grievances I have with the direction that the creators initially took the plot in, I found tonight's installment to be utterly incredible & a masterful reinvention. Outstanding accomplishment, revivifying the brand with such an inspired, genius, meticulously crafted subversion - which provides context & puts everything in to perspective, now we can appreciate the bigger picture. Can't wait to see how things progress, since they've thankfully revitalised it. So glad to finally be enjoying the programme again!
This is Quality TV !!! Take another 2 years IDC !!!!
pierreevans18 July 2022
I wouldn't mind waiting another 2 years for season 5, if this is the quality I'm going to get. The lead up to this plot twist is mind boggling. Producers really said NOPE we taking this season a completely different direction then what you thought....and I'm here for it.
It's been a long time coming
AfricanBro18 July 2022
S04E04 is one of the best episode of Westworld to date. Made me sorry I doubted the direction the show was heading after episode 2. This is what I was hoping and waiting for getting into this season and the next 4 episodes can't come any sooner for me. It's a reminder of why I love Westworld; and I must say I needed it. They've delved into the generic "humans vs robots/AI" that I was afraid of at the end of season 3 but it doesn't feel banal at all, and for all those critiques who said it's lost it's touch and just leaning on star names like Aaron Paul and Tessa will have been proven wrong because it was an amazing performance from the entire cast and even better writing. At some point I thought why did they make Hale seem so weak after capture but it all feel into place. Also curious to see Teddy back in the mix and if he still is Teddy. Hopefully it only keeps getting better from here because it still could end up being one of the better seasons if they keep it interesting.
I'm back in!!
connorhill-9934818 July 2022
Ever since season 1 I feel like I've kind of just been going through the motions with show, not feeling hooked, just forcing myself through each episode until the season and this episode especially. What a twist! Aaron Paul was amazing this episode. I really like how he's pretty much the main character now in terms of screen time. Jeffrey Wright is still the best actor on the show though. I feel like this show is back on top of the tv sci-fi genre and I can't wait for the rest of the season.
The tired evil AI plot having made actually truly terrifying
nipple_blaster18 July 2022
I can't think of a better portrayal in film or TV of evil AI taking over humanity. You'd think that I am forgetting about the Matrix? Not really, because of one key difference - in the Matrix you're thrown in the world where people already lost, In season 4 you actually get to experience that loss right from the start. And that is why this is the first time that this subject makes me experience genuine dread.
The buildup over the previous episodes was well worth the wait and masterfully executed, writing so far has been stellar. Keep up the awesome work!
The buildup over the previous episodes was well worth the wait and masterfully executed, writing so far has been stellar. Keep up the awesome work!
Wow, I'm speechless
iquotememesfun18 July 2022
I won't dare spoil this one for you!
So much happens in this episode. When I finished it, I actually looked up if this season only had 4 episodes, because this one felt like a season finale, lol.
If, like me, you were waiting for Westworld to bring the magic back... They brought it back.
So much happens in this episode. When I finished it, I actually looked up if this season only had 4 episodes, because this one felt like a season finale, lol.
If, like me, you were waiting for Westworld to bring the magic back... They brought it back.
Just wow.
tbeliveau-1786118 July 2022
This makes me so excited for the series to keep going. The last season was a bit of a slump but this season has me hooked and after this episode I can't wait for more. It has the same twists you'd expect but I'm actually excited to see where it all goes.
Holy Moly!
Arvin_Ardeshiri18 July 2022
My favorite modern TV series.
harchenko_ruslan18 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This episode is an emotional meat grinder. Simple theories (C - Caleb's daughter) alternate with mind-exploding ones (Caleb's Fate). I love Westworld because the story keeps intertwining like a puzzle. "Generation Loss" leveled the timelines with one single. It was very beautiful, touching and ominous, the second half of the season promises to be amazing!
Back with a Bang.
Jacxon526 July 2022
Definitely the best episode since waaaay back. The build up with earlier episodes was also great. I loved how we now are pushed right in to the second half of the season with so many questions. Let's see where it goes.
Same two reviewers writing a dozen or more "wow" Westworld is back" reviews even as viewership plummets
random-7077823 July 2022
Ran the episode "user" reviews for this season through my school's plagiarism software. In fact there are only TWO reviewers who wrote all the 30 positive reviews for this episode, and they are also the writers of the reviews for all the 10 star in prior episodes this season. It is obvious.
Actual viewers agree (and just put "Westworld viewership" into google) that season four is worse than season three, which was worse than season two, which did not compare to the excellent season one.
Viewership has declined all this season as well.
This "Westworld is BACK" is just desperate when the truth is Westworld is flailing and worse than ever.
Actual viewers agree (and just put "Westworld viewership" into google) that season four is worse than season three, which was worse than season two, which did not compare to the excellent season one.
Viewership has declined all this season as well.
This "Westworld is BACK" is just desperate when the truth is Westworld is flailing and worse than ever.
Same old story
Riddler9118 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Man, I am getting a bit tired of this show. It's the same old story: put every character in his own story, don't give any real detail about when or where they are, then randomly create some sort of convoluted story to bring them into the same place. If you lie along the way that "we're looking for a weapon", then you go "I was lying, lol, we're not looking for a weapon" only to end up finding a "weapon" (figuratively speaking), even better. Also, I had a feeling this episode that the girl accompanying Bernard might be Caleb's daughter (mostly because of the hair and because Westworld writers love this sort of thing) but I dismissed it because Caleb's daughter is clearly black while the girl in the desert has a different skin color. But I guess the writers decided to wing it and go something like "neaaah, it's gonna work". The reveals simply fall flat. Maybe because I'm not very attached to the characters or maybe because the story is convoluted but they just bore me. William's reveal being the Man in Black was one of the greatest television moments for me. You're not going to repeat it, no matter how hard you try.
I do feel the need to stress out though that even this is still much better than that abysmal season 3 that nearly made me quit the show. Please don't come back to that, ever.
I do feel the need to stress out though that even this is still much better than that abysmal season 3 that nearly made me quit the show. Please don't come back to that, ever.
A masterpiece
fuad_tarin_5819 July 2022
This was an i masterpiece of an episode. I lost abit hope after season 3 ending but now im hyped again.
And also, whoever gives this an 1/10 why do you keep watching? If i give any episode of any series a rating that low wich means its garbage then i stop watching. But you guys keep on watching season after season? No life i guess.
And also, whoever gives this an 1/10 why do you keep watching? If i give any episode of any series a rating that low wich means its garbage then i stop watching. But you guys keep on watching season after season? No life i guess.
Now this is the Westworld people fell in love with
peerawat201018 July 2022
Despite its ups and downs, Westworld always manages to surprise us viewers. This episode just got me speechless. Really hope the rest of the season are just as good! After this episode, going back to season 1 quality might not seem impossible anymore.
This episode was amazing!
charlieedmond31 July 2022
Upon starting Season 4 I felt like this was just gonna be another "sci-fi" "futuristic" season with more world building, oh how I was proven wrong with this Episode!
This and the Episode after it, is Westworld at its best since Season 1, which is a really good thing because it explores exactly the kind of areas which made Season 1 was so good!
This and the Episode after it, is Westworld at its best since Season 1, which is a really good thing because it explores exactly the kind of areas which made Season 1 was so good!
EPIC!! MAJESTIC!!
sreekuttank18 July 2022
I was really disappointed with season 3 and never thought Westworld will be the same ever again.
I am glad to know that I was wrong.
This episode was so good and bring us back on track with the reason why we loved this show in the first place.
10/10.
I am glad to know that I was wrong.
This episode was so good and bring us back on track with the reason why we loved this show in the first place.
10/10.
Back on Track
unkommon18 July 2022
While season 1 is a bit overrated (in my opinion), as it was certainly quality, the majority of it was build up to the final couple episodes which had tremendous payoff that really created a tantalizing mystery. I feel they've sort of forsaken that obscurity for "action and drama" over the past couple seasons. Certainly there is action and drama when it excels, but sacrificing what made the show succeed in the first place was a bold move that really didn't payoff.
Until now. The story has set itself up, using the prior seasons, as a means of creating a scenario that is steeped in that same mystery and gravity that made the climax of the first season and the aftermath (when it wasn't just pandering nonsense) of the second season work so well. I feel that most of season 2 and 3's missteps have been addressed in the storytelling and delivery we've seen so far. Yes, there still are those ~edgy~ moments, but that's part of the show's "flare" (like-it-or-not) and only became a problem, for me, personally, when they sacrificed the substance of the writing for the flashy action sequences. Beyond that, and something that has me concerned (as I do feel the first two episodes were more reconciling with the poor writing of season 3 than anything and bridged the story between what was and what it's leading towards) is I don't know how they will manage the pace as they have revealed quite a bit by this episode, but there are still quite a few episodes left. That said, the least I can say, with those concerns in mind, is these two episodes have at least partially redeemed this show and if they manage to keep up the quality, I think will redeem itself entirely if not make it worthy again of the praise it received in its heyday.
The episode itself was filled with calamity, something managed very well over the past couple episodes. With the reveals they've made so far with this episode, it makes some of the more superfluous scenes of the past few episodes make sense, and also alludes to a greater underlying narrative. Again, I'm not entirely confident they can keep it up and make it worth it after they really dropped the ball with the bulk of the past two seasons, but what we've had in the past two episodes has been compelling enough to make me hopeful they can manage (with some degree of forgiveness in the consistency) throughout the remainder of the season.
Beyond that, the reintroduction of Bernard as well as giving Maeve and Caleb an Odyssey of their own is very welcomed. Bernard had always been the doormat, nuisance character that routinely felt like his presence was getting in the way of the more important narrative shifts, but rebuilding his character as some sort of sage has really made his storyline more riveting, which I was shocked at the revelation of his venture towards the end of the episode. It felt like it came together well with a lot of the other narratives we've been sort of scrambling to make sense of in the context of the bigger picture this season.
All-in-all, I'm impressed, if not hopeful, for what the season has brought so far and what it can potentially give through the remainder. Ultimately, it remains to be seen, but I felt compelled enough to write this review. This episode was solid enough that I felt like I should share my thoughts, and in the context of the rest of the series (for which I have never written a review) I'll have to acknowledge as quality I'm glad to watch. 8.5/10.
Until now. The story has set itself up, using the prior seasons, as a means of creating a scenario that is steeped in that same mystery and gravity that made the climax of the first season and the aftermath (when it wasn't just pandering nonsense) of the second season work so well. I feel that most of season 2 and 3's missteps have been addressed in the storytelling and delivery we've seen so far. Yes, there still are those ~edgy~ moments, but that's part of the show's "flare" (like-it-or-not) and only became a problem, for me, personally, when they sacrificed the substance of the writing for the flashy action sequences. Beyond that, and something that has me concerned (as I do feel the first two episodes were more reconciling with the poor writing of season 3 than anything and bridged the story between what was and what it's leading towards) is I don't know how they will manage the pace as they have revealed quite a bit by this episode, but there are still quite a few episodes left. That said, the least I can say, with those concerns in mind, is these two episodes have at least partially redeemed this show and if they manage to keep up the quality, I think will redeem itself entirely if not make it worthy again of the praise it received in its heyday.
The episode itself was filled with calamity, something managed very well over the past couple episodes. With the reveals they've made so far with this episode, it makes some of the more superfluous scenes of the past few episodes make sense, and also alludes to a greater underlying narrative. Again, I'm not entirely confident they can keep it up and make it worth it after they really dropped the ball with the bulk of the past two seasons, but what we've had in the past two episodes has been compelling enough to make me hopeful they can manage (with some degree of forgiveness in the consistency) throughout the remainder of the season.
Beyond that, the reintroduction of Bernard as well as giving Maeve and Caleb an Odyssey of their own is very welcomed. Bernard had always been the doormat, nuisance character that routinely felt like his presence was getting in the way of the more important narrative shifts, but rebuilding his character as some sort of sage has really made his storyline more riveting, which I was shocked at the revelation of his venture towards the end of the episode. It felt like it came together well with a lot of the other narratives we've been sort of scrambling to make sense of in the context of the bigger picture this season.
All-in-all, I'm impressed, if not hopeful, for what the season has brought so far and what it can potentially give through the remainder. Ultimately, it remains to be seen, but I felt compelled enough to write this review. This episode was solid enough that I felt like I should share my thoughts, and in the context of the rest of the series (for which I have never written a review) I'll have to acknowledge as quality I'm glad to watch. 8.5/10.
Ive been waiting a long time for this
moviesfilmsreviewsinc15 August 2022
This is the first episode this season that actually starts with the opening credits. Bit of a random observation but something that immediately makes the wait to find out what's happened to our characters all the more tantalizing. Anyway, episode 4 of Westworld Season 4 begins in the past, as we see more context to Caleb and Maeve storming that small compound and taking out Rehoboam with explosives, symbolically destroying the remnants of season 3. Westworld has always been one of those shows that's about the long game and big reveals. This narrative regarding the killer flies has been brewing for a while and after several twists involving William, Westworld shows its hand in this shocking chapter. Of course, one could argue that the construction of this tower is a bit farfetched but this chapter in particular reframes everything we've learned so far this season. The tower, Christina's life, the splintered visions, Bernard's journey and the timelines; these all converge into 10 minutes of non-stop twists and turns.
Revealing that Caleb has been dead for a while and using the same narrative crux from season 1 but reversing that to include humans instead of hosts, is a deliciously poetic bit of storytelling and something that raises those ethical questions that made the first season so endearing. Of course, there's still half a season to go and it could well be that things change going forward. It could be that Westworld has shown its hand way too early but we'll have to wait and see on that front. Westworld has been a really enjoyable watch and it seems the series is back on track. Remember the tower? Well, that actually happens to be what's in charge of the frequency within the world Christina is a part of alongside Teddy, the other hosts and Charlotte, which happens to be a controlled "park" where humans are under Charlotte's control. It's a massive bombshell and whoever is left watching this show will likely be shocked by this revelation.
Revealing that Caleb has been dead for a while and using the same narrative crux from season 1 but reversing that to include humans instead of hosts, is a deliciously poetic bit of storytelling and something that raises those ethical questions that made the first season so endearing. Of course, there's still half a season to go and it could well be that things change going forward. It could be that Westworld has shown its hand way too early but we'll have to wait and see on that front. Westworld has been a really enjoyable watch and it seems the series is back on track. Remember the tower? Well, that actually happens to be what's in charge of the frequency within the world Christina is a part of alongside Teddy, the other hosts and Charlotte, which happens to be a controlled "park" where humans are under Charlotte's control. It's a massive bombshell and whoever is left watching this show will likely be shocked by this revelation.
Exceptional
critic-97-41765718 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This season has been fantastic. We now get a clearer picture of what was hinted at in the season opener. My S04E01 review got one thing wrong. "William" is still the same villain. Just now fighting for the other side. The roles have now reversed.
It really is a return to the form of Season 1.
=======
Season 2 was a bit complicated. Season 3 was a bit messy. With this opening, I'm optimistic. It reveals enough to get your mind thinking of the path they're heading towards but is still mysterious enough to keep you guessing.
The show is about humanity, and what it means to be human. We're constantly struggling to make sense of our lives and to find where we fit in. The androids are really no different. They just started from a different place, knowing/learning they weren't "real" people to begin with. Yet they fight to be "real", whatever that means. The villain is William, who continues to oppress them, seeing them as "less than", a thing made to entertain the real people. Interesting analogy of what we see in society really.
What we see is technology that can make the real people behave like androids, doing things according to the bidding of others. It's about blurring what makes us human, keeping our individuality intact. Now the real people are having to fight being controlled, in the way the androids have always been.
I find it odd that people who said they loved the first season think this episode isn't up to par. Haters gonna hate. The entire point of the first season was the struggle for legitimacy, respect, value, etc. This season looks like it's a return to that concept. If you want to see a show that makes you think and question things, then Westworld is the show for you.
It really is a return to the form of Season 1.
=======
Season 2 was a bit complicated. Season 3 was a bit messy. With this opening, I'm optimistic. It reveals enough to get your mind thinking of the path they're heading towards but is still mysterious enough to keep you guessing.
The show is about humanity, and what it means to be human. We're constantly struggling to make sense of our lives and to find where we fit in. The androids are really no different. They just started from a different place, knowing/learning they weren't "real" people to begin with. Yet they fight to be "real", whatever that means. The villain is William, who continues to oppress them, seeing them as "less than", a thing made to entertain the real people. Interesting analogy of what we see in society really.
What we see is technology that can make the real people behave like androids, doing things according to the bidding of others. It's about blurring what makes us human, keeping our individuality intact. Now the real people are having to fight being controlled, in the way the androids have always been.
I find it odd that people who said they loved the first season think this episode isn't up to par. Haters gonna hate. The entire point of the first season was the struggle for legitimacy, respect, value, etc. This season looks like it's a return to that concept. If you want to see a show that makes you think and question things, then Westworld is the show for you.
It's back and with style.
nunosantos000018 July 2022
For fans of the whole show, this is one of the best episodes of whole four seasons so far. Its a 10/10 for me. An episode that will make you feel excited, surprised, anxious and in awe. The attention to the details is masterfully done in this one, and it's clever. Can not wait for episode 5 to unfold.
Westworld is back.
Westworld is back.
More of the same blah blah blah
gareth-7544219 July 2022
Well at least a bunch of bottom of the barrel "actors" are drawing a paycheck and a whole load of talented set designers and special effect crews are getting work, as a show this things dead in the water, should have been wrapped up in season 2,its no longer anything even remotely resembling the Westworld story.
Wow
tristan_1918 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
What a great surprise ! The episode is so well put together, it plays like an organic series of twists and reveals. The score and cinematography are on point. The acting is out of this world. Aaron Paul gives his all. And what can we say about Tessa Thompson ? Charlotte is such a fantastic antagonist.
Generation Loss is one of the best episodes of Westworld. Well done. The Frankie twist is insane, but then we get the fidelity twist, oh and Charlotte has already won. Welcome to her world !
The pieces of the puzzle just came together flawlessly here and I can't wait to see what the show does next !
Generation Loss is one of the best episodes of Westworld. Well done. The Frankie twist is insane, but then we get the fidelity twist, oh and Charlotte has already won. Welcome to her world !
The pieces of the puzzle just came together flawlessly here and I can't wait to see what the show does next !
Each Episode Gets Better
MamadNobari9718 July 2022
Apart from some cheesy lines that don't work because the presentation of the reveals isn't that good, this was a pretty good episode story-wise.
The reveals weren't "jaw-dropping" to me because well, I kinda ruined it for myself by reading some theories about it and they were in fact correct. But I feel like even if I didn't know about it, the reveal wouldn't be jaw-droppingly surprising anyway.
Because there's just something about these later seasons that just doesn't feel like season 1, and it's even more interesting since we know all these characters now, but we didn't in season 1. So why was it that we had more attachment to these characters in season 1 where we just got to know them, but not now where we have already been with them for 4 seasons but don't really feel for them?
Anyway, not to say this episode was bad, I still gave it a 9 after all! But there are still those amateurishly choreographed action scenes that I've come to accept after these last two seasons.
This episode leads the story to an interesting route and merges the newly introduced plot in the last episode with the big plot and sets up a pretty good story for the episodes to come. And I really hope they won't resolve this plot line at the end of season 4 and season 5 is the continuation of it. It might sound weird, but by continuing it to season 5, the show becomes less repetitive! Yes, you read that right! Not resolving this season's story at the end of the season like the last season, is less repetitive than doing the same story we've seen in seasons 2, 3, and 4 in new clothes.
"Evil advanced machine controls and dictates everyone's life and action", tell me if I'm describing season 3 or season 4! Do you get it now?
So yes, this episode is a good setup for the rest of the season albeit a repetitive storyline we've seen in this show and still a 9/10 for me. The Dolores plot line is still moving really slowly and with the last episode having no screen time for her, it's obvious to me that the writer either didn't know what to do with her, or they had so little material for her story that they just needed to scatter and drag her plot line throught these episodes and feels like it's going nowhere and we're only gonna get something out of it in the last episode where finally every other plot lines that are actually moving forward catch up with this slow one.
So far, Stranger Things' and The Boys' latest seasons which started out really strong, were kinda disappointing in the end with their finales, but let's hope Westworld is going to go out on top because this season started really weak for me and it's becoming better each episode. But since we all saw what they did with season 3's finale, I won't hold my breath.
The reveals weren't "jaw-dropping" to me because well, I kinda ruined it for myself by reading some theories about it and they were in fact correct. But I feel like even if I didn't know about it, the reveal wouldn't be jaw-droppingly surprising anyway.
Because there's just something about these later seasons that just doesn't feel like season 1, and it's even more interesting since we know all these characters now, but we didn't in season 1. So why was it that we had more attachment to these characters in season 1 where we just got to know them, but not now where we have already been with them for 4 seasons but don't really feel for them?
Anyway, not to say this episode was bad, I still gave it a 9 after all! But there are still those amateurishly choreographed action scenes that I've come to accept after these last two seasons.
This episode leads the story to an interesting route and merges the newly introduced plot in the last episode with the big plot and sets up a pretty good story for the episodes to come. And I really hope they won't resolve this plot line at the end of season 4 and season 5 is the continuation of it. It might sound weird, but by continuing it to season 5, the show becomes less repetitive! Yes, you read that right! Not resolving this season's story at the end of the season like the last season, is less repetitive than doing the same story we've seen in seasons 2, 3, and 4 in new clothes.
"Evil advanced machine controls and dictates everyone's life and action", tell me if I'm describing season 3 or season 4! Do you get it now?
So yes, this episode is a good setup for the rest of the season albeit a repetitive storyline we've seen in this show and still a 9/10 for me. The Dolores plot line is still moving really slowly and with the last episode having no screen time for her, it's obvious to me that the writer either didn't know what to do with her, or they had so little material for her story that they just needed to scatter and drag her plot line throught these episodes and feels like it's going nowhere and we're only gonna get something out of it in the last episode where finally every other plot lines that are actually moving forward catch up with this slow one.
So far, Stranger Things' and The Boys' latest seasons which started out really strong, were kinda disappointing in the end with their finales, but let's hope Westworld is going to go out on top because this season started really weak for me and it's becoming better each episode. But since we all saw what they did with season 3's finale, I won't hold my breath.
"Welcome to My World"
CulvertonSmith20 July 2022
Westworld's still got it! What a phenomenal episode, I absolutely adore the final 15 minutes and am incredibly excited to see where it takes us in the second half of the season. A game changing revelation that sets up something completely different than I had expected from the future of the show. I loved this episode and cannot wait to see where they take this new development, great stuff!
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
