Is 'Westworld' Too Complicated for Its Own Good?

Is 'Westworld' Too Complicated for Its Own Good?

HBO's president recently defended the network's Westworld from critics who think the series tries too hard to be difficult to follow. The problem, Casey Bloys says, is that some viewers don't pay enough attention to appreciate the show's complexity. Read on to see if you agree.


Via Deadline.

Despite HBO’s Westworld landing 21 Emmy nominations in its second season, HBO president Casey Bloys was called upon by one of the TCA corps in the room to field a question about the viewer and critical backlash that the Byzantine-plotted sci-fi/western has endured recently. Will season 3 of the Jonathan Nolan-Lisa Joy created series take this into account?

Is this now? #Westworld #Emmys

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“I wouldn’t agree that the backlash was widespread” defended Bloys, “The people who love it (the series) really love it, even the people who dislike it feel the need to discuss it and talk about it, and let you know they dislike it, and debate. And for a show to arouse that kind of feeling, that’s what we want.”

After HBO dropped the first five episodes to critics, Bloys says, “Most of the reviews felt that the story had been clarified. It’s not for casual viewers (the show), it requires your attention. Jonah and Lisa like to challenge their viewers and many feel rewarded by that. It’s a unique show and that’s what we’re looking for.”

One reporter questioned the show’s indulgence of gun violence. Bloys responded that Westworld “is an old west setting. Our shows have a level of violence and nudity and air at 9PM. It was never an overriding concern.”

Get the rest of the story at Deadline.


Do you think Westworld is too complicated? Speak up in the comments below.