“If it’s such a wonderful place out there, why are you all clamoring to get in here?”

– Dolores Abernathy, portrayed by Evan Rachel Wood

Jonathan Nolan, brother of Christopher Nolan, and his wife Lisa Joy worked together to craft HBO’s “Westworld.” This television show boasts great acting, strong direction and rewarding storytelling. It even ranks as one of HBO’s most-watched programs.

Based on the pilot alone, “Westworld” is a treat for fans of the mixing of genres.

In a futuristic world, the Westworld theme park allows citizens to indulge in escapism in a simulated Wild West. Out on the great plains, visitors can interact with an immense number of intricately crafted, humanoid robots acting out various narratives throughout the park.

Although this show does not maintain a single director throughout, it has strong enough direction to carry out the overall narrative. “Westworld” manipulates signifiers and themes from both the Western and science fiction genres, which allows viewers to play along with the show as they try to sort out the complex narrative.

“Westworld” features the acting talent of Evan Rachel Wood, Thandie Newton, Ed Harris, Anthony Hopkins, James Marsden and Jeffrey Wright.

Ed Harris as The Man in Black is a classic Western archetype and enjoyable for those familiar with the genre. Wood, Newton and Wright, however, steal the show in their respective parts.

The only problem is that, at times, “Westworld” can be too ambitious with the intricacies of the overarching story. Viewers may feel lost sometimes, but the finale will reward those who finish the first season.

Rating: 4/5 stars