The theme park is back!

MANILA, Philippines — The theme park, Westworld, is back — and is officially open to perhaps tie up some loose ends of (personal) narratives left by the maiden season. From a viewer’s perspective, these stories are intertwined with the history and nature of the place (designed and run by Delos Destinations).

Fans, who, in a way, are “returning guests” or “newcomers” themselves, know that the first season’s conclusion saw the takeover (or free rein) of the host-robots and the death of amusement runners. “Chaos Takes Control,” the show’s tagline-teaser, speaks volume of the Westworld’s future.

Based on the pilot episode of Westworld season two, which airs Mondays at 9 a.m. on HBO, one can say that some continuity (connection between past and present) and another compelling drama have been established. The theme park remains a place where hosts and guests interact. Again, hosts are robots that are designed to live like human beings. Guests, on the other hand, are humans who can live their dreams in Westworld.

Familiar faces are returning: Dolores played by Evan Rachel Wood, Bernard (Jeffrey Wright), Teddy (James Marsden), Maeve (Thandie Newton), Man in Black (Ed Harris), Charlotte Hale (Tessa Thompson) and Ashley Stubbs (Luke Hemsworth).

What one has seen so far is Dolores talking to Bernard, former Westworld head of programming; people (like head of security Stubbs) behind the park figuring out the event with Bernard; Maeve, inside the facility, wanting to find her daughter; Lee Sizemore (Simon Quarterman) dealing with Maeve for his survival; and Dolores going around with Teddy to look for guests.

Jeffrey Wright plays Bernard, former Westworld head of programming

Perhaps what intrigues viewers is the statement of Bernard to Dolores that the latter is learning so quickly and the former is frightened of what she will become. This could explore the theme about artificial consciousness (of highly-programmed robots)  turning into human consciousness. Is this a sign that the hosts will fully take up arms to claim their sentient existence?

This propels the narrative because the hosts have gained consciousness, like the capacity to remember, think or feel. Although this is not yet in a “critical mass” level, few hosts can now question the status quo or what is constructed (and fed to them) as reality. Dolores seems to understand how the park operates and the hosts’ unique being.

What one would love to see is where this newfound consciousness brings the android hosts in turning their world —  Westworld. These beings were created by Dr. Robert Ford (Anthony Hopkins as Delos Destinations board member and Westworld park director) and Arnold Weber. Adding to the complex storyline are the “true identities” of Bernard and Man in Black (as Arnold and William, respectively). The latter is dead set to unleash the place’s secrets.

So many may consider that Westworld, the park approximates a play straight from a computer app, wherein players are given a virtual reality. What one may look forward to is for more guests to be seen out on the prowl or in the field. Like what has been implied in the previous season, guests are given freedom with consequences, especially when guests have invested emotions in their game partners. Immersed in the moment, they can no longer distinguish real from reel.

The charm of Westworld, however, lies in how an entity can be defined and dominated by some powerful force.

The cast also includes Ingrid Bolso Berdal, Clifton Collins Jr., Louis Herthum, Talulah Riley, Rodrigo Santoro, Angela Sarafyan, Shannon Woodward, Ben Barnes, Jimmi Simpson, Leonardo Nam and Ptolemy Slocum (returning stars); Fares Fares, Katja Herbers, Gustaf Skarsgard, Hiroyuki Sanada, Peter Mullan, Rinko Kikuchi, Zahn McClarnon, Tao Okamoto, Betty Gabriel, Jonathan Tucker, Julia Jones and Kiki Sukezane (new stars).

(Westworld airs encore (episode) at 10 p.m. on HBO and is also available on HBO On Demand and SkyCable. For updates, visit www.mysky.com.ph )