AVERAGE

What became an exciting thriller by Michael Crichton in 1973 was turned into a far more ambitious but also convoluted TV series, set in the 2050s where a corporation is running theme parks populated by ”hosts”, robots that look and feel exactly like humans, helping wealthy guests slake their thirst for blood and sex. The first season was a hit, with its sleek façade, effective Ramin Djawadi score, compelling performances (by Thandie Newton as a”madam” host and Anthony Hopkins as the genius behind Westworld) and intriguing ideas about the value of humanity. Subsequent seasons lost their way emotionally and narratively, with the visual design and occasional moments of suspense not enough to keep an audience.

2016-2022:U.S. 36 episodes. Color. Created by Jonathan Nolan, Lisa Joy. Theme: Ramin Djawadi. Cast: Evan Rachel Wood (Dolores Abernathy/Christina), Thandiwe Newton (Maeve Millay), Jeffrey Wright (Bernard Lowe/Arnold Weber), Ed Harris (The Man in Black/William), Tessa Thompson, James Marsden (16-18, 22), Anthony Hopkins (16-18), Luke Hemsworth, Angela Sarafyan, Simon Quarterman (16-20), Rodrigo Santoro (16-20), Clifton Collins, Jr. (16-20), Aaron Paul (20-22), Ingrid Bolsø Berdal (16-18), Jimmi Simpson (16-20), Shannon Woodward (16-18), Vincent Cassel (20), Gustaf Skarsgård (18), Fares Fares (18), Sidse Babett Knudsen (16).

Emmy: Outstanding Supporting Actress (Newton) 17-18.