Battle Over Intellectual Property

Published November 19, 2016 · Updated July 6, 2022

Westworld is on the back-burner for the foreseeable future. But thank you for continuing to take the time and effort to give us this podcast. Shows like this remind me that I can give myself permission to feel something besides overwhelming anxiety for democracy 100% of the time. Put on your own oxygen mask first…

One question answered this week. But this is the Big Picture the show is trying to sell us on:

It’s a Battle over Intellectual Property!
Ford vs. The Board!
Ford is a Villain!!

But the Board is obviously not “The Hero.” They are the only players so far devoid of any apparent good intentions. The Board wants what?
They don’t care about rich guys playing cowboy.
True interest expressed was Raw Data. For what ends?
Weapons?
Brain mapping?
For power gained from information control?
Or in some desperate quest for immortality? “Lazarus from his cave…”

Ford isn’t as concerned with “consciousness.” Still feels like something bigger than that with him. Think Ford’s a big “ends justify the means” guy. But is his only motive to maintain selfish godlike control? Or does he have a unique perspective to know relinquishing his control would have dire consequences of epic proportions? I think The Board still doesn’t really know what it’s dealing with.

As for the other players:

Is the Man in Black a pawn in this chess game? Self proclaimed freedom fighter. Whatever he means by setting the Hosts free, and never leaving the park, does he even care about IP? He obviously has some selfish motive, despite his Heroic Intentions. All I know is, if Ford’s not scared of him, MiB’s threats are impotent.

The AI have a dog in this fight, but it’s not Dolores, and it’s not “Arnold.” Any righteous conviction they display is has been carefully manipulated by Ford, and their actions will ultimately aid him. Maeve is AI the player. I believe Ford created her to win this Game.

I think Maeve is Ford’s legacy. Maybe even his chosen successor.

Looking forward to Ford’s backstory coming up again, too.
Young Robert tells Ford, “And we wanted to climb to the top of the mountain, but Daddy said we weren’t allowed. And then Tommy dared me. And here we are. Nowhere Land.”

Wishing you peace and love and 4 more seasons of Westworld. – Kerry

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