Caleb: Not Your Average Dog

Published April 8, 2020 · Updated July 6, 2022

Hello,

It’s really interesting that they have given Aaron Paul’s character the name “Caleb.” Not just because it means dog/loyal in Hebrew, but because of the story of Caleb in the Old Testament. I think the writers might be dropping some clues about some of Caleb’s other virtues and what might become of his character. To explain the story of Caleb, you have to back up and start with the story of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt (interesting timing as that is precisely what us Jews around the globe are recounting tonight).

Short version of the story we all know: The Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for several generations. Eventually, God decides that he will intercede. Yadayadayada, let-my-people-go, yadayadayada, frogs, blood, locusts, cattle disease, darkness, hail, killing of the firstborn, etc.; all in all, a pretty awesome display of power by a deity. So, Pharaoh lets them leave Egypt. Then, being a first class douche, he chases them into the desert with his army. God steps up again, parts the Red Sea, saves the day (forge visual). Thereafter, on the way to the land of Israel, he displays his awesome powers many more times.

Fast forward: The Israelites are in spitting distance of the holy land, which, unfortunately for them, is occupied by some really intimidating warlike tribes. Moses sends 12 spies to scope out the situation. When they return, most of them say words to the effect of, “no fucking, way, Mo. They have huge walled cities, the people themselves are giants . . . we can’t possibly beat them.” It’s at this point that God has kind of had it with the Israelites. He thinks, “how can you possibly doubt my ability to help you win these battles? I made frogs rain from the sky, ffs.” He’s about to abandon the Israelites once and for all. Just then, one of the spies, named Caleb, spoke up and said, “we can totally do this. We’ve got God with us. We’ve seen what he can do.”

Ultimately, God does lead the Israelites into the Holy Land and they slaughter most everyone in their path. God doesn’t let any of the old Israelites who doubted his powers to enter the Holy Land. An entire generation was never allowed in. Caleb was one of two exceptions to this rule. He was allowed to see and inhabit the promised land; something even Moses wasn’t allowed to do.

The name “Caleb,” which is associated with a kind of blind, canine, unquestioning loyalty, is also equally associated with one who has faith when there is no objective reason to have any.

There are some parallels. The Caleb in Westworld is possibly on his way to bear witness to some sort of cataclysmic change. He does so standing beside and helping the leader of a people – I think we will see that he is not only is loyal, but has deep faith in something. Is WW Caleb the one guy who gets to see the new world? If so, I wonder what the new world he is going to see will be like. For Bible Caleb, the new world was a return to a homeland after wandering in the desert, and after generations of enslavement. So maybe WW Caleb is about to see some serious shit and end up on a protected strip of land designated for his people while the Delori bathe Scrooge McDuck style in microchips.

Keep up the great work. Your podcast-which has always been a wonderful escape from the world-is more important than ever for those of us who depend on you for intellectual substance.

-Mike in D.C.

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