Maze Was Built By Arnold as a Turing Test

Published October 27, 2016 · Updated July 6, 2022

Alright, here’s my best guess at the happenings of Westworld. I think the maze was built by Arnold as a Turing test. If a host passes the test, he or she can be considered conscious and they can leave their post and become “free.” It also might imply that the park must shut down and return to the glory days of the research lab because of the moral implications this test result brings up.

His handshake agreement with Ford was that he would make all the hosts aware of the maze but that they would have to choose to find it, visit it and solve it on their own. Because Ford is so confident that his creations will never choose to do something they aren’t programmed to do, he allows it. Similarly, Arthur is equally confident that sooner or later, enough small variations in the code will lead to an evolved host that makes the choice to be free.

Perhaps Ford after so many years secretly wishes it would have happened by now and adds the reveries code in to give it the tiniest of nudges?

The Man in Black is William 30 years later. Yes, I’ve totally bought into the dual timelines…mostly because I love the idea. I think William falls in love with Dolores and is driven mad by her inability to remember him. This spurs him to try and break Dolores out which leads to the “incident.” Also it leads to Logan’s death, cuz, why not?

Following the incident, the park threatens to close down for good. Not knowing William was at fault, the park remains open after accepting an outrageously generous donation from William to stay open. A donation he can afford because of his marriage to Logan’s sister, now with a second inheritance from her brother. He keeps the park open because if it goes away so does Dolores. Then he spends the next 30 years trying to figure out how to get Dolores out but within the rules of the game.

Now for the maze again. The Man in Black, William years later, is a very well researched guest. With his time, money and obsession he has uncovered all the info that was buried about Arnold. He discovers the maze and starts his RPG-esk quest to find the maze so he can get Dolores to it and through it.

Oh man, I could go on and on but I think this email is already too long.

Absolutely LOVE your podcast. Thanks for feeding my obsession and for making my commute bearable.- Kat from San Francisco

Subscribe Now