Shat on TV

Lister mail after the “Westworld” Season 3 Premiere covers Caleb’s humanity, the toll of trauma on military veterans, the anime “Psycho-Pass,” livestock lessons in an “umm, actually,” and sucking a butt. Things get steamy as Ashley Schlafly’s husband calls in; Gene bemoans his position as the podcast’s scapegoat; and Big D rebuke’s Mr. Lyons’ arrogance. The Shat Crew also explains why it sometimes uses listeners’ full names, why self-driving cars have driver seats and leaving room for Rehoboam.

Is the “real world” just a simulation? Is Francis a fidelity test? What’s Incite up to, and why is Gene Lyons so happy? We answer these questions and more in Shat on TV’s first “Westworld” Deep Dive of Season 3. Episode 1, “Parce Domine” brought us a Bible lesson, a new face for artificial intelligence, a missing Delos board member, updated opening credits, and a frank examination of personal data. Plus, Big D brings up “Robopocalypse” yet again; Gene laments freedom of choice, and Ashley talks opera.

Westworld Season 3 started off with a bang, literally, as new characters stepped onto the scene, familiar faces got their hands dirty, and HBO reminded us why it’s the king of TV production. The sets were amazing, the vision of the future was painstakingly detailed (if not derivative), and nudity was abundant. In this instant reaction episode, we highlight performances by Lena Waithe, Aaron Paul, and Marshawn Lynch; welcome the new “benevolent dystopian” vision laid out by “Westworld;” and theorize on the significance of Incite and Rehoboam. Also, Big D coins the term “Bernard Reverse Valet Mode,” Ash draws parallels to “Black Mirror,” and Gene drools over the soundtrack.