Theory Following Yesterday’s West World Episode

Published November 30, 2016 · Updated July 6, 2022

Hey all,

I enjoy the podcast and appreciate the Socratic debate among the three of you. I am reaching out to share a theory I’ve been thinking of since I saw the episode yesterday. The quote that stood out to me was when Maeve was talking to the two butchers and states that she feels as if there is something deep inside her that is being suppressed. My theory is that Arnold put in place narrative milestones along the pursuit of the maze that unlock new capabilities lying dormant until the milestone is reached. In the scene with the woman, MIB, and Teddy, the woman’s demeanor appeared to change after Teddy refused to shoot the MIB (or after the MIB finished explaining his backstory). She was “activated” because it was her turn to lead MIB through the maze, almost as if he was the reaching the next level. We saw the same thing happen when MIB ditched Lawrence in favor of Teddy.

Alternatively, the “milestone” could relate to a host realizing or understanding something new about the world they live in, completing a “level” of self actualization and activating a previously suppressed part of their brain to allow them to reach the next step. I could see the ability for hosts to lie or recall past memories being two possible levels. This could be what Maeve is referring to.

Please let me know your thoughts as I would be curious to see what you think. Looking forward to the deep dive tomorrow.

Cheers, –Parker

P.S. Side note one clue supporting the multiple timeline theory I don’t believe has been addressed is the fact that when Maeve is touring the facilities, one of the scenes on the West World advertisement is Clementine and another girl dressed as the saloon owner. The other girl is the same girl seen as owner of the saloon when William and Logan first enter the park.

Subscribe Now