Polarity in Westworld: Robots Polarizing Service To Others

[Foha]

I really enjoy this show as well for the same reasons. I agree with you that it's refreshing to see characters and story centered around the Choice.

A recent discussion I had with a good friend seemed to relate a lot to this discussion, so I wanted to share it here.

We were discussing how projects that are large in scale have symptomatic problems with them.
Namely, a large sense of scale on a project typically requires a large monetary investment.

A large monetary investment, we believe, typically requires a lot in terms of business to get things in order.
Some of these things include appealing to a larger audience. This usually places a lot of limitations on the message, story, art style, and theme:
- It must not offend most people (revenue, breaking even)
- Being safe is better than being risky
- Cliche plot points are better understood and related to on a larger audience

And my friend was saying that it is more of a sense of scale that big production movies, games, and other media are often:
- Bland
- Cliche
- Anti-climactic

For the very reason that such scale requires so much investment either in time or money. Both require power to steer towards a goal; which typically is won easiest by STS entities.

Much like how in my opinion the American palette for food is very bland and safe. For example, when you go to a restaurant and order something with the word "Spicy" in the name, most spicy food lovers will disagree about it actually deserving such a title.
It is difficult to have a major success and widely renowned franchise, movie, etc. It may not be because the writers are bad or because the authors, artists, and creative people were uninspired.

We were talking about how it probably starts very inspired at the beginning. You might have a fantastic idea that will clamor big fans and inspire many with it's message.
But to portray a gripping story or to deliver a message or attract that audience, your project requires skill en-masse to create the compelling effect that makes it so unique and gripping. This is where the sense of scale comes in, and why with it will invite investors and other big, outside influences.

These outside influences will surely steer you at least a little off-course. Perhaps it is a course worth taking, still.

But in Westworld, the plot and story has morals and choices as it's central theme and core mechanic. Such a premise requires highlighting contrasts between the two over-arching themes in life: service to others and service to self. I totally agree with you that shows these days are potentially influenced by STS hierarchies. I think it is because that sense of scale comes with such a cost that it tends to gravitate those in power towards itself.

I also agree with you that it is a refreshing tale. I also feel it could be better.
Maeve is a great character, and so is Teddy, as they are STO, which I feel is rare in most major productions.
However, they often suffer from lacking the spotlight. Characters like the Man in Black, Awakened Dolores, and others get the lime-light too much.
My favorite episode by far is the 3rd to last in this 2nd season. Akecheta is my favorite character now.