'Westworld': Fans split straight down the middle on how good the Genre-tripping episode really was
Spoilers for 'Westworld' Season 3 Episode 5 'Genre'
As the first major part of Dolores' (Evan Rachel Wood) endgame all but crashed the system, Caleb Nichols (Aaron Paul) was tripping on a futuristic drug called "Genre." The drug took Caleb on a trip through multiple different genres of film and television in the midst of a high-speed car chase, and viewers are solidly divided on just how effective it was.
Tonight's episode (April 12) of 'Westworld' was certainly divisive, but probably not in the way that HBO had hoped it would be. There are some who absolutely loved it. "The score in tonight's Westworld was award-winning. Hands down some of the best I've experienced," wrote a fan.
"So, tonight's #Westworld had a killer car chase featuring a kamikaze motorbike, the red shell from Mario Kart, black-and-white imagery, and a soundtrack that shifted from 'Ride of the Valkyries' to the theme from 'Love Story'. I'm sorry, but this show still rules," pointed out a viewer.
"It's rare for the 3rd season of any series to be any good. Damn, @WestworldHBO has proven me wrong. I am glad they ditched the cowboy gear and brought the characters into their present reality," said another fan.
"'Genre' was incredible. Chilling. Smart. Fun. Thought provoking. Beautiful. I mean. Damn. This show is not supposed to be easy to understand folks! But it all makes sense. Rewatching first two seasons during quarantine = very rewarding. I love this ****ing show!" proclaims this tweet.
Others were not so impressed by the Genre-tripping section of the show. "I loved the plot work and character work in tonight’s #Westworld. My only complaint is that for a show with those resources they gave a rather visually dull experience of a genre hopping acid trip," writes the fan. "Thought it was the trippiest ep, not the best. This week’s #Westworld inches further to the endgame, albeit at a ridiculously slow and messy pace. And the ‘Genre’ setup was gimmicky af. Next week looks like it’s going to be awesome again though," posted a viewer.
"Damn, @WestworldHBOsomehow putting together the most boring car chase ever and the least compelling use of Ride of the Valkyries of all time," said another fan.
Some fans were especially harsh, like this one: "It’s impossible for me to quit shows mid-season, let alone mid-series. but I may finally pull the plug on Westworld. it’s upsetting to see all the potential it had go to waste." This tweet states "Westworld S3 has completely gone downhill now. What a ridiculously boring episode the latest one was. The characters are so one note, even Aaron Paul can't save it with all his effort."
The next episode of 'Westworld' airs on April 19 on HBO.