It’s been a heck of a ride partners, but we’ve reached the end of the ‘ole dusty trail. Craig, Jess, and Meredith discuss their feelings about Season 3 (2:25), unanswered questions (10:52), honorable mentions for best moments (17:17), and our official top 10 (22:04).

Artwork by Stuart O’Neil

It’s just a story about robots, but it made us cry again. We discuss the poster that foreshadowed everything (2:48), William’s end and beginning (5:37), Bernard’s quest to save the world (16:31), and Dolores’ ultimate sacrifice (35:09).

Artwork by Husein Aziz from The Noun Project

If there’s anything we learned from this episode, it’s that you don’t mess with Dolores… or Dolores… or Dolores! Listen to our first impressions of Episode 4 “The Mother of Exiles.”

Artwork by monkik from The Noun Project

Do you like watching Ed Harris as a cowboy? Good news! There’s a whole movie where he does just that. Craig and Jake will be reviewing “Appaloosa” (2008). Here’s a quick preview along with some news about the podcast.

If you have an HBO subscription, “Appaloosa” is available in the movie library right now for free.

“The Seven Samurai” (1954) is considered not only one of the greatest samurai films ever but one of the greatest films ever. Craig and Jake discuss the the film’s history and Kurosawa’s brilliance (1:36), our general impressions of the movie (20:05), the use of movement and weather (27:40), the women in the movie (30:12), “13 Assassins” (36:30), their favorite moments (39:47), and Craig’s trip to Japan (43:18).

One of the big surprises of the “Westworld” finale was the reveal of what may be Samuraiworld. In honor of that momentous revelation, we are going to review one of the greatest samurai films of all time: “The Seven Samurai” (1954). Here’s the preview.

Here is our full interview with Ptolemy Slocum aka Sylvester. We discuss his improv background (2:20), how he ended up on “Westworld” and his amazing costume (9:16), his thought process behind the character of Sylvester (14:45), his off-screen friendship with Leonardo Nam (aka Felix) (23:11), what it was like being on the set (27:32), the prevalence of nudity (32:45), working with Thandie Newton (35:19), working with Billy Crystal in the “City Slickers” parody (39:43), a fun behind-the-scenes story (43:39), where he sees his character going in season 2 (46:56), and what it’s like watching as a fan (51:20).

Ptolemy Slocum plays Sylvester, the ornery surgical tech in “Westworld.” Craig was able to interview him. Here’s a short preview of their discussion.

“East of West” is an amazing graphic novel series that artfully melds the science fiction and western genres. It’s a great fix if you need something to help hold you over between now and season 2. Craig along with a new voice to the podcast, Wil Heflin, review volume one of the series. They discuss the comic’s background (2:08), Death as a protagonist (9:53), their general impressions (13:22), the artwork (19:55), their favorite moments (26:07), the importance of Image Comics (30:14), and a nod to the small, independent comic shop (38:39).

If you have a hankerin’ for more of the science-fiction western genre, pick up a copy of “East of West, Vol. 1.” Created by writer Jonathan Hickman and illustrator Nick Dragotta, “East of West” is an incredible graphic novel series and as soon as you’re finished with the first one, you’ll want to read the rest.

Craig Carter and Wil Heflin, a new voice on the podcast, give you a preview.

“To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar” (1995) is the drag queen western you never knew you needed. Starring Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, and John Leguizamo, this mid-90s gem is an amazing genre-bending, gender-bending western.

Craig and Jake discuss facts about the film (6:42), why this movie is a western (13:15), how incredible Swayze, Snipes, and Leguizamo are (18:36), the Robin Williams and Naomi Campbell cameos (19:56), Sherrif “Dullard” (21:58), the faults of the film (31:13), how almost no one realized they were men (41:35), the politics inherent in the film (44:52), and some fun trivia (52:24).

If you haven’t watched “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar,” do it. It’s the drag queen western you never knew you wanted. Craig and Jake give a preview.

Craig, Heather, and Jake loved the original “Ghost in the Shell” (1995). And they were excited to see the new one. They discuss exciting Westworld news (:50), the new “Ghost in the Shell” (5:10), spoilers and “The Fate of the Furious” trailer (5:51), comparing the original with the live-action (7:29), the clarity of the film (7:58), the cybernetic enhancements (13:53), the geisha-bots and the spider tank (15:06), the depiction of “the net” (24:08), Kuze and the lack of existential crisis (25:38), Batou, Pilou Asbæk, Togusa, and the garbagemen (34:21), the advertisements (42:35), the big controversy (48:03), connections to Lost in Translation (54:05), and therm-optics and mind-comm (55:34).

There might be an absence of field, but there’s no absence of theories of who Charlotte is. Craig and Jess discuss all the possible hosts (2:28), Caleb’s awakening (11:38), and Charlotte struggling to adapt (31:34).

Artwork by Sergey Demushkin, RU from The Noun Project

The trailer for season 2 of “Westworld” was leaked! Craig, Jake, and Brian were all able to see it before HBO pulled it down. They recap what they were able to see from the exciting new teaser.

We watched the original “Ghost in the Shell” (1995). Now we’re going to watch the new live-action version staring Scarlet Johannson. Craig, Heather, and Jake give you a preview.

“Ghost in the Shell” is considered one of the great science fiction anime films of all time—and for good reason. Craig, Heather, and Jake got together to review it in anticipation of the new version set to release at the end of March. They discuss facts about the movie and their general impressions (1:40), the film’s influences (8:43), the brilliant animation (14:30), the question of consciousness (19:54), sexuality and gender identity (28:10), favorite moments (36:22), and their thoughts about the 2017 version (45:07).

Considered one of the greatest anime films of all-time, “Ghost in the Shell” (1995) is a cyber-punk masterpiece. In anticipation of the modern reinterpretation coming out at the end of March, Craig, Heather, and Jake watched the original. Here’s a preview of their review of the movie.

A modern western classic, “The Revenant” is a must-watch for anyone that’s a fan of the genre. Jake and Craig watched it. They discuss the film’s place among its contemporaries (2:08), the brilliance of Tom Hardy (4:07), why we'd never want to be an 1800s fur trapper (13:50), the bear attack (15:20), the amazing raid scene at the beginning of the movie (22:08), Jake’s experience during his first viewing (31:30), the film’s ridiculous beauty (38:21), the magical realism with a brief break to talk about Glass cauterizing his neck wound (45:44), the Native Americans (53:22), and what makes this movie a western (55:45).

“The Revenant” is one of the best westerns (no, not the hotel chain) in recent memory. Craig and Jake give a short preview of their discussion of this modern epic.

“Westworld” isn’t HBO’s first foray into westerns. Back in 2004, “Deadwood” premiered and although it didn’t last long, it remains one of the finest western-themed television shows ever made. Craig, Heather, and Brian review the pilot. Hear them talk about the history of the real Deadwood, South Dakota (1:30), facts about the show (9:07), our general thoughts about the pilot episode (16:31), the male characters (22:27), the foul language (25:03), the female characters (27:45), and if you should you watch this show if you liked “Westworld” (37:00).

Did you know “Westworld” isn’t HBO’s only western series? In 2004, “Deadwood” premiered to critical acclaim. Unfortunately, it only lasted three seasons, but it remains one of the great television shows depicting the American frontier in the late 1800s. Craig, Heather, and Brian reviewed the pilot episode. Here’s a preview. 

Remember the Yul Brynner Easter egg in episode six “The Adversary”? Nick Marra is the artist who created that statue. A special FX artist for over two decades, Nick has incredible stories and we got to hear a bunch of them. Learn how he came to create the Yul Brynner statue, how it ended up in “Westworld,” and how a love of movies shaped his career.

Remember the Yul Brynner cameo in episode six, “The Adversary?” Nick Marra made that possible.

He created an amazing sculpture of Yul Brynner’s gunslinger character from the original 1973 Westworld. Here’s a preview of our interview with him.

Who is Charlotte? How is Charlotte? Why is Charlotte? Meredith and Craig attempt to answer these questions and more in our latest episode.

Artwork by Igé Maulana, ID from The Noun Project

“Wild Wild West” was the western/scif-fi/action/comedy/steampunk mashup we never knew we needed. Craig, Heather, and Jake review the 1999 classic.

They discuss 60s tv show upon which it is based (1:25), differences between the show and movie (3:48), facts about the movie (11:56), where they all were during the summer of 1999 (29:59), the film’s needless exposition and lack of physics or continuity (35:55), crossdressing Kevin Klein (42:27), how the movie was likely made for 13-year-old boys (44:47), the largely useless female characters (47:35), the amazing and terrible special FX (53:51), how long it actually takes to go west (59:29), Kevin Smith and the giant spider (1:00:34), why there hasn’t been a great steampunk movie yet (1:06:39), the brilliance of Kenneth Branagh (1:12:50), and why we still love the movie (1:18:59).

What would you think if you heard we were going to review a western/sci-fi mashup based on something from over 40 years ago? If you thought Westworld, you thought wrong! We're reviewing the 1999 steampunk classic Wild Wild West. Craig, Jake, and Heather give you a preview.

Scholar of religious studies Andrew Aghapour joins the podcast to talk about the religious symbolism present throughout the first season of “Westworld.” Craig and Andrew discuss the bicameral mind (3:48), Ford, Nietzsche, and the death of God (15:08), Dolores and Maeve as prophets (38:15), and what we may learn about the religion of the Hosts and the world outside of the park in season two.

Happy New Year, everyone! Today marks the first episode of our offseason. For all of 2017, we'll be having full-length episodes every other Wednesday.

On odd weeks, you'll get a mini-episode giving a preview of the following week. This week, get a preview of our discussion about all of the religious symbolism present in Westworld.

Also, an exciting announcement: the podcast is now on SoundCloud!

The piano player covers were such a big part of the first season of “Westworld.” Craig and Heather couldn’t wait until 2018 to hear the next group of songs to be covered in season two. So they got the help of the musician behind our podcast theme music to help compose a hypothetical season two soundtrack. Alex Thompson joins Craig and Heather to play 10 amazing songs from all different genres in the piano player style. You'll hear piano player versions of: Into the West (6:39), Hurt (10:34), Rolling in the Deep (17:51), Jolene (21:07), Chandelier (25:11), Time in a Bottle (29:54), Mad World (34:23), Idioteque (38:14), Send in the Clowns (43:27), and I Say a Little Prayer (48:52).

And Craig, Heather, and Alex discuss each one and how they might fit into the show.

This is the most exciting thing to happen since the finale of “Westworld!” Craig and Heather share a project that has been in the works for quite some time. We got the creator of our honky tonk theme music to help us imagine what the music might be like in season 2. Here’s a preview of what’s to come.

The whole gang is here for this one. Craig talks with Jake, Brian, Heather, and Jonathan about the first season of “Westworld,” what they liked, didn't like, and their thoughts on the podcast in general.

Craig had trouble coming to grips with the end of the season. Luckily Jake and Brian were there to help him along. The entire team behind Westworld The Podcast is going to reflect on the first season of “Westworld.” Here’s a taste of what you’ll be getting this Wednesday.

Craig, Jake, and Brian wrap up their discussion of episode 10 of “Westworld,” “The Bicameral Mind.” In part two of our two-part series on the season finale, they discuss Dolores’ journey to find herself, William becoming The Man in Black, Ford’s master plan, and much more. 

Craig, Jake, and Brian dive deep into episode 10 and the season one finale of “Westworld,” “The Bicameral Mind.” In part one of a two-part series, they discuss Maeve’s escape, the value of Hector and Armistice as sidekicks, Felix’s redemption, Delos security, and the possibility of other parks. 

Bernard needs help stopping Dolores (3:08), and Maeve is trapped in Nazi-occupied Italy in a virtual world… in the real world (23:57). The layers! Craig and Jess dive deep into “The Winter Line.”

Artwork by iconcheese from The Noun Project

Craig and Heather react to the powerful Rolling Stone interview with Evan Rachel Wood. They discuss her personal demons and how they impacted her role on “Westworld.”

We watched the finale and it was amazing! Craig, Heather, and Jonathan talk about a few of their favorite moments from episode ten of “Westworld,” “The Bicameral Mind.” They discuss Jonathan’s crazy theory (1:24), Maeve’s secret code (2:28), Samuraiworld? (6:59), Dolores 1.0 (9:59), and Felix questioning his reality (16:14). 

Craig Carter and Brian Sutorious dive deep into the ninth and penultimate episode of “Westworld,” “The Well-Tempered Clavier.” They discuss Stubbs’ run-in with the Ghost Nation (4:02), Maeve’s journey to hell and back (9:59), The Man in Black inching ever so close to the end of the maze (20:38), William, Logan, and Dolores partying Confederado style (38:26), Bernard’s journey of self-discovery (55:19), and Dolores and Arnold finding each other (1:07:16). Also stay tuned after the ending theme music for our theory of the week section (1:32:01). 

Craig and Jake have a quick review about episode nine of “Westworld,” “The Well-Tempered Clavier.” They begin with a general discussion of the episode and the huge reveal and then talk about their favorite moments: Maeve’s puppeteering skills (7:02) and the photo of Logan’s sister (12:52). 

Craig and Heather dive deep into the eighth episode of “Westworld,” “Trace Decay.” They discuss Ford’s continued machinations and their wide-reaching effects (3:27), Dolores traveling through time (32:21), The Man in Black’s true nature (45:15), Maeve’s escape attempt (57:07), and the theory of the week (1:22:51). 

Craig, Heather, and Jonathan talk about a few of their favorite moments from episode eight of “Westworld,” “Trace Decay.” They discuss Maeve’s Jedi mind tricks (1:05), Bernard’s tortured existence (6:03), and The Man in Black bearing his soul for all to hear (11:48). 

Craig and Heather dive deep into episode seven of “Westworld,” “Trompe L’oeil.” They discuss William and Dolores’ journey into Ghost Nation (2:37), Maeve taking control of her destiny (24:58), and deception and betrayal in Delos (45:24). 

Craig, Heather, and Jake talk about their favorite parts of episode seven of “Westworld,” “Trompe L’oeil.” They discuss Theresa and Charlotte’s “demonstration” (3:37), the chase into Ghost Nation (7:35), and the twist we’ve all been waiting for (10:10). 

Craig, Heather, and Brian dive deep into episode six of “Westworld,” “The Adversary.” This episode we're changing up the format a bit. It's still chronological, but we’re covering entire story threads in separate sections. We discuss The Man in Black, Teddy, and the Union soldiers (2:56), Maeve and the surgery cats, Felix and Sylvester (17:14), and all the weird and wonderful developments of the Delos employees (46:53).

Craig and Jonathan have a quick review of season one episode six of “Westworld,” “The Adversary.” They discuss Ford’s secret family (2:33) and detective Elsie (9:52). 

Maeve‘s fighting Nazis, Bernard‘s meeting an old friend, and we’re stuck in a fake park in a fake world… in another world? Craig and Meredith give their instant reaction to The Winter Line.

Artwork by priyanka from The Noun Project

Craig, Jake, and Brian further explore episode five of “Westworld,” “Contrapasso.” In part two, they discuss El Lazo’s compelling offer (0:34), Elsie’s suspicions (1:50), the orgy and the argument (7:51), Dolores visiting the fortune teller (14:22), nitro and Confederados (20:02), the time traveling train part I (25:21), smiling Logan (27:13), the time traveling train part II (29:29), The Man in Black and Dr. Ford (30:46), the holy crap ending (36:41), and Brian’s amazing skateboarding adventure (45:46). 

Craig, Jake, and Brian dive deep into episode five of “Westworld,” “Contrapasso.” In part one of a two-part series, they discuss Ford and Bill's little talk and the greyhound symbol (2:42), cemeteries and safety coffins (6:31), our first visit to Pariah (11:14), The Man in Black and Lawrence (14:58), the livestock department (19:41), The Man in Black and Teddy (25:57), Dolores’ vision and her visit with Ford (31:15), Felix, the bird, and the concept of blue-collar surgeons (41:51), El Lazo, timelines, and Host on guest violence (46:41), and the convoy (57:45).  

Craig and Jake share their favorite moments from the incredible mid-season episode “Contrapasso.” They discuss Dolores writing her own story (2:56) and the heart-to-heart between Dr. Ford and The Man in Black (9:49).