Westworld: The Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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.