Most of the episode focuses on Akecheta's story, told with narration in his in the Native language rather than English (which we know he speaks).Īs one of the park's original hosts, his first "build" was as a peaceful Native villager. No time for quiet philosophical contemplation when there's a war on. The episode was the kind of pause we needed before Westworld inevitably goes off the rails in Season 2's final two episodes. Learning about Akecheta is not unlike how Sizemore learned about Maeve.
In "Kiksuya," the guests at the park ignore the hosts, just as Westworld has marginalized some of its characters. It had more emotion and depth than most of the show's other episodes. The slow, contemplative episode might not have enough violence and plot twists for some Westworld viewers, but it was a beautiful hour of TV, a heartbreaking short story of one host, Akecheta (Zahn McClarnon), and his journey through three decades of the park. Sunday's episode finally gave Ghost Nation a voice. Of course, the reason they were such a stereotype is because the creators of Westworld (the park) trafficked in stereotypes to entertain their wealthy guests, but the whole practice felt a little too much like the writers were having their cake and eating it, too.
For most of its run, the "Ghost Nation" Native Americans, who are characters within the show's Westworld park, have been portrayed as gruesome savages, a damaging and offensive stereotype.
Westworld season 1 episode 8 series#
One of the more uncomfortable parts of the HBO series was the way its characters trafficked in racial and ethnic stereotypes to build the theme parks.
This episode of Westworld feels a long time coming. Spoiler alert! The following contains details from Season 2, Episode 8 of Westworld, "Kiksuya." Watch Video: What would 'Westworld' cast most want to mimic in their robot hosts?