Was Westworld season 2 overly complicated? Some viewers certainly thought so, and HBO boss Casey Bloys has now commented on that backlash. He’s asserted that the show is “not for casual viewers”.
During an appearance at the swanky TCA press event over in the USA, someone mentioned the backlash that targeted Westworld season 2’s complicated timelines. Will Jonathan Nolan, Lisa Joy and the other writers take this reaction into account when they’re making Westworld season 3?
It’s fair to say that Bloys’ response was a firm piece of support for the writers, rather than an appeasement to the frustrated segment of the show’s fanbase.
“I wouldn’t agree that the backlash was widespread”, said Bloys. “The people who love it (the series) really love it, even the people who dislike it feel the need to discuss it and talk about it, and let you know they dislike it, and debate. And for a show to arouse that kind of feeling, that’s what we want.”
“Most of the reviews felt that the story had been clarified”, Bloys added, touching on how the critical response developed over season 2’s first five episodes. It may have seemed overly complicated at the start, he seems to be saying, but things became clearer in time.
“It’s not for casual viewers”, Bloys continued, hammering home his opinion on the show and its more hard-to-keep-with elements. “It requires your attention. Jonah and Lisa like to challenge their viewers and many feel rewarded by that. It’s a unique show and that’s what we’re looking for.”
We don’t yet have the release date for Westworld season 3, but we’ll keep you posted as we hear more.