The HBO one-hour drama series Westworld (2016) is a dark odyssey about the dawn of artificial consciousness and the evolution of sin. Set at the intersection of the near future and the reimagined past, it explores a world in which every human appetite, no matter how noble or depraved, can be indulged.

We were joined for a screening of the two pivotal episodes: Season 1, Episode 6 “The Adversary” and Season 1, Episode 7 “Trompe L’Oeil.” The screening was followed by a Q&A with UCSB Department of Film & Media Studies Alumnus Fred Toye, director of these two episodes. The event was moderated by Pollock Theater Director Matt Ryan.