Life as a host in Westworld is no longer one continuous loop. An AI-led coup brought an explosive end to the first season of HBO’s prestige drama, opening the world for its synthetic beings beyond their sprawling Western-themed box. At the forefront of the host uprising stood the women of Westworld. By the finale’s end, Dolores, Maeve, and Clementine were putting fear into the eyes of any human working in Robert Ford’s fantasy factory. Through Westworld, the cast wants the narrative surrounding these sensitive topics to be reprogrammed. The wounded, oppressed, and abused can speak up and fight back. With a new sense of authority, particularly amongst the female hosts, season 2 is going to bravely push forward. “I think the show, in a strange way, has women as the leading characters,” said Angela Sarafyan, who plays Clementine. “Women are the heroes. We’re the ones starting a revolution. I think that with that diversity intact, with also our cast and everyone that works on the show, there is growth. And season 2 continues that same conversation, but even further.” “Being a feminist doesn’t mean hiding your femininity. Actually, it means really taking that space and saying, ‘Yes, I’ve got curves. I’ve got boobs and an ass, and I like it.’ And it’s saying that I will enjoy what was given to me,” she said. “What’s great about this season is I got to play different parts of her and kind of discover all of the facets of Clementine. She’s not just defined by being a saloon girl. She’s more than that.” To Sarafyan, the series has a greater responsibility in its second season to speak for those who might not have a voice, or who think they are trapped in a bad situation.
