Without a doubt, Westworld was one of the very best things of 2016 – at least, as far as television goes. Few shows were able to top its brilliant writing, compelling plots and fascinating characters, not to mention all the shocking twists and turns it threw at us along the way. While the sci-fi western won’t be back on our screens until 2018, there’s a lot to look forward to once it returns, as even though HBO gave us a very satisfying season finale, it was also one that left a lot of loose ends.
Perhaps the biggest question on people’s minds is what’s going to become of Jimmi Simpson’s character, William. Given that his arc seemed all tied up by the end of the last episode – when the two timelines twist was revealed – it’s uncertain how exactly he may factor into things going forward. That’s something which isn’t lost on the actor, either, as he recently told GQ that his future on the show is unclear.
So far, my involvement in [season 2] is unclear. If they have more for William, I would assume it would be a whole new kind of story. Because I feel like this story, the love affair [with Evan Rachel Wood’s character, Dolores], we know everything, we know what happens, we don’t have to belabor that point. But if they have a reason — I mean, it was the greatest set I’ve ever worked on. But we’re all speculating what season 2 will be, and I think it’ll be something that will blow our minds, to the degree that the first season did. But I wouldn’t be surprised if William showed up season 3 or something.
Of course, just because William’s arc with Dolores is done that doesn’t mean there’s no way for him to return. Yes, we know that he eventually goes on to become the Man in Black, but there’s still a whole lot of backstory that the writers can fill in. For instance, it’d be interesting to see more of the path he goes down to become the older version of the character – who Ed Harris (who’s set to be back for season 2) plays – and what leads him to eventually owning the theme park.
Whichever route Westworld decides to take when it returns, we’re fairly confident that it will be just as exciting and thrilling as what came before. Hopefully Simpson is able to find a way into season 2, but even if it doesn’t work out, there’s still a whole host of other intriguing characters who we can’t wait to spend more time with.
