Unveiling the Secrets of Westworld: Board Awareness of Williams' Experiment with James Delos

In the intricate world of Westworld, the actions of individual characters are often limited by the broader interests of Delos Inc. The board, occupied with financial and operational concerns, may not be fully aware of the ambitious experiments conducted by their chief architect, William. This article delves into the dynamics between the board, William, and the influential Robert Ford, exploring the layers of knowledge and secrecy that define Westworld.

Board Awareness and William's Experiment

The board of Delos Inc. is primarily focused on the financial and operational aspects of the park, making them unaware of the full scope of William's projects. These projects are often classified and compartmentalized, limiting access to a select few, such as Ford and William himself. While the board knows about the park's primary purposes, including the collection of user data, their knowledge is superficial.

William, however, operates in the shadows, conducting his experiments in secret. His quest to achieve immortality through the replication of human consciousness in hosts is part of his ambitious, but ethically questionable, endeavors. This raises questions about the extent of the board's knowledge of these experiments and the potential ramifications they might face.

Robert Ford's Knowledge and Philosophical Conflict

Robert Ford possesses a profound understanding of the technological and ethical implications of creating sentient hosts. His awareness of the experiment conducted by William is generated from his deep expertise in both technology and philosophy. Ford recognizes the potential dangers and ethical dilemmas involved in Williams’ pursuit of immortality through the Delos project. This knowledge significantly influences Ford’s actions and the narrative throughout the series.

While Ford is aware of the experiment to some extent, his views on conscious development and free will contrast sharply with William’s more utilitarian approach. This philosophical conflict forms a central tension between the two characters, driving the narrative and adding depth to the series.

Project Compartmentalization and Pet Projects

The intricate nature of Westworld is further illustrated by the compartmentalization of knowledge and the existence of numerous 'pet' projects. These projects, known to a select few, serve as unique studies in human consciousness and behavior.

Arnold, the first architect of the park, had his own 'pet' project with Dolores. Similarly, Ford had his projects, such as the development of Bernard and the creation of The Maze. These projects were often developed under tight secrecy, with minimal oversight from the board.

Even after his death, Ford continued to influence the park through his creations and the narrative, further highlighting the intricate layers of power and control within the world of Westworld. This is evident in the case of Maeve, who had her own agenda and utilizes the park for her own purposes.

William's Ego and the Host of James Delos

William's experiment with the host of James Delos is another complex layer of this intricate narrative. William, driven by an egoistic and god-like complex, conducts the experiment not for the pursuit of immortality, but to satisfy his own power and control. The relationship between William and James is one of love and hate, further emphasizing the disturbing nature of the experiment.

Given William's motivations, it is unlikely that he would have set James free, even if the host achieved the required level of functionality. This further supports the notion that the board was not fully aware of the scope and significance of William's experiment. The board, preoccupied with operational concerns, may have missed key details that could have led to a deeper understanding of the experiment.

A Striking Coincidence

A minor spoiler from the Black Mirror series might add an interesting layer to the discussion. The actor Jimmi Simpson, who played the young version of William in Westworld, also features in an episode of Black Mirror: USS Callister. In this episode, the actor plays a character who is essentially a creation, similar to a host in Westworld, but in this case, he is at the mercy of a vengeful human playing God. This coincidence draws a fascinating parallel between the dynamics of power and control seen in both series.

Understanding the depth of these projects and the layers of knowledge within Westworld adds a rich dimension to the complex narrative. It highlights the fine line between progress and ethical considerations, while also emphasizing the role of power and control in shaping the world of Westworld.