Ford's Intentions in Westworld: From Grace to Control

The evolution of technology in Westworld reflects a deeper narrative about the balance between aesthetics and functionality, as well as the loss of control one may face when they relinquish their creative powers. This transformation is particularly epitomized by the change in the hosts' design and functionality, a journey that mirrors Ford's own philosophical evolution.

Aesthetic and Functional Transition

The initial hosts built by Ford and Arnold were intricately crafted, embodying a perfect blend of form and function. These hosts served as intricate mechanical marvels, suitable for being carried in special pockets, and they provided highly accurate and energy-efficient timekeeping. However, modern technological advancements have shifted this paradigm significantly. The newer hosts are not only slimmer and lighter, but they can be worn on the wrist, offering convenience and elegance.

While the initial hosts were meticulously designed by hand, the current models are manufactured by machines and grown in vats. This shift towards machine-produced and biologically engineered hosts highlights a marked decrease in elegance and an increase in efficiency. The newer models are more practical and less ornate, symbolizing a shift from an aesthetic to a purely functional approach.

Grace in Westworld

The term 'grace' can be defined as elegance or refinement of movement. It also carries a theological connotation, signifying the free and unmerited favor of God, particularly in the context of salvation. In the context of Westworld, these definitions can offer insightful interpretations of what Ford might mean by the evolution of his creations.

Elegance and Salivation

When considering the first definition of grace, Ford might be directly suggesting that the simpler elegance of the initial models reflects a more authentic and unmanufactured beauty. These hosts were perhaps more like young children taking their first steps or classic automobiles drifting around a racetrack, embodying a certain raw and imperfect beauty.

Control Lost to Corporate Goals

Taking the second definition into account, Ford might be lamenting the loss of his creative control. As the hosts have become more sophisticated and profitable, Ford may feel that he has betrayed his original intentions by prioritizing quarterly revenue goals over the purity of his creations. His act of creating hosts to provide guests with amusement and a means to exercise personal demons might now be seen as his attempts to offer salvation or blessing to his creations.

Ford's Evolution: From Creator to Corporate Executive

Perhaps Ford's transition from an artist to a corporate executive mirrors the shift in technology and society. The hosts initially were designed to provide a sense of pure entertainment and salvation, serving as a form of escapism and catharsis. However, as the corporation's financial goals grew, so did the emphasis on efficiency and revenue. This led to a devaluation of the hosts' original grace and refinement, replacing them with more machine-like, cost-effective models.

From this perspective, Ford's lament over the loss of control and the manipulation of his creations by the corporation reflect a broader theme of the ethical dilemmas faced by modern creators in the face of increasing commercial pressures. The hosts, once designed to provide joy and fulfillment, now serve a purely commercial purpose. This raises questions about the true value of art and creation when it is subject to corporate interests.

Conclusion

The evolution of the hosts in Westworld not only reflects the technological advancements of the show but also serves as a poignant commentary on the human condition, particularly the tension between artistic integrity and commercial success. Ford's transition from the creator of extraordinary mechanical marvels to a corporate executive grappling with the loss of control is a powerful storyline that resonates with viewers and offers a critical reflection on the role of technology and its impact on society.