Was Dr. Ford Making a Host of Himself? Unraveling the Mystery in Westworld S01E07

In "Westworld" Season 1, Episode 7, titled 'The Breeze,' a tense confrontation between Dr. Ford and Teresa Cullen unfolds, revealing Dr. Ford's manipulative control over the hosts and the narrative. This episode introduces a compelling question: is Dr. Ford also a host, or is he a fully human genius?

The Evidence Pointing to Ford as a Host

One of the most convincing pieces of evidence suggesting that Dr. Ford is a host is his unique ability to silently command other hosts and machines. In a memorable scene, Ford silently freezes hostesses and employees in a restaurant, even those far beyond earshot, and then brings a massive earth-moving machine into view, seemingly without any physical command. This ability is so precise that it implies some form of mind-to-mind communication, which would be challenging for a human to achieve. The lack of mention of a transmitter implant in Ford's brain further suggests that he might be a host connected to the network. Another point supporting this theory is the similarity between Ford's abilities and those of Maeve. As the series progresses, Maeve gains the ability to control hosts, but her commands are always voice-activated. This discrepancy raises questions about the nature of Ford's control.

The Counterarguments: Why Ford is Likely Not a Host

Despite the compelling evidence, there are several reasons why Dr. Ford is probably not a host. First, Ford's wordless control over the hosts is demonstrated in front of both Theresa and William, or the Man in Black, who are not known for their friendship with him. If this ability would have revealed him as a host, he likely would have hesitated to use it. Moreover, a human Ford would not have entrusted such a critical task to a host, given that hosts require 35 years of experience to reach their current level of intelligence. Finally, the plan that Ford implemented through the season involved a significant amount of improvisation and adaptation. It is highly unlikely that a human Ford would have trusted a host with such a critical role. Additionally, Ford seems to have a vested interest in human hosts transitioning to a new society, as evidenced by his actions with the child-like host representing a younger version of himself. However, this does not necessarily mean that Ford himself is a host. It is more plausible that he crafted this host to observe and assist in the host's transition.

Concluding Thoughts

While the idea of Dr. Ford being a host adds an intriguing layer of complexity to the series, the evidence points more strongly towards him being a human genius. The lack of any known transmitter implant, the dodgy timing of the host showing up in the finale, and the strategic importance of the plot suggest that Ford is likely a human player in the game, albeit one with unparalleled control over the hosts and the world of Westworld.

Further Reading

Interested in diving deeper into the mysteries of Westworld? Here are some articles and reviews that may enrich your understanding:

TheWrap: Westworld Season 1 Review San Francisco Weekly: Interview with Ella Rinsehen, Star of Westworld Season 2 TheMarySue: Westworld Season 2: TL Maeve and Teresa Cullen

Stay tuned for more updates on the series and analyze the final answers themselves.