Trace Decay In this week’s episode of HBO’s Westworld series ‘Trace Decay’  @karisimms1 @Philrood discuss Bernard’s struggles with the mandate that was issued to him. Teddy is [...]

Trace Decay In this week’s episode of HBO’s Westworld series ‘Trace Decay’  @karisimms1 @Philrood discuss Bernard’s struggles with the mandate that was issued to him. Teddy is troubled by dark memories, while Maeve looks to change her own script. Trace Decay Definition: This explanation of forgetting in short term memory assumes that memories leave a trace in the brain. A trace is some form of physical and/or chemical change in the nervous system. Trace decay theory states that forgetting occurs as a result of the automatic decay or fading of the memory trace.  Pony Express – Mail bag   A Lack of Answers Leads to an Uneven Westworld Clearly, Westworld is building towards something. Whether it’s a reveal of multiple timelines, hidden identities, or some stunning capper about the true nature of consciousness, this is definitely a show that wants you to wait until the ending before drawing any conclusions. With two episodes left in the first season, the action is pulling together and the stakes are rising, and yet elements crucial to our understanding remain withheld. That’s the reason for all the theories, good, bad, and hilarious—there’s an emptiness right now, in Trace Decay that practically demands we fill it with our own speculations. We are, in a sense, playing a game with the writers: will we figure it out before the final reveal? Or can they keep us distracted long enough to sneak in the truth right under our noses? Guts & Glory Inside the episode Like any drug, it has it’s highs and lows.  After watching and rewatching Trace Decay, I was immediately branded with a high only to have combatted so many lows that it left my system somewhat disorientated. Quite simply put, this episode was a clusterfuck, and at times hard to follow.  However, after rewatching the show, more things came clear and to light then I had originally thought, and brought me to somewhat ease. Teddy and The Man in Black In search for Wyatt come across a bunch of men killed by Wyatt and one woman is left.  TMiB suggests, “It’s You, I figured they retired you, I guess Ford never likes to waste a pretty face” The woman is the first woman we see William talk to at the departure station in Westworld.  Is this a nod to point out the theory that the Man in Black is in fact William? Teddy is having major flashbacks of The Man in Black.  You’ll notice the Trace Decay of his memories of TMiB violating and hurting Delores.  As his prime directive and protector he simply is pissed and knocks out The Man in Black in retribution. Did You Say Minotaur? In Greek mythology, the Minotaur Latin: Minotaurus, Etruscan: Θevrumineś) was a creature with the head of a bull and the body of a man[3] or, as described by Roman poet Ovid, a being “part man and part bull”.[4] The Minotaur dwelt at the center of the Labyrinth, which was an elaborate maze-like construction[5] designed by the architect Daedalus and his son Icarus, on the command of King Minos of Crete. The Minotaur was eventually killed by the Athenian hero Theseus When they awake they are surprisingly greeted by a man wearing a minotaur mask.  All three struggle, but Teddy comes out ahead and kills the Minotaur.  What’s interesting is how minotaurs have literally been guarding mazes since the time of lore. Teddy confronts TMiB and remembers what he had done to her.  He tells Teddy he’s a God, Titan of industry. He’s a husband, and a father.  He explains to Teddy that his wife had a tragic accident, took the wrong pills and accidently killed herself.  He tried to console his daughter; but she accused him of the very thing he was, so devoted to his job, it turned his wife to take her own life.  He uses Westworld as a “reset” and decides to prove to himself and his daughter that he wasn’t as cold and disconnected as she had accused.   Maeve’s Nightmare This is where the shit hits the fan. In order for The Man in Black to