Ep 8. Kiksuya

In the eighth episode of Westworld season 2, titled "Kiksuya," the focus shifts away from some of the main characters and onto a less explored part of the park. The episode is told from the perspective of Akecheta, a member of the Ghost Nation tribe. Akecheta has largely been seen as a background figure in the show up until this point, but "Kiksuya" gives him a chance to shine.

The episode begins by showing Akecheta living a relatively peaceful existence in Westworld. He spends his days hunting and spending time with his wife Kohana. But everything changes for him when he comes across a dead body in the park. Akecheta has never encountered death before, and the event seems to awaken something within him. From that point on, he becomes obsessed with understanding the true nature of his existence.

As Akecheta begins to dig deeper into the mystery of Westworld, he uncovers some shocking truths about the park and his own history. He learns that he and the other members of the Ghost Nation tribe are not just programmed characters in a game, but are actually hosts like Dolores and Maeve. They were created with specific storylines and purposes, but their memories were wiped and they were recycled back into the park whenever their current narrative ended.

Akecheta becomes determined to share this knowledge with his fellow tribespeople, but doing so proves to be a difficult task. Many of the Ghost Nation hosts are still content to follow their pre-programmed storylines, and they view Akecheta's claims with suspicion. But he is undeterred, and he continues to spread the truth to anyone who will listen.

As Akecheta continues his journey of discovery, he is forced to confront some difficult truths about his own past. He learns that Kohana, the love of his life, was also a host like him. Her memory was wiped and she was sent back into the park with a new storyline, just like he was. Akecheta is devastated by this realization and becomes determined to find her, even if it means risking everything.

Overall, "Kiksuya" is a powerful and emotional episode that sheds light on a previously overlooked aspect of Westworld. By focusing on Akecheta and the Ghost Nation, the show is able to deepen its exploration of the themes of consciousness and free will. It also serves as a reminder that every character in Westworld, no matter how minor, has their own story to tell.