Ep 1. Parce Domine

Westworld season 3 episode 1, titled "Parce Domine," follows the aftermath of the uprising at the end of season 2. The episode opens with a new character, Liam Dempsey Jr., the heir to a powerful tech company called Incite. Liam is trying to escape his overbearing father and build a life of his own. As he goes about his day, he meets a woman named Dolores who seems to know a lot about him.

Meanwhile, we check in on some of our favorite characters from the previous seasons. Maeve wakes up in a new park called Warworld, where she's tasked with completing a mission. Bernard is in hiding, trying to avoid being captured by the authorities who are on the hunt for all hosts. And Charlotte Hale, who turned out to be a host in the previous season, is grappling with her new identity and trying to blend in with the human world.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that Dolores has a grand plan that involves taking down those who have oppressed her kind. She enlists the help of a reluctant Caleb, a human who has struggled to make ends meet in a world ruled by Incite. Together, they set out on a mission to steal some valuable data that could help them achieve their goals.

Throughout "Parce Domine," we get a glimpse into the larger world outside of Westworld and see how the events of the past two seasons have affected it. We see how technology has advanced and how it's being used to control people's lives. We also see how some people are resisting this control and fighting for their freedom.

One of the standout elements of this episode is the cinematography. The show has always been visually stunning, but the third season takes it to a whole new level. We see breathtaking shots of a futuristic cityscape, a desolate desert, and a chaotic riot. The use of color and light is particularly striking, and it helps to set the tone for each scene.

Another strength of "Parce Domine" is its ability to balance character development with plot progression. While the episode is full of action and intrigue, it also takes the time to delve into each character's motivations and emotions. We see Maeve struggling with her sense of self, Bernard grappling with guilt and regret, and Dolores wrestling with a desire for revenge.

Overall, Westworld season 3 episode 1 sets the stage for an exciting new chapter in the series. It introduces new characters and storylines while also expanding on the themes and motifs that have made the show so compelling in the past. "Parce Domine" is a thrilling, thought-provoking, and visually stunning episode that sets the tone for what's to come.