Charlotte Hale is not feeling herself, but that’s because she died in Westworld, and an imposter is living her life. Dolores discovers that all humans are not the same.

Following the formula established in the first two episodes of this new season, the character focused on in this hour is Tessa Thompson’s Charlotte Hale. It’s a slower pace than what we’ve become used to, but that’s a far better alternative to some of the impenetrable plot lines of the previous season.

Charlotte Is actually an undercover host, and as we discover later in the episode, has been working with Engerraund Serac (Vincent Cassel) to smuggle out all the dirty secrets of Delos’ park guests. The problem is, these assets have been intercepted, and when found can only be unlocked by Dolores. Talking of Dolores, she’s been rescued by Aaron Paul’s Caleb Nichols, who finds out that his association with the host with the most had serious consequences.

What propels this episode is the question of identity – both Charlotte and Dolores struggle to play out the subterfuge they’ve been assigned – and even Caleb is instructed to become someone different. Charlotte embraces her new role as a mother, protecting her son as an alpha female, while Dolores can’t believe that some humans would actually cover for her, rather than treat her as an object to abuse.

Verdict: The futuristic world-building continues as the former theme park residents continue to find their place in reality, while taking sides for the oncoming storm. Fascinating grown-up sci-fi. 8/10

Nick Joy