Abstract

This introduction articulates the manner in which Westworld engages a core nexus of issues relating to the body, identity, gender, race, freedom and asks fundamental questions about the nature of the human. By highlighting the “silent” and critical narratives that persist across speculative fictional presentations of robots and cyborgs the discussion in the introduction places the discourses and theoretical perspectives that also pertain to Westworld and suggest something of the richness of this TV text for theoretical and critical study. The introduction establishes the contribution this volume makes, its pertinence to current debates and contemporary events, and the legacy of Westworld as innovative and theoretically aware TV.