20 Best TV Episodes Of 2018

8. Kiksuya - Westworld

Westworld Kiksuya
HBO

Westworld's second season was baffling and beguiling in equal measure, but it was never more so the latter than in its eighth episode, Kiksuya. Centred on Akecheta, the leader of the Ghost Nation, this one broke the mould for what a Westworld episode could be.

Not only does the instalment go back in time to explain the mysterious Ghost Nation, but it uses that as a springboard for a much deeper exploration of what it's like to be a host in the park and, through that lens, humanity itself.

It's an unexpectedly beautiful episode, with gorgeous direction from Uta Briesewitz, and contains far more heart than we're used to seeing from an often cold series. While it includes a search for The Door, the episode largely does away with the Reddit-baiting and instead doubles down on character work and emotional storytelling. It's a little frustrating the rest of the season didn't follow suit, because Kiksuya proves it does those things incredibly well when it wants to.

Advertisement
Contributor
Contributor

NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.