Westworld Emmy Submission Episodes Revealed; HBO’s Casey Bloys Addresses Season 2 Criticism

The 70th Primetime Emmy Awards are still almost two months away, but we do have new tidbits to share about some of Westworld‘s nominees. Gold Derby has revealed the episode submissions for Jeffrey Wright (Bernard Lowe), Ed Harris (William/Man in Black), and Jimmi Simpson (young William). Wright and Harris are going head to head in the category of Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, while Simpson is up for Outstanding Guest Actor. Check out the episodes below!

The episode submitted by Jeffrey Wright is the season two finale, “The Passenger.” It seems like a logical choice, as much of the episode centers around Bernard fighting to keep Dolores from her path of destruction, before realizing how much of a threat the humans really are to their kind. Wright displays quite a range as Bernard grapples with how to save hosts and humans alike.

Ed Harris has entered Westworld‘s penultimate episode, “Vanishing Point,” which is another sound decision. We learn more about William’s relationship with his wife and daughter prior to his wife’s suicide, and see the profound effect that has had on him. Harris also gets to portray an increasingly paranoid man who takes the life of his own daughter because he can no longer determine what is real. It’s a powerful and disturbing insight into William’s character.

Finally, Jimmi Simpson has opted for “Reunion,” the second episode of the season. It focuses on William’s backstory as he convinces James Delos to invest in the park, and reveals the ulterior motives behind that decision. We also see William’s increasing disillusionment with Dolores and rejection of the feelings he used to have for her.

What do you think of these episode choices, Westworld fans? Will one of these actors take home an Emmy this year?

In other news, Deadline reports that HBO president Casey Bloys addressed criticism of Westworld‘s second season at at the Television Critics Association (TCA) Summer Press Tour this morning. Responding to a question about “backlash” from viewers and critics that the season was overly confusing, Bloys said, “I wouldn’t agree that the backlash was widespread. The people who love it really love it; even the people who dislike it feel the need to discuss it and talk about it, and let you know they dislike it, and debate. And for a show to arouse that kind of feeling, that’s what we want.”

Bloys added, “It’s not for casual viewers – it requires your attention. Jonah [Nolan] and Lisa [Joy] like to challenge their viewers and many feel rewarded by that. It’s a unique show and that’s what we’re looking for.” He also addressed questions about the level of violence portrayed in the show. “[Westworld] is an old west setting. Our shows have a level of violence and nudity and air at 9 pm. It was never an overriding concern.”

While season two may have been too complex for many fans, there seem to be no plans to simplify it to cater to a larger audience. Do you believe that’s the right call? Let us know in the comments!