It will take a while to remember who was revealed to be a robot and who wasn't... But it's worth keeping watching for performances from Evan Rachel Wood, Thandie Newton and Jeffrey Wright.

Where the first season moved at an austere pace that matched its solemn tone, the second season is a much more appropriate rollercoaster ride of twists, turns and bloodthirsty robot vs human violence.

Westworld tries to subvert some of these and has some success with its two female protagonists, Dolores and Maeve...

It's also fascinating to explore the extent to which the hosts are still staying on-script and the extent to which they're going AWOL.

The surprise opening was a great example of how creatively Westworld approaches exposition-plot elements that need to be explained to the audience-and world building.

Creators Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy have seized the opportunity to go much further and add layer upon layer of metaphysical, scientific and spiritual concerns.

The good news is that there's a glimpse of a stunning new themed world to keep the viewer hooked on this hokum.

So despite carrying over the flaws of its first season, Westworld is beginning to deliver things a sustainable TV show needs, such as a slightly more episodic structure and actual, well-defined characters.

This is thrilling stuff. It just is.

Nothing in Westworld is as dangerous as a female robot who figures out who her enemies are and gets her revenge.

The series usually hits the mark with strong storytelling that gives you a lot to ponder after the shooting is over.

Like its hosts, Westworld is developing self-awareness, and even a sense of humour. It suits it.

For now, having a notion of what to expect means returning visitors can relax, indulge in the place's diversions, and ponder the cost later on.

We can't saddle up and shoot-'em-up, but we can escape and watch others do it for us on Sunday nights.

Does this mean we've seen the last of Hopkins? Perhaps, but this is "Westworld," where shocking plot twists and brutal turns are the coin of the reality-bending realm.