HBO concluded one of its most ambitious sci-fi series a bit prematurely, but Netflix‘s forthcoming adaptation of a Philip K. Dick novel will ideally fill that gap.
More often than not, canceled shows gradually fade from public consciousness and are seldom remembered again. However, there are instances when a show nearly achieves greatness and leaves a lasting legacy before its untimely end. HBO’s Westworld undoubtedly falls into this latter category, and the absence it left is still palpable.
While Westworld cannot truly be replaced by another series, Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s work will feel like an ideal successor to some of its most thrilling and darkest narratives.
Netflix’s Philip K. Dick Adaptation Will Be The Perfect Followup To Westworld’s Rehoboam Arc
Netflix is adapting Philip K. Dick’s The World Jones Made, which appears to be the perfect continuation of the Rehoboam arc in Westworld. Rehoboam is introduced as a quantum computer system within Westworld. It is portrayed as the most advanced AI in the show’s universe, primarily designed to predict the future through intricate algorithms and impose order on humanity.
The Rehoboam arc in Westworld feels exceptionally dark as the titular AI chips away at humanity’s freedom merely to ensure their long-term survival.
Philip K. Dick’s The World Jones Made employs a similar “precognitive” narrative device but adds a more “biological” twist. The protagonist, Floyd Jones, can foresee one year into the future. Just as Hosts become captives of their own loops in Westworld, Jones too becomes a prisoner of his own foresight, which ultimately proves to be more of a curse than a blessing.
The World Jones Made possesses unique elements that differentiate it significantly from Westworld. Netflix’s adaptation of the novel will also entail substantial changes from the book. Nonetheless, given the thematic parallels between Philip K. Dick’s story and Westworld‘s Rehoboam arc, it is reasonable to consider the upcoming Netflix adaptation titled The Future is Ours, as a “fix” for fans who still yearn for the HBO sci-fi series.
Westworld Never Reached Its Natural Conclusion, But The Future Is Ours Can Fill The Void
Over four seasons, Westworld emerged as one of the most ambitious sci-fi series in modern history. Like many shows, it experienced moments where it faltered and struggled to maintain viewer engagement. Overall, however, Westworld proved to be an exceptional contribution to the sci-fi genre and did not deserve cancellation.
Although Jonathan Nolan still hopes to conclude Westworld‘s narrative, it seems improbable that the show will receive another opportunity after all these years. Fans longing for the HBO series can still explore Netflix‘s adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s The World Jones Made, which hopefully will be as compelling as Westworld, if not better.
