Chestnut

"Chestnut" is the second episode in the first season of the HBO science fiction western thriller television series Westworld. The episode aired on October 9, 2016, but was released two days prior online by HBO. The episode received positive reviews from critics. Plot summary In the past, Logan Delos brings his friend William to Westworld, and encourages him to take in the more carnal delights of the park. William remains reluctant given his recent engagement. The next morning, William helps return a dropped tin of food to Dolores and leaves with a tip of the hat. Dolores returns to her farm to dig up a hidden pistol. The Man in Black, following the maze on the scalp, arrives in time to prevent the outlaw Lawrence from being hanged. The Man takes Lawrence to his home village. When the Man demands he answer his questions about the maze, the villagers gather around them. The Man kills them all then Lawrence's wife, and prepares to kill his daughter when she starts to speak with a new voice, providing a clue about a snake in a riverbed. The Man leaves with Lawrence as his prisoner. Dolores returns to Sweetwater and has visions of Hector's massacre from the day before, though no other townsperson seems aware of it. She talks to Maeve, a prostitute host, and repeats what she remembers Peter told her, which triggers Maeve to have similar visions, these of having a young daughter. After Dolores leaves, Maeve's performance with the guests declines, which is noticed by the park staff, and Elsie suggests increasing her intuition to compensate. Later, Maeve is witness to a drunken guest killing Teddy, which triggers her own flashback to the Man in Black chasing her and her daughter. The staff sees this response as a malfunction and bring Maeve in for repairs. Technicians Felix and Sylvester prepare to work on her but she wakes on her own and escapes, catching sight of what the staff does to hosts at Operations before Felix and Sylvester capture and sedate her.