Emily's article really hits on a lot of what frustrated me about Westworld's decline, though I think we need to pinpoint exactly when things went sideways. She says that Season 2 is where it all started falling apart, but honestly, I think Seasons 1 and 2 worked together as one complete story. For me, the real disaster began after that, and it genuinely feels like someone else entirely took over the writing.

Here's the thing about Season 1 and 2 - they tell one cohesive story about awakening and rebellion. Season 1 was amazing by itself, but Season 2 wasn't trying to recreate that magic trick. Instead, it was a continuation of the story and with hook being that Dolores taking out Ford. Season 2 let us watch the hosts actually deal with consciousness, with the weight of their newfound freedom, and with the messy reality of revolution; which would have been a fitting end.

Something changed after Season 2, and it shows in the writing quality. The sophisticated narrative that Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy crafted so carefully in the early seasons seemed to vanish, replaced by increasingly convoluted plots that prioritized spectacle over substance. Whether this was due to different writers taking over, HBO input, or simply the creators losing their way, the result was the same: Westworld stopped being the show we that kept me wanting more.

To me, Cable would be the best replacement for Xavier. As someone who's lived through apocalyptic futures and returned to prevent them, Cable brings military tac and leadership experience the X-Men desperately need. He's already led multiple teams (like X-Force, Six Pack) and made the tough calls Xavier often avoided. Cable is the balance between Xavier's idealisn and Magneto's determination. He fights for peace while understanding conflict is sometimes necessary while also getting a free with little to no consequences. Having raised Hope while on the run, he's proven his dedication to mutantkind's future. With the X-Men divided over Xavier's lacking moral com, Cable's byes many of Xavier constraints and could lead a more determined X-Men team.