This recap contains spoilers for Westworld Season 2, episode 5, "Akane No Mai." To refresh your memory of where we left off, check out our review of Season 2, episode 4, and our explainer on what the ending of episode 1 could mean. Season 2 of Westworld seems to be falling into a pattern; odd-numbered episodes feel slow and self-indulgent, while even-numbered installments like last week's twist-filled "The Riddle of the Sphinx" offer new revelations and deeper insights into our characters. "Akane No Mai" finally makes good on the promise of Shogun World - which is oozing with atmosphere and chock full of gory, spectacular action sequences - but much of Maeve and her gang's trip to the other park seems to prioritize style over substance, hammering us over the head with obvious parallels but never really succeeding at moving the story forward. Continue reading…