How Is Lawrence El Lazo On 'Westworld'? The Man In Black Theory Might Be True

There was certainly a lot to ponder following Episode 5 of Westworld, entitled "Contrapasso." One thing in particular seemed to get fans and theorists all in a tizzy, which was the surprise connection between Lawrence and El Lazo. And by "connection," I mean they're actually the same person. Shortly after the Man in Black murdered Lawrence to help save Teddy (sorry, buddy), William, Logan, and Dolores were introduced to a man by the name of El Lazo, who just so happened to look exactly like Lawrence himself. So how is Lawrence El Lazo on Westworld? Some fans think it confirms a certain theory involving the Man in Black and William.

Let's back up for a minute, though. In case you're unaware, one of the most popular theories floating around on the internet (primarily Reddit) is that Westworld is showing viewers events that are taking place during two different timelines. This prediciton has also caused many to believe that William, played by Jimmi Simpson, is the younger version of the Man in Black, played by Ed Harris, meaing that their stories are happening 30 years apart.

If viewers were watching last Sunday night's episode on a linear, uncomplicated timeline, it appeared from the editing that the Man in Black was killing Lawrence at the same time Lawrence was being introduced as El Lazo. Since this is physically impossible, it must mean that, dun dun dun, the separate timeline theory is true!

Of course, some other voices on Reddit argue that this very circumstance is what disproves the separate timeline theory. Redditor Hearthstonedlol argues that when William, Logan, and Dolores first approach Pariah, they are told that they cannot meet El Lazo until the following day. This, the Redditor claims, is because at the moment the trio arrives in the town, El Lazo's former narrative as Lawrence was still being played out with the Man in Black.

Meanwhile, others agree that this editing places Lawrence/El Lazo in different places at the same time, but don't think that necessarily means it's happening on different timelines. It could be that there are multiple versions of each host, as theorized by The Observer, noting that in the episode, one of the engineers sees Maeve's body and says "It's her again!" as if they had just fixed her up. Perhaps this could explain Lawrence's magical reappearance.

Whatever happens, Westworldians, get ready to either shout "I knew it!" at the screen or start throwing things at it in disbelief. If there's one thing HBO is good at, it's subverting expectations.