Show Review: The Witcher
January 27, 2020
Months after Game of Thrones packed its bags and bid the world adieu, “The Witcher” was there to fill the fantasy-adventure-sized hole in the hearts of grieving, and it did just that while simultaneously trying to find its footing. “The Witcher” is an adaption of Andrzej Sapkowski’s book series that tells the tale of the fearless and brooding monster hunter known as “The Butcher of Blaviken,” or Geralt Of Rivia. Netflix’s “The Witcher” is a well-adapted series that follows the events of the books well and proves that there’s a story that can only be told by destiny itself.
The Witcher tells a non-linear story, meaning that each character is at a different point in time during their scenes. The show follows three main characters, Geralt of Rivia, Ciri of Cintra, and Yennefer of Vengerberg, with each of their stories taking place at a different point in history. Along the way Geralt and Yennerfer’s paths cross multiple times, striking up quite the relationship. Ciri’s story takes place in the present, following her as she runs from Nilfgaard, the kingdom that laid waste to her home of Cintra.
The biggest problem with the show was this non-linear storytelling, Not that it’s a bad way to tell a story but it helps to explain what you’re doing. I constantly found myself confused and wondering if I skipped an episode. Flipping back and forth made it hard to follow what was going on. It would’ve been beneficial for the continuity of the show to be explained so viewers wouldn’t feel like they’re forgetting some crucial details. It helps that even though it can be a bit confusing, the choreography is very well presented. But it’s hard when the main plot feels drowned in enjoyable exposition. With season two I hope we get less background information and focus on the main story at hand. The fight choreography is something to behold. The sword-fighting is exceptionally executed throughout the series, some of the best since Game Of Thrones.
Henry Cavill does a stellar job bringing Geralt Of Rivia to life, making it known that doing his stunts would be essential to fully becoming the character. Cavill brilliantly balances the broodiness and temperament, his character can get easily annoyed at times especially when traveling alongside Jaskier, the Bard. But yet I found myself being much more engrossed into the story of Yennefer, a Hunchback sold by her family to a wandering Wiccan. Through the course of her story, Yennefer goes through the wringer of character development, Learning and changing for the better and becoming what she always dreamt of being. It would have never happened without her paying forth something as well and being willing to give up so much. Through heartbreak and deceit, Yennefer grew into one of the show’s strongest and most interesting characters.
Although Netflix’s opportunity to seize the vacant throne left behind by Game Of Thrones may not have fully stuck the landing. The potential of from the characters and the untapped story may soon prove worthwhile.
