Synopsis:
The witcher Geralt, a mutated monster hunter, struggles to find his place in a world in which people often prove more wicked than beasts. (wow, I took this synopsis from Netflix, and I fucking haaaaaate it)
My Thoughts:
The Witcher is an American fantasy series based on the book series of the same name. But apparently not so much on the game series. Although in the interest of full disclosure – I’ve only read the first book in the actual Witcher saga. Not the prequel short collections- so far, and never played the games).
According to the internet, this first season covers the events of the books The Last Wish and Sword of Destiny. Both of which are short story collections preceding the main saga.
Here we learn how monster hunter (aka Witcher) Geralt of Rivia (played hotly by Henry Cavill, who I was unaware was so shockingly good looking beforehand), Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra), and Princess of Cintra, Ciri (Freya Allan) came to find their destinies all entangled.
Season one spans 8 episodes, each clocking in at around one hour each. I don’t want to give away any specifics, because I want you to go out and watch it for yourself. It’s worth it if you like this sort of high fantasy and intrigue business. I have seen comparisons to GoT flying around the internet, but to be frank, I enjoyed have enjoyed this series a hell of a lot more. GoT is soooooo melodramatic. The Witcher is still definitely dramatic, but it’s also occasionally funny.
“Toss a coin to your Witcher, oh valley of plenty…”
#sorrynotsorry
Here there are kings and queens (Ciri’s grandmother, Queen Calanthe, aka the Lioness of Cintra is by turns both infuriating and incredible), mages and monsters. Some of the monsters were better looking than others (I’m looking at you, weird cyclops guy…). Honestly, the effects are pretty good overall, although they leaned heavier on cg than I personally prefer, but there were still some good practicals, and CGI wasn’t completely overused, which is novel. I really appreciate how much of the differentiating between human and mage/Witcher was accomplished through the use of contacts, for example with some additional work thrown in on the latter to make Geralt look more Witcher-ier.
I’ve seen some complaints about the way the narrative timeline went back and forth without explanation or warning, but honestly I enjoyed that quite a bit. It kept me really involved in what I was watching because I would have to really think about how we got here or there. Since it’s a lot to try to stay on top of, I think it is a totally valid thing to take umbrage with, but it actually worked for me. I thought it kept things interesting and it certainly kept me engaged.
I really appreciate too, how much this series takes advantage of the fact that it is direct-streaming content and therefore doesn’t have to conform to network television rules. There are some wonderful celebrations of that here – for example in the frequent swears (come on, we’re all adults here, and this show is DEFINITELY not marketing itself toward children in any way), the occasional nudity/sex, the flagrant beheadings and throat stabbings, and the unflinching shots of difficult content (looking at that poor little baby now). So, umm…if you don’t like blood or violent death or swearing or sex this is maybe not your show… But it’s definitely mine.
My Edition:
Rating:
I enjoyed this show immensely. I’m really psyched for season 2, which I’m hearing is slated for 2021 release.
Series: The Witcher Starring: Henry Cavill, Anya Chalotra, Freya Allan First Aired: December 20, 2019 Netflix Adventure | Drama | Fantasy Rated: TV-MA 8 Episodes Available on Netflix
Awesome review!! I loved this as well. I think I need to go rewatch now that I better understand the timelines.
Yeah, I definitely think it was fun enough for me to rewatch!