As someone who hasn't read the novels, I can't personally comment on any accuracy of the TV adaptation when translated to the screen from the book but what I can say is there's visibly so much potential which is being continually squandered, in each & every scene (I can't blame Henry Cavill for leaving; seeing source material he clearly loved being mercilessly butchered by the writers) - because the concepts featured (in & of themselves) are fascinating, yet they're continually realised in such an uninventive & generic way, lacking in any coherence or discernible sense of direction... I'm continuously underwhelmed & left wanting.
8 Reviews
"You see people for what they are, not what they pretend to be."
LegendaryFang565 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
(722-word review) It's been almost 20 minutes since I finished watching this episode as I'm typing this. And yet I barely remember anything: how it began, the scenes that followed, and the plotlines of those scenes - that's how I "organize" and lay out what I've watched in my head. Everything seems disorganized, and that can be a very effective offense.
The structuring seems so clumsy, which you could attribute to the potential desire of the writers to speed things along, getting straight to the point instead of dilly-dallying, as done in the second season, but having the right idea isn't enough; the execution is even more critical.
The world-building comes across as amateur-like, and the set design worsens that feeling because there are too many similarities to what we're seeing, too many partially obscured close-up shots to avoid the responsibility of having an environment outside of what you're only showing (you still need people who know how to use your "More is always better" budgets efficiently, Netflix - please figure that out soon) and nowhere near enough individual identities, creativity, and distinction to each environmental space.
Not to mention the scope of the world is also lacking, with expository dialogue, of where characters are/what part of the world they're in at a particular moment, being the central identifier instead of a supporting element to things like proper production/set design, proper directing, and the establishment and arrangement of various components to what's going on around and in the background of scenes.
And the "My ugly one" pet name felt unearned without the necessary foundation for it to, perhaps, work, not to mention it didn't land. It may have been the same in the novels regarding the landing because of the English translation and language barrier - however, I imagine it was still easier to "get it" the way it's intended because it's all words on a page, on top of all the likely well-written and strongly present developmental groundwork of the characters and their relationship with each other, whereas, with live-action content, it's harder to have that connection, especially if it feels to be there for no other reason but to attempt goading book readers back blatantly, as it came across unsubstantiated - amplified further if the overall writing is mediocre.
The only things that stand out at the moment before I rewatch it two more times (as is my routine with TV show episodes and films) are the conversation between Yennifer and Ciri as they walked their horses (for a particular reason regarding something Yennifer said, which I surprisingly haven't seen anyone bring up, but I'll refrain from specifying - if you know, you know), and Geralt's fight sequence.
Everything else was a bunch of plot point insertions for more to come - Fringilla's return, Nissa's disappearance (unless she's fake Ciri, which seems likely; either way, there's probably more development coming with that), Cahir's return/relationship with Gallatin, the budding Jaskier/Radovid subplot that's already so enthralling, not at all dull, and fake Ciri/whatever her purpose was regarding her captor.
And the in-between scenes - Emhyr's uncaptivating (but likely intended to be captivating) speech, devoid of a particular charisma and presence that a character like him should possess (but hey, there's time for that; why have that be the case from the beginning, right...?), Codringher and Fenn's return and subsequent comedic disposal (it WAS meant to be comedic?), the return of Triss, Tissaia, Sabrina, and Vilgefortz, within Aretuza, showing more of the Brotherhood's riveting bickering, some tasteful BDSM with Dijkstra and Philippa (I can't wait for Christian Grey's cameo) that the entire family can enjoy if they can manage to see what's happening through the blurry cinematography, undoubtedly due to Dijkstra's fluids spattered and spattering all over the camera, some lovey-dovey, lying-on-a-bed-together, obligatory-smooch-or-two Tilgefortz/Vissaia content (yum!).
All of which, not solely but especially the gripping BDSM scene, is wrapped in poor, frequently blurry cinematography that Netflix content does so competently, which should be done incompetently despite their best efforts, for the sake of a better product, cinematography-wise. But that's never going to happen, as they're continuing to take on shows and films like that - it's like their unique signature at this point; it's part of them now.
What is there not to love? I love this show! More specifically, I love this season so much already!
The structuring seems so clumsy, which you could attribute to the potential desire of the writers to speed things along, getting straight to the point instead of dilly-dallying, as done in the second season, but having the right idea isn't enough; the execution is even more critical.
The world-building comes across as amateur-like, and the set design worsens that feeling because there are too many similarities to what we're seeing, too many partially obscured close-up shots to avoid the responsibility of having an environment outside of what you're only showing (you still need people who know how to use your "More is always better" budgets efficiently, Netflix - please figure that out soon) and nowhere near enough individual identities, creativity, and distinction to each environmental space.
Not to mention the scope of the world is also lacking, with expository dialogue, of where characters are/what part of the world they're in at a particular moment, being the central identifier instead of a supporting element to things like proper production/set design, proper directing, and the establishment and arrangement of various components to what's going on around and in the background of scenes.
And the "My ugly one" pet name felt unearned without the necessary foundation for it to, perhaps, work, not to mention it didn't land. It may have been the same in the novels regarding the landing because of the English translation and language barrier - however, I imagine it was still easier to "get it" the way it's intended because it's all words on a page, on top of all the likely well-written and strongly present developmental groundwork of the characters and their relationship with each other, whereas, with live-action content, it's harder to have that connection, especially if it feels to be there for no other reason but to attempt goading book readers back blatantly, as it came across unsubstantiated - amplified further if the overall writing is mediocre.
The only things that stand out at the moment before I rewatch it two more times (as is my routine with TV show episodes and films) are the conversation between Yennifer and Ciri as they walked their horses (for a particular reason regarding something Yennifer said, which I surprisingly haven't seen anyone bring up, but I'll refrain from specifying - if you know, you know), and Geralt's fight sequence.
Everything else was a bunch of plot point insertions for more to come - Fringilla's return, Nissa's disappearance (unless she's fake Ciri, which seems likely; either way, there's probably more development coming with that), Cahir's return/relationship with Gallatin, the budding Jaskier/Radovid subplot that's already so enthralling, not at all dull, and fake Ciri/whatever her purpose was regarding her captor.
And the in-between scenes - Emhyr's uncaptivating (but likely intended to be captivating) speech, devoid of a particular charisma and presence that a character like him should possess (but hey, there's time for that; why have that be the case from the beginning, right...?), Codringher and Fenn's return and subsequent comedic disposal (it WAS meant to be comedic?), the return of Triss, Tissaia, Sabrina, and Vilgefortz, within Aretuza, showing more of the Brotherhood's riveting bickering, some tasteful BDSM with Dijkstra and Philippa (I can't wait for Christian Grey's cameo) that the entire family can enjoy if they can manage to see what's happening through the blurry cinematography, undoubtedly due to Dijkstra's fluids spattered and spattering all over the camera, some lovey-dovey, lying-on-a-bed-together, obligatory-smooch-or-two Tilgefortz/Vissaia content (yum!).
All of which, not solely but especially the gripping BDSM scene, is wrapped in poor, frequently blurry cinematography that Netflix content does so competently, which should be done incompetently despite their best efforts, for the sake of a better product, cinematography-wise. But that's never going to happen, as they're continuing to take on shows and films like that - it's like their unique signature at this point; it's part of them now.
What is there not to love? I love this show! More specifically, I love this season so much already!
Ruined it
spcakebread10 July 2023
Somehow they have taken all this amazing lore and these great stories and just made something so bland.
The first season was spectacular. It oozed atmosphere. This is just boring.. Like a cheap soap opera. It's gone from being a show I'd watch each episode 2 or 3 times to just finding myself browsing on my phone.
Even Geralt in it seems different now. I can see why Cavil has left the show. It was the warning sign.
A show like this has to stay loyal to it's source material. At least then it keeps a core following. This show now has nothing. I don't know what it's trying to do, who it's trying to target, who finds this entertaining. I don't understand how show creators can just get things so wrong.
The first season was spectacular. It oozed atmosphere. This is just boring.. Like a cheap soap opera. It's gone from being a show I'd watch each episode 2 or 3 times to just finding myself browsing on my phone.
Even Geralt in it seems different now. I can see why Cavil has left the show. It was the warning sign.
A show like this has to stay loyal to it's source material. At least then it keeps a core following. This show now has nothing. I don't know what it's trying to do, who it's trying to target, who finds this entertaining. I don't understand how show creators can just get things so wrong.
Such a boring waste of IP
Hughmanity3 July 2023
My goodness it's no wonder Henry Cavill wanted off this show. First of all he's barely in it, and they are apparently trying to do the "conversations in elegant rooms" thing from Game of Thrones instead but it is missing the mark by a long shot.
At least in Game of Thrones we understood the lay of the land and had seasons of buildup and character introduction to put all the players in place and build the stakes. This show just has people tossing out a bunch of names of other people and places that aren't on screen and we're supposed to understand what is going on? I read the books, played the video games and even I can barely follow it.
I'm often wondering whether I missed something in an earlier episode since the characters all act like they know exactly what is being talked about without any exposition for the viewer's sake.
The monsters, the clever twists, it's mostly gone in favor of this medieval soap opera that drones on with seemingly no real plot to anchor it other than "the kingdoms are at war". Even when we do get a bit of Geralt doing some witching, it's not really linked to the plot in any way and there is little buildup, it's just oh let's give them Geralt killing a monster now just to check that box.
Gee I can't wait for Season 4 starring Johnny Drama or whichever B lister they got to play Geralt. This has to be one of the worst fumbles of IP ever by Netflix, and on a show that started out very good in season 1!
At least in Game of Thrones we understood the lay of the land and had seasons of buildup and character introduction to put all the players in place and build the stakes. This show just has people tossing out a bunch of names of other people and places that aren't on screen and we're supposed to understand what is going on? I read the books, played the video games and even I can barely follow it.
I'm often wondering whether I missed something in an earlier episode since the characters all act like they know exactly what is being talked about without any exposition for the viewer's sake.
The monsters, the clever twists, it's mostly gone in favor of this medieval soap opera that drones on with seemingly no real plot to anchor it other than "the kingdoms are at war". Even when we do get a bit of Geralt doing some witching, it's not really linked to the plot in any way and there is little buildup, it's just oh let's give them Geralt killing a monster now just to check that box.
Gee I can't wait for Season 4 starring Johnny Drama or whichever B lister they got to play Geralt. This has to be one of the worst fumbles of IP ever by Netflix, and on a show that started out very good in season 1!
A whole lot of nothing.
Richard-Ridgway-239-1499424 July 2023
I've just watched this episode and now find myself asking, what happened. I can only summarise to say, not a great deal.
The plot? Is thin at best and the character development is poorly planned and executed. The characters seem 2 dimensional and don't bring a lot to the storyline.
The CGI is really bad as well and reminds me of scorpion king...
The show is called The Witcher, but you hardly see the main character at all in this episode and when you do, it's just for novelty and doesn't advance the storyline.
I stopped watching Netflix because they keep putting out drivel, perhaps I should forget about TV and just go to the gym...
The plot? Is thin at best and the character development is poorly planned and executed. The characters seem 2 dimensional and don't bring a lot to the storyline.
The CGI is really bad as well and reminds me of scorpion king...
The show is called The Witcher, but you hardly see the main character at all in this episode and when you do, it's just for novelty and doesn't advance the storyline.
I stopped watching Netflix because they keep putting out drivel, perhaps I should forget about TV and just go to the gym...
Sidelining and Attempt to Copy GoT
nightringer-768401 July 2023
1st season 2nd episode was great. 2nd season's 2nd episode is good. This 2nd episode of 3rd season, to summarize it:
Now that I saw the second episode, I was very worried and lowered my expectations rock bottom. This is self sabotage their own success by over confidently trying to copy the formula of other movies. A very bad sign.
- Copying GoT style. The writers wanted to proof they can copy GoT vibe and soap opera style storytelling. For The Witcher's fans, this is a big disaster sign. - The cinematography quality dropped quite far down. Trying to lighten the color was resulting in a bad balance of light on screen.
- Sidelining Henry Cavill. This is the first episode I've seen The Witcher gave a lot more focus on other characters and a lot less to Geralt. It felt out of whack. Trying to copy GoT means they were trying to draw interest to other characters by giving them a lot more screen time and that is very bad. It made a TV Series called The Witcher into Enemies of The Witcher in a GoT soap opera fashion.
- Henry Cavill was clearly not into it. It was clear that Cavill hated what they've done to Geralt. The writers, directors and producer were trying to turn The Witcher into GoT wannabe with Vampire Diaries style or soap opera. Cavill didn't even try to convince himself to do better, just show up, say his lines and go.
Now that I saw the second episode, I was very worried and lowered my expectations rock bottom. This is self sabotage their own success by over confidently trying to copy the formula of other movies. A very bad sign.
Trash
DevoSlice7 July 2023
I never read the books but season one of this show was sweet. Saying this as your average entertainable idiot 🤘Game of thrones lite but it was pretty cool.
S2 was ok but not up there with the greatest stories of all time, but also not all time bad tv.
FLASH FORWARD: S3 everyone knows Cavill left over creative differences, but I'll give it a shot, why not? S3 two episodes in and its literally laughable how bad the dialogue is haha. Seriously I'm gunna watch until the end but this is so OBVIOUSLY a W Hollywood warning tale of what not to do with an IP that has a built in following haha damn.
Enjoy and feast your eyes and ears on the cautionary tale that is 'The Witcher', good luck Netflix.
5/10 just because cavill is an amazing actor.
S2 was ok but not up there with the greatest stories of all time, but also not all time bad tv.
FLASH FORWARD: S3 everyone knows Cavill left over creative differences, but I'll give it a shot, why not? S3 two episodes in and its literally laughable how bad the dialogue is haha. Seriously I'm gunna watch until the end but this is so OBVIOUSLY a W Hollywood warning tale of what not to do with an IP that has a built in following haha damn.
Enjoy and feast your eyes and ears on the cautionary tale that is 'The Witcher', good luck Netflix.
5/10 just because cavill is an amazing actor.
Wokism virus spread into this series
stevebravo3 July 2023
I know that everybody knows what I'm talking about.
Typical Netflix... 2 season teaser and screw it up with gender ideology.
You also see it with other Netflix series like barbarians or the Vikings.
It's sad like that.
I do agree to other reviewers.. you don't see much of Geralt... the takes are short and slow in action.
I think it is good to say goodbye after this season. No reason for me anymore to watch the 4th season. I just can't imagine another actor playing the role als Geralt of Rivia.
Let's hope the 3rd episode is better, but I saw a lower score, so I dont think it will get any better.
Typical Netflix... 2 season teaser and screw it up with gender ideology.
You also see it with other Netflix series like barbarians or the Vikings.
It's sad like that.
I do agree to other reviewers.. you don't see much of Geralt... the takes are short and slow in action.
I think it is good to say goodbye after this season. No reason for me anymore to watch the 4th season. I just can't imagine another actor playing the role als Geralt of Rivia.
Let's hope the 3rd episode is better, but I saw a lower score, so I dont think it will get any better.
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