What a road, right fellow witchers?
That's the start of the tale of Geralt of Rivia, a witcher - born to kill monsters - and his journey towards his destiny, which will impact the fate of the whole world.
The season finale was just PERFECT, Yennefer unleashing it's chaos, the ciri and Geralt encounter - WHY THIS SCENE MAKES ME CRY EVERYTIME? The game scene did, the book part did and now the tv series - Very powerful episode, acting getting better and better, phenomenal fights, Vilgefortz, the battle of sodden.
I couldn't be more pleased about the cast choices: Geralt, Yennefer, Cirilla even Merigold and fringilla are too good.
I just hope next season is as good as this one, and THANK YOU NETFLIX for this series.
80 Reviews
Toss a coin to the witcher, ol' valley of plenty
luisgustavomarcondes22 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Bring on Season 2
binaryone21 December 2019
Excellent ending and buildup for Season 2. I've never read the books so to those who say I could have experienced something better, that's great. Maybe I will read the books one day now that I've watched this. But just so you know, most books transferred onto film isn't going to do the books justice.
I also can't understand anyone who would bill this as the next GoT. GoT got old. The way The Witcher is being written where intertwining stories are aired from past and present and finally they meet in the end...this is going down a path that leaves the possibility for writers to develop on these characters further in season 2 in a pace that doesn't unnecessarily drag it out as I've felt at times in GoT. We would still have bloody good entertainment at the end of the day, regardless.
I for one, can't wait to see Season 2.
I also can't understand anyone who would bill this as the next GoT. GoT got old. The way The Witcher is being written where intertwining stories are aired from past and present and finally they meet in the end...this is going down a path that leaves the possibility for writers to develop on these characters further in season 2 in a pace that doesn't unnecessarily drag it out as I've felt at times in GoT. We would still have bloody good entertainment at the end of the day, regardless.
I for one, can't wait to see Season 2.
Good ending
alsamman-9561520 December 2019
Loved the way the season ended
ErReads24 December 2019
I ended up really liking this series. The main characters are intriguing and interesting. I look forward to season 2! I hope they don't do the different timelines thing again though. It was kind of cool once I figured it out but wouldn't want it again next season. Good fantasy series!
Butchered a perfect moment
epictetus11120 December 2019
The writer really screwed the pooch on the ending. All you needed to do was take the book and copy it the screen but no.
Anyone who read the book knows the ending was an emotional thing on paper, but the show was deadpan. They really need new writers for season 2 or this show will never reach is potential.
A great ending for a good season.
akramkalamii21 December 2019
You're something more Ciri, something more.
matheuscmcarlos29 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I loved the season, loved it to the last bit, the adaptations they made, changing some stuff and giving me a look at things the books only mention, Such an amazing battle at Sodden Hill! I'm enchanted to see how this show thinks and uses magic in war, it's clever, unique, But I still feel robbed of the meeting of Geralt and Ciri that we have in the books, that wasn't just any moment, that was a key point in all the short stories we had of the Witcher in the two first books, that was exactly the moment were all the mess resolved into one gigantic moment of destiny, when Ciri asks him if she is his destiny and he, after all that he learned, all that he saw and didn't believe tells her that she is something more, the sword of destiny has two edges, you are one of them, that's important for who Geralt is and for Ciri is and is going to be. That wasn't a moment to try to link the "Who is Yennefer?" not the moment for a hooky punch line.
Even with this feeling, this was one of the best things I've watched this year.
Thank you.
Great episode but could have been better
namritjoshi23 December 2019
They could have made it better, more emotional and the fighting wasnt that tight and shot in parts, it wasnt continuous and resulted in a kind of chop chop sequences. a continuous flow could have been great. season 2 is 2021! phewww, long wait..
Fantastic ending to a mixed season
pvsteijn21 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This episode, like the previous one, had our main characters all in the same timeline and surrounding the same event: the attack on Sodden Hill. That alone is a massive relief in comparison the the messy first half of the season.
The show has looked stunning throughout and this episode is no exception: possible some of the best CGI so far. The battle of Sodden Hill does its job, especially seeing as we focus more on characters than the overall worldview as the fight is unfolding.
I might go as far as to say that this episode as well as the previous one, saved the season altogether. It was becoming rather messy after the first two episodes and I'm very happy to say the last two episodes brought it all together in a statisfying way.
A good point to end the debut season and focus on the next. A lot of improvements are needed, but let me reserve that for a overall season review. This episode on its own did nearly everything right and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The show has looked stunning throughout and this episode is no exception: possible some of the best CGI so far. The battle of Sodden Hill does its job, especially seeing as we focus more on characters than the overall worldview as the fight is unfolding.
I might go as far as to say that this episode as well as the previous one, saved the season altogether. It was becoming rather messy after the first two episodes and I'm very happy to say the last two episodes brought it all together in a statisfying way.
A good point to end the debut season and focus on the next. A lot of improvements are needed, but let me reserve that for a overall season review. This episode on its own did nearly everything right and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Bring on season 2
brendanpzz21 December 2019
I loved ever episode of this adaptation of the witcher from some who's read the books and played the games its had me hooked. I cant wait to see where they take it next shame its going to be a long wait but I hope they keep true to how this series was
Season One Review
southdavid8 January 2020
A little context before I start, I've never read the books that "The Witcher" is based on. I've got some exposure to the games, but I've never played them properly.
As a Kingdom falls to invaders, the Queen desperately forces her granddaughter Ciri (Freya Allen) to leave the city, telling her that "Geralt of Rivia is her destiny". Geralt (Henry Cavill) is a Witcher, a skilled fighter who makes his living hunting and killing monsters at the request of local towns, cities and Kingdoms. Elsewhere, a lowly stable girl is sold by her parents into the mages guild. Wildly powerful, but lacking control, Yennefer (Anya Chalotra) enhances her magical skills, but consistently rebels against the traditions and rules of the guild.
Once I got into it, I really liked this first season of "The Witcher". The first couple of episodes jump around a little more than I was comfortable with and introduce a number of characters and locations when I wanted to stay with Geralt more, and learn about him. There was then a "eureka" moment, for me, when it became apparent that these stories were not concurrent and from there, working out where the stories linked became another fun aspect of the show.
Cavill is a good cypher for Geralt and with his perfectly timed grunts, looks and muttered swear words is a deceptively funny character to spend time with. This is only heightened when he's forced into reluctant straight man opposite Joey Batey's Bard Jaskier. His fight scenes were very nicely done with strong sword play, in fact, action across the whole series was good, ending in an epic battle at the conclusion of the season. I've focused on Geralt quite a lot there, but I'd suspect that Yennefer actually appears in the series more than Geralt (I'm sure she's got more lines) and it's her development and growth (and one particularly bad decision) that dominates the narrative. Fortunately then, I really liked Anya Chalotra's nuanced performance.
Really really good stuff that doesn't outstay it's welcome and leaves me craving season two.
As a Kingdom falls to invaders, the Queen desperately forces her granddaughter Ciri (Freya Allen) to leave the city, telling her that "Geralt of Rivia is her destiny". Geralt (Henry Cavill) is a Witcher, a skilled fighter who makes his living hunting and killing monsters at the request of local towns, cities and Kingdoms. Elsewhere, a lowly stable girl is sold by her parents into the mages guild. Wildly powerful, but lacking control, Yennefer (Anya Chalotra) enhances her magical skills, but consistently rebels against the traditions and rules of the guild.
Once I got into it, I really liked this first season of "The Witcher". The first couple of episodes jump around a little more than I was comfortable with and introduce a number of characters and locations when I wanted to stay with Geralt more, and learn about him. There was then a "eureka" moment, for me, when it became apparent that these stories were not concurrent and from there, working out where the stories linked became another fun aspect of the show.
Cavill is a good cypher for Geralt and with his perfectly timed grunts, looks and muttered swear words is a deceptively funny character to spend time with. This is only heightened when he's forced into reluctant straight man opposite Joey Batey's Bard Jaskier. His fight scenes were very nicely done with strong sword play, in fact, action across the whole series was good, ending in an epic battle at the conclusion of the season. I've focused on Geralt quite a lot there, but I'd suspect that Yennefer actually appears in the series more than Geralt (I'm sure she's got more lines) and it's her development and growth (and one particularly bad decision) that dominates the narrative. Fortunately then, I really liked Anya Chalotra's nuanced performance.
Really really good stuff that doesn't outstay it's welcome and leaves me craving season two.
Amazing!
neuroman_uk23 December 2019
And the crowd goes mild.....
Abdulxoxo2 August 2020
The finale is more yennefer oriented. My big problem with yennefer character is that she really isn't a well developed character despite having a tons of screen time eg her transformation from the crooked girl to a powerful mage happened almost in a blink of an eye. She fell in love with that cave boy a moment they met and then the next we they were planning on running away together and the next thing they are talking about breaking up. Then the next episode we saw her became a powerful mage after her rather painful "makeover" . I just never seem to care or feel for her character and too many unnecessary nude scenes.
This episode focus on Nilfgaard who are too very underdeveloped. We don't know who their king or queen is, we have no idea where there kingdom is located, we don't know there motive for trying to take the entire"continent". All they have shown us is Fringilla and the other soldier are in charge.
I don't really care about the end Battle. As both sides are not well developed but they are shown as "powerful". Geralt of Rivia practically useless in the season finale. And their long awaited union with princess cirilla is underwhelming.
Hope season 2 will be better and will keep a more linear timeline
This episode focus on Nilfgaard who are too very underdeveloped. We don't know who their king or queen is, we have no idea where there kingdom is located, we don't know there motive for trying to take the entire"continent". All they have shown us is Fringilla and the other soldier are in charge.
I don't really care about the end Battle. As both sides are not well developed but they are shown as "powerful". Geralt of Rivia practically useless in the season finale. And their long awaited union with princess cirilla is underwhelming.
Hope season 2 will be better and will keep a more linear timeline
Good episode with a wrong focus
Lunita1 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I really enjoyed the season and am looking forward to season two. But I felt somewhat betrayed by the finale because it puts its whole focus on the grand battle that drags on and on, interrupted by a number of dramatic dialogues. We were watching and waiting for the conclusion of the "destiny arch". When this was quickly shown during the last 30 seconds or so we were really disappointed that this was such an underwhelming conclusion. Don't get me wrong, the battle was great, but I wish it would have lasted half as long and we would have seen more of the other two characters fulfilling their destiny.
Overall a Great season 1 that couldn't reach the full potential with the ending
abhiramreddy4821 December 2019
My only gripe with the show was the ending, all the writers had to do was copy the lines from the end of second book and put them into the script at the end of season 8. But what they do is over use the lines about destiny throughout the season unnecessarily.
The short stories were executed almost perfectly into episodes. We also get a story into the past of Yennefer, which wasn't that interesting to me.
The actors fit their roles perfectly. Credit should go to Henry Cavill for nailing the accent and voice right. Also more credit to him for some excellent action with the sword.
I was skeptical about the show ever since it had been announced, it surpassed my expectations.
The short stories were executed almost perfectly into episodes. We also get a story into the past of Yennefer, which wasn't that interesting to me.
The actors fit their roles perfectly. Credit should go to Henry Cavill for nailing the accent and voice right. Also more credit to him for some excellent action with the sword.
I was skeptical about the show ever since it had been announced, it surpassed my expectations.
What not to do, when you don't have enough budget.
Muromets21 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Do not do Battle of Sodden Hill, Netflix.
You are no HBO, so if you can not afford to do it propely - do not do it at all. Show some flashbacks, skip it completely or concentrate on a tiny part of the conflict (like GoT did during earlier seasons). What was shown was... i am not going to mince words here - it was pathetic. Felt painfully cheap and fake.
And Vilgerfortz, mage of tremendous power, person who was praised as the true hero of Battle of Sodden Hill... turned into this? Pathetic, yet again.
And yes, Geralt's meeting with Ciri should have been done exactly as in the books. Word for word. Cause it was that good.
And yes, Geralt's meeting with Ciri should have been done exactly as in the books. Word for word. Cause it was that good.
A powerful season finale
DVD_Connoisseur1 January 2020
"Much More" feels far more epic than its running time suggests.
With Geralt badly injured following a run-in with beasties, the focus of the episode sits largely with Yennefer (Anya Chalotra) and her fellow mages as they desperately try to defend Yaruga River's keep against the mighty Nilfgaardian army. There's a smorgasbord of action and special effects as the battle rages.
All in all, this is a satisfying conclusion to the first season.
With Geralt badly injured following a run-in with beasties, the focus of the episode sits largely with Yennefer (Anya Chalotra) and her fellow mages as they desperately try to defend Yaruga River's keep against the mighty Nilfgaardian army. There's a smorgasbord of action and special effects as the battle rages.
All in all, this is a satisfying conclusion to the first season.
Good finale.
LegendaryFang5620 July 2021
Damn, what a good finale! The ending gave me chills! Well...that's a little bit of an overstatement. It didn't necessarily give me literal chills, but it did give me a feeling, an unexplainable feeling.
I'm still a little annoyed with the way that was chosen to tell the story, the different timelines, and the back-and-forth. But now that I've completed the season, I guess I feel a bit differently about that.
I still find it a bit ridiculous that we have to wait for the second season to come along for the true beginning to start.
Other than that, I'm no longer as irritated as I was regarding the way the writers chose to tell the story. Of course, it didn't take long for me to understand it all, but still. Who wouldn't be irritated, at the very least, even despite understanding it? I do think many were too harsh on that aspect.
I'm still a little annoyed with the way that was chosen to tell the story, the different timelines, and the back-and-forth. But now that I've completed the season, I guess I feel a bit differently about that.
I still find it a bit ridiculous that we have to wait for the second season to come along for the true beginning to start.
Other than that, I'm no longer as irritated as I was regarding the way the writers chose to tell the story. Of course, it didn't take long for me to understand it all, but still. Who wouldn't be irritated, at the very least, even despite understanding it? I do think many were too harsh on that aspect.
Through changes
leonidasstathopoulos22 December 2019
Such a great finish
haydenkirk-2044024 December 2019
I'm really glad they rewrote this a number of times. This episode really pulls it all togeathor.
The final couple of minutes were perfect. The score is amazing here, it gives you goosebumps. This is such a well done series, I'm dying for season 2.
The final couple of minutes were perfect. The score is amazing here, it gives you goosebumps. This is such a well done series, I'm dying for season 2.
Great and exciting end making you want more.
cruise016 February 2020
4.5 out of 5 stars.
The season finale of The Witcher delivers. The story wraps up this season while opening up its arc for more stories to tell in a future season. There is a battle with Yennefer and her sorceress against Nilfgaard's army. Which was really cool and exciting. Geralt is close to finding Ciri.
This episode does leave you feeling frustrated on how close characters are to each other but go further away. This episode ends the series in an exciting way.
The season finale of The Witcher delivers. The story wraps up this season while opening up its arc for more stories to tell in a future season. There is a battle with Yennefer and her sorceress against Nilfgaard's army. Which was really cool and exciting. Geralt is close to finding Ciri.
This episode does leave you feeling frustrated on how close characters are to each other but go further away. This episode ends the series in an exciting way.
Excellent finale, to a first season
ingra8829 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Just loved it, things in the story are starting to flow together.
'Polsixe' one reviewer here,can't just call them B-list Euro actors, actually most are all seasoned actors and very good at their jobs. Don't forget many on Game of Thrones were unknown too.
But anyway, after watching this episode I hope their shouldn't be many confusing flashbacks. Since Geralt and Ciri have met up finally and Yennefer was in battle not to far away they will know doubt meet up.
From what we know Yennefer wants what was taken away from her her fertility but as we know she can't have it. But as is said in the stories Geralt and Yennefer adopt Ciri as theirs. But we will see how this runs in the Netflix series?
'Polsixe' one reviewer here,can't just call them B-list Euro actors, actually most are all seasoned actors and very good at their jobs. Don't forget many on Game of Thrones were unknown too.
But anyway, after watching this episode I hope their shouldn't be many confusing flashbacks. Since Geralt and Ciri have met up finally and Yennefer was in battle not to far away they will know doubt meet up.
From what we know Yennefer wants what was taken away from her her fertility but as we know she can't have it. But as is said in the stories Geralt and Yennefer adopt Ciri as theirs. But we will see how this runs in the Netflix series?
Great characters, stories, visuals. Poor and disjointed storytelling and pacing
sadako1120 January 2020
From the very first episode the show should have cemented the main stories (Geralt, Yennefer and Ciri) in the present.
These should have been the starting points of the show (all timelines in the present):
-A witcher named Geralt is searching for a girl called Ciri
-A court mage named Yennefer is tired of her 30 years being in court and want to break away from it.
-A mysterious girl named Ciri is running away from the Nilfgaard army and looking for Geralt.
-A powerfull army form Nilfgaard is gaining strength and moving north. Their purpose is a mystery.
After establishing all these points in the present, we learn about each character past through flash backs as the series progresses.
We learn about these characters and their world trough their adventures and how eventually all meet each other.
Other points:
-lack of creativity in the fighting sequences choreos. There were only two decent sequences; the one at the end of the first episode and the fight between Geralt and the striga monster-princess. The other fighting sequences were kinda lame. The sword fight choreo between Vilgefortz and Cahir in the last episode was quite mundane and uninspired.
-The power levels of the main characters are all over the place. Geralt is a badass kicking ass in one episode and then suddenly sucker-punched and captured in another. The same can be said about 30+ years magic user Yennefer that prefers to take a boat trip instead of just teleporting to the location.
-Cahir, the leader of the Nilfgaard army was a poorly develop antagonist.
-Lack of a world map for the audience to see
Anyway, overall it was an entertaining show and I must definitely will watch the second season.
These should have been the starting points of the show (all timelines in the present):
-A witcher named Geralt is searching for a girl called Ciri
-A court mage named Yennefer is tired of her 30 years being in court and want to break away from it.
-A mysterious girl named Ciri is running away from the Nilfgaard army and looking for Geralt.
-A powerfull army form Nilfgaard is gaining strength and moving north. Their purpose is a mystery.
After establishing all these points in the present, we learn about each character past through flash backs as the series progresses.
We learn about these characters and their world trough their adventures and how eventually all meet each other.
Other points:
-lack of creativity in the fighting sequences choreos. There were only two decent sequences; the one at the end of the first episode and the fight between Geralt and the striga monster-princess. The other fighting sequences were kinda lame. The sword fight choreo between Vilgefortz and Cahir in the last episode was quite mundane and uninspired.
-The power levels of the main characters are all over the place. Geralt is a badass kicking ass in one episode and then suddenly sucker-punched and captured in another. The same can be said about 30+ years magic user Yennefer that prefers to take a boat trip instead of just teleporting to the location.
-Cahir, the leader of the Nilfgaard army was a poorly develop antagonist.
-Lack of a world map for the audience to see
Anyway, overall it was an entertaining show and I must definitely will watch the second season.
Disappointment.
hoplite-9941519 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Quite frankly by the end of the episode the only thought I had was: this should be renamed to "Yennifer".
The Witcher's character is amazing, I loved it. But where the hell was it during the FINALE? Oh, he was being dragged on a cart like a bag of potatoes while Yennifer was doing all the heavy lifting.
Seriously, he was not even wounded in battle, he was tuned out of the finale by a zombie he wasn't even supposed to fight, but yeah sure, whatever gets Yennifer more screen time.
Just to make my point, I counted. The Witcher was only present in ~15 minutes of the episode. Yes, only a quarter of it. Half of the 15 minutes was him having childhood visions that barely add a thing to the action. The other half is him dragged in a cart.
Yennifer had more than double his screen time. Again, what are we watching exactly?
It was especially disappointing how Yennifer single-handedly ended the battle and the Witcher had ZERO role in it.
Disappointment is an understatement.
The Witcher's character is amazing, I loved it. But where the hell was it during the FINALE? Oh, he was being dragged on a cart like a bag of potatoes while Yennifer was doing all the heavy lifting.
Seriously, he was not even wounded in battle, he was tuned out of the finale by a zombie he wasn't even supposed to fight, but yeah sure, whatever gets Yennifer more screen time.
Just to make my point, I counted. The Witcher was only present in ~15 minutes of the episode. Yes, only a quarter of it. Half of the 15 minutes was him having childhood visions that barely add a thing to the action. The other half is him dragged in a cart.
Yennifer had more than double his screen time. Again, what are we watching exactly?
It was especially disappointing how Yennifer single-handedly ended the battle and the Witcher had ZERO role in it.
Disappointment is an understatement.
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