PremiumThe Witcher Season 3 Vol I review: Underwhelming despite brimming with potential
Henry Cavill shines in his last outing as Geralt of Rivia, but it’s pretty evident why he has decided to part ways with the series
Last Updated: 12.17 PM, Jul 06, 2023
Story: Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri are on the run from various factions who are on the hunt for Ciri for their vested interests. They soon realise that one of the groups is headed by a mysterious mage, as whispers of the dreaded Wild Hunt loom on the horizon.
Review: The third season of The Witcher has been split into two volumes by Netflix, similar to how the platform has released new seasons for other popular TV shows in recent years such as Stranger Things. However, for Stranger Things Season 4, the decision was vindicated, as it ended up being one of the best of the series. Whereas in the case of The Witcher, the five episodes of the first volume barely offer anything in terms of narrative progression, and conclude with a whimper, despite a few memorable set pieces.
The production value, fight sequences, and performances remain stellar, but the creative decisions that have plagued the series since Season One continue to shackle it. It also provides an understanding as to why lead star Henry Cavill is leaving the show. Cavill is a self-confessed Witcher obsessive who has read the books and played the iconic games by CD Projeckt Red. So the drastic creative changes from the source material (the novels by Andrzej Sapkowski) enforced by the writers and showrunners reportedly displeased Cavill.
To Cavill’s credit, he excels yet again as the Witcher aka Geralt of Rivia. Those familiar with The Witcher through the games may have been sceptical about the casting of Anya Chalotra as Yennefer of Vengerberg, as she looks and sounds younger than Denise Gough’s commanding performance in the critically acclaimed game The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. However, she has grown into the role offering a fresh spin to the character. Freya Allan as Ciri has nailed down the sulking teenager role to perfection, and Joey Batey as Jaskier remains the show’s most underrated character.
The show’s pristine production value cannot hide its deficiencies. The storylines are bloated and its supporting characters are forgettable. Even the most ardent fans will have trouble recollecting the previous seasons' events and plotlines. It has rendered the new season incoherent to the point where it is exhausting for the audience. The narrative shifts from one storyline to another without nuance or subtlety. And the final episode of Vol I offers very little in terms of pay-off for enduring the incoherent story for the first five episodes of the season.
The series has shifted from a monster-hunting action story to something comparable to Bridgeton. This is disappointing considering when the monsters do appear on screen, the series gives a glimpse of its true potential.
Verdict: The new season of The Witcher offers high production value, as one has come to expect from the Netflix series. It also boasts stellar performances and well-choreographed fight sequences. However, the storylines and supporting characters are bloated to the point where it exhausts its viewers. And it’s rather evident why Henry Cavill has decided to part ways with the series.