Season 3

This is such a strange season to rate. The first episode literally just adapted all the parts of Blood of Elves that they should have adapted in season 2, but for some reason left out because the writers were more concerned about filling the season with their own fan fiction. So, we ended up with all the big parts of Blood of Elves being rushed through with subpar writing and build-up. It really annoyed me, because the showrunner gave so many interviews about how "not much happens in Blood of Elves," so that was the reason for them making up new material. What they did with episode one in this season just proves that she was full of crap.

Episodes 2, 3, and 4 were not great. There were a few alright moments in episodes 3 and 4 though.

Episode 5 was actually very good. I was pleasantly surprised by it. It's maybe the best episode of the show, and undoubtedly the best since season 1.

Then we get to episode 6... what a shit show. A horrendous episode of television. A chaotically paced episode that just feels all wrong. The action was almost entirely awful, the writing made no sense, and the characters felt like they were just teleporting from scene to scene for no apparent reason. It was a mess.

Episode 7 was a nice change of pace from the headache that was episode 6. But it was a bit boring, and the content wasn't great.

Episode 8 was a very underwhelming finale that can best be described as "meh".

This season was more book accurate than season 2 was, no question. But that wasn't exactly hard when you consider that season two was literally 95% fan fiction. The biggest problem I had with most of this season, is that even when they tried to be book accurate, the material simply did not work, and that's because of all the awful decisions they made in previous seasons where they veered away from the source material and did other things. It made a lot of the actual book stuff not work anymore when they actually tried to do it, since the set-up to it had been utterly butchered in past episodes.

I'm continually flabbergasted by how the action in this show has only seemed to get worse since the first episode of season 1. The first episode of this show had such a great action sequence with Geralt in Blaviken, yet they've never even come close to having a scene as good as that one. The action in season 2 was considerably worse than it was in season 1, and I'd argue that it's even worse again in season 3.

Was this season better than season 2? Probably. Was it a good season? No.

This is by Far the worst season of this show. It looks like a soap opera. A badly written soap opera...
Wtf is happening with the writing on this show? Is that the reason Henry jumped the boat? Are they trying to kill the series?

It's not necessary to follow the books precisely, but if you're gonna deviate this far, at least make it good. Not this trash, with forced intimacy scenes, god awful timeline connections, abismally bad dialog, and the clothes... Omfg... I don't remember a show where the ridiculous costumes bordered me so much. Especially Gerald's, where it looks like he's in some low budget cosplay. Actually nearly everyone seems to be in a very low budget cosplay. The other seasons had kinda goofy looking clothes, this one is just awful.

I'm not gonna even touch on the bad visual effects and horrible environment. Looks like they're almost always on a VP set. I don't even want to remember that wild hunt chase scene... It's gonna make me puke.

There are some outright unbearable scenes in this season, so much that I literally stopped watching midway through some episodes and completely forgot the season was out... Multiple times!... especially through episodes 3, 4 and 5. And when I remembered the season existed, I didn't want to watch this $hit.

It's sad to see the series fall so far away from its original take, and turn it this garbage, being dragged by the mud. I was actually considering not watching the next seasons now that Henry left the show... now I'm pretty sure I'm gonna stop here.

The Witcher has become a tricky show to get into or talk about without getting into a rabbit hole of controversy. With the announcement about Henry Cavill leaving, and after the reception to last year's spin-off being what it was... my expectations of this continuing and not being cut short by Netflix are pretty low. I feel like it's going to be extremely difficult for the producers to navigate the change of main performer without taking a hit. Even if Liam Hemsworth does a good job, Cavill has been way too iconic, and knowing about his love and dedication for the character makes it hard to accept anyone else continuing from where he left off.

It's almost impossible to avoid those things bleeding into the experience of watching the episodes, as you keep wondering if they decided on X or Y for any particular reason given what was going on behind the scenes. But trying my best to leave all that aside and focusing on the season as it was, I truly enjoyed it and think that they took a lot of steps in the right direction.

As a book reader and game player, I had some of the similar issues a lot of fans were voicing negatively about Season 2. I wouldn't go as far as to say I didn't enjoy it, but there were times I felt unable to immerse myself with what was happening on screen. Although I'm super open to changes in adaptations (lots of times I even prefer it), I took issue with character changes, such as Yennefer's betrayal towards the end, and certain parts of the Blood of Elves book being omitted for no apparent reason other than probably pacing.

To me, Season 3 did a wonderful job of fixing most of the concerns I had while paving the way for a story that more closely follows the storyline from the books. It starts off with some missing elements from Blood of Elves (the visit to Shaerrawedd, Yennefer training Ciri and growing to love her as a mother), but then I'd say it does its most faithful book adaptation so far with Time of Contempt (from Gors Velen to all that happens in Aretuza, the desert, and Geralt's recovery). Ciri's shenanigans in Gors Velen were 100% as I imagined; the episodes around Aretuza were stunning, with the Conclave having a lot of moments that pretty much word for word recreated the book, not to mention the whole format of the episode, which is the exact same with the switching back and forth as Geralt and Yennefer piece things together; the trek through the desert, which I worried about as it's a long segment, made for a great episode; even the brief appearance of the Rats, which are not one of my favorite parts of the books, was exciting to see. There are things here and there that didn't quite happen, like the whole switcheroo with Stregobor, and I guess Stregobor being there at all - something I'm torn on as I quite like seeing Lars Mikkelsen, but the whole plot with that was a bit too easy to predict, and Vilgefortz's later reveal of what he did isn't the best writing.

There are big new things added once more. I think Geralt's adventures in finding the fake Ciri are an example of a welcome addition, as with that: 1. they manage to give Geralt a little more to do while Yen and Ciri are travelling (which the book can get away more as it switches perspectives fully and for larger periods of time); 2. they give us Geralt fighting the creepiest creature the show had so far (which you can argue isn't needed, but as a game fan as well, I enjoy an opportunity to see some Witchering happening and can't really complain); 3. they even give a chance for Geralt to hear about his mother and for us to get more backstory. There are certainly things that we can appreciate with some of these additions, which is why I think not everything needs to be dismissed or met with pitchforks instantly.

Of course, not everything new works out well. The relationship between Jaskier and Radovid is tough, as in my opinion it happens way too quickly for it to be believable - situations where the characters are saying "I see the real you" or similar when they've met only a couple of times just don't work out for me. I find it doubly frustrating as if this was done well, it could have served as a very interesting opportunity for us to get to spend more time with the king and on that side of the story ((in a Game of Thrones way) and could be great representation on screen, but the writing for it and the way it has that vibe of an "aside" to the rest of the story makes it hard to take seriously or get invested in. Other changes I wasn't super into would be some of the scenes with the elves; I don't dislike their involvement in the plot, but it seems a little too quick and superficial for the death of certain characters to have the impact the writers are going for, even if they do help with the story of characters like Cahir or Francesca.

Overall, the parts I wasn't as keen on didn't affect the whole season, and most of it was very well worth my time, with many decent storytelling decisions that trump the bad ones. I don't agree with all the negativity I see online; personally, I think there were some noticeable strides towards addressing fan criticism, but the situation with Henry Cavill has backed the creators of the show into a corner for sure. I absolutely loved Henry's work, am happy we at least got what we got with him. I remember way back when his casting was first announced, thinking it was some kind of joke as I didn't imagine him in a TV series - I will be watching his future projects for sure. As for Liam... I will try my best to stay open-minded, curious to see how that works out.

[Vol. 2 Review]

(494-word review) What an accomplishment at squandering the surprising decency of the Vol. 1 finale amid a less decent first volume. Netflix's occasional two-parter season model made matters a bit worse; you get pleasantly surprised right at the middle finish line before a break, now having a mild mindset of looking forward to the final volume/three episodes – hook, line, and sinker: wrong move.

These last three episodes, or more so the last two, were the season's worst. The sixth episode was a sufficient follow-up/conclusion to what transpired and was laid out to complete in the middle finish line point, the Vol. 1 finale; it was undoubtedly the best one out of all three (despite having some things – yet another surprise by this show, its showrunner, and its writers, for sure – that don't fit within higher budget-larger production shows like this, which, in actuality, don't fit within any show; every component should compliment each other instead of being a mixed bag). But then came in the final two like a wrecking ball.

The penultimate episode had vital intentions with how it was 99% focused on Ciri, also serving as a sneak peek into what we'll be seeing more of, source material-wise, based on the things I've read in the past about the novels – yet it was a crash landing, not to mention void of personal investment and engagement with what's happening, and the knowledge of its importance on top of that is the final nail in the coffin – which speaks further to a broader problem, and that's the overall writing of the show. Hell, let's lump in most elements of the production in with that: the good/high, good on paper production value, budget-wise, that doesn't do the initial implication justice (whether it was a straight-up lie, most of the money was used for something else, or the people in charge weren't adequate and competent enough) and other things I've brought up in my review (https://trakt.tv/comments/581550) of the first volume.

And then, after you fall back into that trap of dismissing the common lacklusterness and inadequate execution by feeling hopeful once more for some reason through thinking that the finale will be this magnificent, impactful thing that will, at the very least, feel like one, it trotted along into your digestive system without a care in the world as an even worse concoction (not to an extreme extent, thankfully).

Most people were/are/will be more concerned with Henry Cavill's exit/send-off, including the counting process of every millisecond Geralt is on screen, particularly every millisecond he isn't: freaking out when he's not. From their point of view, it's a terrible one, but I don't have a parasocial relationship with him, so whatever. My overall impression was that it was underwhelming. It didn't feel like a finale. The fire is gone; there wasn't much of one in the first place from the beginning, but at least it existed, albeit dimly. All that's left is the scent.

How the mighty have fallen. I just don't know anymore with this show. This season had its moments and I don't think it was bad, but it was the least enjoyable season for me and with Cavill leaving it's going to be hard to get excited for its future. The dialogue this season felt way too modern and just kept pulling me out of scenes. A lot of the emotional moments weren't really hitting. It was awkwardly paced with lots of setup only to have very rushed confrontations and conclusions, episodes that went super fast and action heavy followed by ones that slowed to a crawl, and ultimately ended without satisfyingly closing out the season's story and doing nothing to make Cavill's departure feel natural.

There were good character moments and solid development for the main trio, and there are lots of individual things I can point out that I really liked. Ciri and Yennefer's relationship, Geralt's fatherly presence and gaining more emotional depth, clever writing in certain episodes like "The Art of Illusion," for example. But all together this didn't excite me as much as previous seasons, even season 2 with all of its flaws. I enjoy a fleshed out world, but virtually nobody outside of the main trio and Jaskier stand out. I couldn't care less about so many of these characters and they devote a lot of time to them so much of the season just falls flat on its face. It was already going to be difficult to be fully engaged this season knowing Cavill won't be back, but this has so many flaws on top of that. Again, it's not atrocious but as a major fan of the show this is a huge let down. One of my favorite shows has one of my least favorite seasons of TV this year.

5.6/10

2023 TV Shows Ranked: https://trakt.tv/users/justinnumerick/lists/2023-tv-shows-ranked?sort=rank,asc

[Vol 1. Review]

(617-word review) I don't remember the specifics concerning my thoughts on the second season, nor have I read the novels: but according to things I've read, this season was an improvement as far as a faithful adaptation is concerned/getting back on track; the previous season deviated pretty significantly with the Voleth Meir storyline – which is a good sign despite still not coming close to holding a candle to the source material, topped by the no-doubt necessity of personal artistic vision by taking liberties through aging Radovid (who's YOUNGER than CIRI in the novels...? I think.) AND making him Vizimir's younger brother instead of his son (Oh, and he was also the king of Redania, following Vizimir, which will probably still happen) for the sake of this season's Voleth Meir show-exclusive plotline with him and Jaskier. That was some riveting stuff.

Based on this first Volume (Vol. 1), it WAS underwhelming, feeling lacking in too many areas: amplified by the type of show this is and how that should never be the case in a million years concerning fantasy-genre shows.

There are moments when particular reactions are expected, where specific emotional intentions are attempted, especially concerning weight and impact, not to mention the rash (and somewhat arrogant) assumption/anticipation that you'll care about those moments when they happen despite the lack of effort to make that likely.

Well-put together is the furthest-away-from-fitting description to use if you ever try your hand at the art of "summing up" – this first half of the season could result in discovering a personal kryptonite. Walter White would advise you to tread lightly. Most of it felt more like a compilation of scenes (and not even compiled efficiently) with unnecessarily convoluted political drivel, on top of reasonably consistent overall confusion that came across as an overly ambitious/pretentious intent to be seen as well-written and comprehensive.

Elements of the first season started to trickle in because you start thinking about the good old days when receiving close to zilch currently; in particular, Sonya Belousova and Giona Ostinelli's score that Joseph Trapanese's not coming close to, the sense of more overall competence behind various aspects (the directing, storytelling/writing, structuring/pacing, etc.), and an actual feeling of engagement presented by the things you're seeing – it didn't go "beyond" but managed a compelling impression.

With this one, I couldn't help but feel that the familiarity with the characters was doing most of the heavy lifting, even during the times when there was enough to enjoy without too many hindrances and instances of questionable writing, the lack of identity to this world/lack of individualistic distinction to the visual storytelling (and maybe even a lack of visual storytelling overall), shoddy CGI (there were a few occasions), the sometimes blurry but frequently dull and lifeless cinematography, the horrid hair styling and costume design for Yennefer 99% of the time (Anya Chalotra must've pissed someone off big time), the excessive makeup (particularly on Freya Allan)/by extension, things that show the holes in the intended immersion into this world through its amateurish craftsmanship, running Jaskier's character into the ground at alarming speed (now, he's a tainting agent), and the like.

The first season, against the odds of having some 'improvement-needed' areas, felt like there was a proper thought process behind it, and everything worked in unison as well as it could. With the second one, and now this one – out of nowhere – that "helping hand" is seemingly replaced with widespread enveloping of all that's generic.

If I were to describe this Vol. 1 half, it would be this: flat instead of fizzy. But the last two episodes (3x05, most of all) were a considerable improvement to what came before.