After only two seasons, Netflix’s “The Witcher” has found itself grappling with an identity crisis. The show burst onto the scene with a captivating debut that showcased the beloved elements from its source material, including the books and games.
It seamlessly blended darkness, humor, action, sexual tension, and a multitude of cool monsters, all anchored by the remarkable portrayal of Geralt of Rivia by the excellent Henry Cavill. However, Season 2 struggled to maintain that distinctive personality as it veered further away from the books and embarked on a more grandiose and conventional fantasy narrative. The prequel series, “Blood Origin,” only added to the deviation.
Now, as we enter Season 3, the show is divided into two volumes, marking the end of Cavill’s tenure as Geralt (with Liam Hemsworth taking the lead in future seasons). The first volume manages to strike a balance by retaining the epic storytelling elements that the show aspires to convey, including warring factions, magical forces, and existential questions about the world.
However, the focus returns to where it belongs: the core trio of Geralt, Ciri, and Yennefer. More importantly, the show recaptures its sense of fun, allowing the blood-soaked journey and humorous moments to coexist harmoniously.
Season 3 picks up with the ongoing quest to locate Ciri (Freya Allan), a young princess harboring enigmatic powers that could potentially unite a violent world. Kings, mages, and elves, each driven by their own dubious motives, desperately seek her.
Despite the chaos surrounding her, Ciri finds herself in the relatively tranquil company of Geralt and Yennefer (Anya Chalotra), forming a cozy makeshift family. While constantly on the move and remaining vigilant for signs of danger, they manage to find solace in their daily routines, sharing meals and domestic chores. Yennefer, who has regained her magic after a tragic setback in the previous season, takes on the role of guiding Ciri in mastering her own abilities. After seasons filled with death and betrayal, witnessing these three characters living a calm and content life is a welcome change.
However, tranquility proves short-lived.
External forces compel the family unit to separate. Yennefer escorts Ciri to the magic academy Aretuza, aiming to nurture her talents and ensure her safety. Meanwhile, Geralt sets out to confront Rience (Chris Fulton), a fire-wielding mage pursuing Ciri under the orders of a mysterious benefactor.
Political intrigue and treachery still abound in the narrative. The remaining elves grapple with divisions, torn between alliances and seeking revenge against humanity. The kingdom of Redania, skillfully manipulated by cunning spymaster Dijkstra (Graham McTavish) and his partner Phillipa (Cassie Clare), finds itself embroiled in the chaos.
The Brotherhood of Sorcerers faces internal conflicts, while the relentless pursuit of the White Flame (Bart Edwards) to unify the entire Continent under his rule continues. Additionally, we witness established characters facing entirely new circumstances, such as the exiled mage Fringilla (Mimi Ndiweni), now functioning as an always-intoxicated poison tester.
Fortunately, unlike recent entries into the Witcher universe, the show adeptly weaves these complex storylines into the background, presenting them concisely and entertainingly. This shift allows the spotlight to return to the main cast, and this time, their character arcs are handled with greater care. Geralt remains the brooding yet surprisingly endearing central figure, while Yennefer reclaims her position as a powerful and fiercely independent mage.
Ciri emerges as more than just a damsel in distress, stepping into her own and discovering the true extent of her abilities. The revival of Jaskier (Joey Batey) exemplifies this positive change; after a season of brooding rock stardom, he returns to his carefree spirit, cracking jokes (often at the wrong moments). With a new rivalry with another bard and an intensely adorable infatuation with a prince, Jaskier is once again the beloved character we remember, despite any stylistic alterations.
Amidst the multifaceted narrative, the primary focus of Volume One of the new season centers around the revelation of the formidable new villain. This journey involves the quintessential Witcher ingredients: intense battles with monstrous creatures (including one grotesque being that would fit seamlessly into “Akira” or “Inside”), opulent parties dripping with sexual tension, deeply unsettling betrayals, and Geralt’s trademark wit, which continually frustrates the elite.
Unraveling the web of lies, misdirection, and illusions at a climactic party, the viewers, along with Geralt and Yennefer, are engrossed in the process of uncovering the truth. The big reveal at the end of the initial episodes left me genuinely surprised.
The show’s producers have promised a seamless transition from Cavill to Hemsworth. Nevertheless, this season serves as an essential farewell to Cavill’s portrayal of Geralt, setting up a monumental showdown for the character’s departure.
Simultaneously, Season 3 marks a return to the distinctive elements that make “The Witcher” unique: a blend of humor, gore, and sensuality. And, of course, there’s even a bath scene that epitomizes the quintessential Witcher experience.