Released: 29th June and 27th July 2023 (Two Volumes)
Number of Episodes: 8
Certificate: 15
Where to Watch: Netflix
Starring: Henry Cavill, Anya Chalotra, Freya Allan, Eamon Farren, Joey Batey, MyAnna Buring, Anna Shaffer, Tom Canton and Graham McTavish
Following on from the immense popularity of the video games, The Witcher made its small-screen debut in 2019. Offering a different take on the fantasy genre, the series had some potential. Long-time fans felt very ambivalent towards the second season and the latest set of episodes aims to go back to basics. This third outing has its moments, but settles into passable territory.
Shortly after the battle of Kahr Morhen, Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill), Yennefer (Anya Chalotra) and Ciri (Freya Allan) are travelling as a family, keeping the young child of the Elder Blood away from prying eyes. Meanwhile, tensions are reaching a boiling point between multiple factions in the north; mages seek to consolidate their power while the elves are hell-bent on reclaiming their homelands. The neutral protagonists will have no choice but to pick a side. Following some feedback, the writers have gone back to the original books; Time of Contempt and a small portion of Baptism of Fire are included in this season. It does a solid job of adapting Sapkowski’s fiction, cutting between many locations. All is not perfect though, there are several plot points that don’t go anywhere or are being kept back for future seasons. Fans of the series will recognise the Wild Hunt at one point, but this deadly faction only appears once in the early episodes and has no connection with wider events. The same also goes for an odd detour into a magical cave; Geralt has a vision of a younger Ciri after slaying a monster and this scene is never brought up again in both volumes. This unnecessary baggage could have been reworked or replaced with scenes involving the supporting cast.
On that topic, audience attachment to characters in The Witcher is heavily divided between the leads and supporting roles. While he may be bowing out of the show, Henry Cavill gives his best as always; his commitment to both action and conversation remains top-notch. Towards the end, we do see trickles of emotion from the stoic Witcher, something Liam Hemsworth will have to pick up in season four. Freya Allan takes the lead on several occasions and for the most part she does a great job conveying Ciri’s desperate struggle. A lone trek through an isolated desert in Volume II allows the actress to show more visceral emotions. We also see her taking steps towards becoming a monster slayer as she teams up with Henry Cavill in one fight scene. Yennefer remains strong as well; between her letters to Geralt and shifting loyalties to her family and friends, Anya Chalotra also has plenty to do across the eight episodes. Regretfully, most other characters feel shallow or insignificant. Joey Batey’s Jaskier is very charismatic once again, but one key moment between him and Prince Radovid doesn’t amount to much. The biggest weakness in this third set of episodes are the mages and elves; there are simply too many of them to follow. The show needed more focus on a leading perspective to represent the two factions. Tissaia De Vries (MyAnna Buring) and Francesca Findabair (Mecia Simson) come the closest to filling in these gaps, but they are unable to carry this piece of the narrative on their own. Some new characters like Milva (Meng'er Zhang) are also introduced, but audiences will be kept waiting for further development.
Visually, the series continues to deliver some solid technical details and make-up work, especially in the forest of Brokilon. Every environment across the continent is grand and expansive, but the swordplay is still the best element with some precise camera-work that really energises the action. Seeing Geralt, Yennefer and Ciri all fight together in the first episode is a thrilling set piece. Other fight scenes are well presented but the sheer amount of characters on-screen means you won’t be as invested. The Isle of Thanedd plays host to a devastating battle between elves and mages; it looks great with all of the pyrotechnics and special effects but also falls short on the dramatic investment. The music stays the course with a hefty use of woodwind instruments and “Ride Witcher Ride” is another great song from Joey Battey. The Polish fantasy is still able to stand out in a crowded genre.
The Witcher Season 3 may offer good lead performances and a narrative that follows the book more closely, but this Netflix rendition still struggles to engage. The weak surrounding characters and disconnected plot points speak to an inconsistent series that struggles to find the right balance between political intrigue and fantastical warfare. Fans and newcomers alike will be underwhelmed by the latest outing.
Rating: 3/5 Stars (Fair)
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