REVIEW: The Witcher Season 2

 

I'm just going to come out and say it. Season 2 was way better than season 1. Now, I loved season 1 but this time around I feel like it was stepped in in every way. While the last one was more fragmented due to the nature of the nonlinear storytelling. It had a complicated timeline, that for me, wasn't exactly difficult to follow, but at times I got confused as to which events had preceded where the characters were. I don't dislike nonlinear timelines, but I can sometimes get frustrated by unresolved plots that need to be continued later one. However, the timeline in this season is much more straightforward, but no less complicated. And I don't mean complicated in a bad way. I love full, complex plots with multiple POV characters. And this second season delivered. 

SUMMARY

Season 2 was simply amazing. We get introduced to new characters and places, including a slough of witchers at Kaer Morhen. There is a sequence of scenes that show Ciri training on an obstacle course that were really well shot. I really liked the witcher plot as we learn more about why there have no more created as well as a possible solution to that problem. 

Ciri and the witchers at Kaer Morhen

I also really enjoyed Francesca's plot line. The elven sorceress and queen was played by Mecia Simson. Her character was pregnant with the first full elf baby in many years and is seen as a way to rebuild their society. The elves have created a mutually beneficial alliance with Nilfgaard where they will fight for them if they get protection in return. 

Their storyline begins when Yennifer and Fringilla are taken hostage by the elves and have separate visions caused by a being called the Deathless Mother. After, Yennifer finds that she has lost her powers. She is on the run after betraying the rest of the sorcerers, she meets up with Jaskier where they team up to reach Ciri and Geralt. Coincidentally, they run into a fire mage who is also hunting Ciri, because of her potential to change the world. And yes, I'm being intentionally vague on purpose because I am avoiding spoilers. 

Jaskier and Yeniffer 

Eventually these characters plots meet and we get an epic last episode. 

MY THOUGHTS

Man did I love this season. The acting is so good that it really makes the world come alive. There have been so many fantasy shows with potential that don't have the acting to pull off the intensity the characters need. The writing is also superb. We got to see a handful of new monsters, which shoutout to the Bruxa, I loved that episode.

I loved how the various plots didn't take away from each other. Instead, the jumps to different locations felt perfectly timed and only added to the intrigue and mystery. The addition of the new places were also great. I particularly enjoyed episode 6 where we get to see the Temple of Melitele where Geralt takes Ciri in order to help her learn her powers. It was neutral ground and we see Geralt give his weapons up before entering. 

This season really made me want to give the books another try. When I first picked up The Last Wish I didn't really enjoy it but I think on my next try I'll just start with first full book and maybe go back to read the short story collections. I did really enjoy the 3rd game, Wild Hunt and with the show being so good, I just really want to delve into the world more. I also want to watch the two animated series on Netflix. Season 3 has already been announced and if things keep going the way they are, it's just going to keep getting better. 

Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia

I really appreciate when the actors are fans of the source material as well. It is well known that Henry Cavill is a nerd of the highest order, and I say that with love as a fellow nerd. It's clear he loves the character he is playing which just makes his performance that much more believable. He becomes Geralt when he is acting. It doesn't feel like someone paid to play a role, rather it feels like the character come to life. 

Overall, I highly recommend this series and am looking forward to not only the animated short film and mini-series, but season three as well.