The Witcher: Season 2 (2021)

The first season of this show was a mixed bag which despite it's faults, served as a good introduction to the world of The Witcher. I liked it because it was trying something new and hence, I gave a pass on certain inaccuracies. Now, the time has come to pass on an adequate judgement and my sword has been sharpened for butchery. While I can somewhat understand that people might be able to enjoy this B-rated fantasy, as a hardcore fan who read the books and spent 200 hours playing the game, it pains me to see how they have massacred the legacy of The Witcher.

Small deviations can be acceptable as they were in Lord of The Rings or the early seasons of Game of Thrones, but the manner in which Netflix has stupidly twisted the characters and the story is blasphemous. The plot has been unreasonably stretched out while trying to be unnecessarily complicated and ironically, it all felt insignificant. They reduced the main characters to parodies who lack the traits that make them enigmatic, treacherous or powerful. Witches are supposed to resemble refined nobility who exude power with their words and actions. Here, asides from Tissaia and Stregobor, everyone looks like a shy peasant.

For a series called THE WITCHER, Geralt has been overshadowed by everyone. He battles CGI monsters but he doesn't take a single contract or quarrel with ordinary people which is what comes with being a Witcher. Geralt doesn't deliver any Clint Eastwood style one-liners and asides from 1 decent fight, he feels like a side character. The rest of the Witchers resemble incapable children instead of monster fighting machines.

The creators have added many new characters but where are all the Slavic actors? For a Polish folkloric story, absolutely no one looks the part which kills the vibe and uniqueness that was supposed to come with the show. Cinematography, makeup and music are excellent but that doesn't redeem the endless faults. If you are unfamiliar with The Witcher, then you might be able to enjoy the series. However, if you are a fan, be warned that this is not the Witcher that you fell in love with whether through books or games.

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