'The Witcher' Season 2 Review: Netflix fantasy series now bigger, better in every sense
In 2019, when HBO decided to end its blockbuster series ‘Game of Thrones’, people were having the urge of finding a fantasy series that could take them on a thrilling journey and made them feel like they were a part of it. So, Netflix felt that the onus was now on them to give viewers another fantasy show that would be remembered for years to come and they announced that they will be coming out with a series based on ‘The Witcher’ game series.
Season 1 aired in 2019 and received positive reviews, but it couldn’t reach the heights that ‘GoT’ reached. But we knew that ‘The Witcher’ had done everything right and always had the potential of creating its own fan base. With the success of Season 1, Netflix renewed the show for Season 2 and it has finally premiered on Netflix on December 17. So now, the biggest question everyone has on their mind is: Is ‘The Witcher’ Season 2 better than Season 1? And the answer to that question is YES!!!!
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First of all, it shouldn’t be compared with ‘GoT’ because they both are quite different and unique in their own ways. But one thing that Season 2 does much better than the previous edition is that it gives characters the time to flourish. Makers have done a splendid job in weaving a world that’s filled with so many interesting stories and characters that viewers will never feel bored. Another thing that makes Season 2 better is how mature the series has become. The show doesn’t have any pacing issues now and every plotline is explored beautifully, taking the show to a whole new level.
The show primarily focused on Ciri (Freya Allan) and how she was trying to find her true identity. Meanwhile, Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill) is trying to protect her because he knows that everyone is looking for her and if she’s in the wrong hands, then it would be the end of the entire world. On the other hand, Yennefer (Anya Chalotra) has lost her powers after winning the Battle of Sodden. And the only way she could get back her powers was to present Ciri to an evil Witch. Will she do that? Or she’ll let the world know how good she really is?
The show brilliantly explores every important plotline and gives them a satisfying end. Even when a character is taking revenge, you know why he or she is doing that and you can feel the character’s pain in that particular scene. The narrative arc is cleaner, with everyone on the same timeline. The themes that the show follows are much more polished than the previous edition and most importantly, the emotional quotient in Season 2 is so damn effective.
There is a lot of depth in the latest season and when it gets mixed with fiery action sequences, there is nothing that isn’t likable about the show. As far as the acting is concerned, Henry Cavill knocks it out of the park once again with his riveting portrayal of Geralt of Rivia. His character has changed a lot and now shows his feelings out in the open. That’s something Witchers are not known for. He believes that Ciri is like his daughter and he has the task of protecting her. Cavill gives a fine performance and does everything perfectly.
However, the breakout star from the series is Freya Allan. The season primarily focuses on her and she needed to be at her very best, but she did even better. Allan is an exception as Ciri and we see new layers in her acting. She went through a lot in this season. From the brutal Witcher training to getting possessed, she went through some of the toughest situations on the show. But she took the task on her shoulders and gave a performance that might be a career-defining one. Brilliant in every sense.
Meanwhile, another great performance comes from Anya Chalotra. She has been a revelation since the original series and with her performance in Season 2, she has made us realize how she could be the next big thing in Hollywood if she’s given chances. No one could have portrayed Yennefer better than Chalotra.
Kim Bodnia as Vesemir, Mecia Simson as Francesca, and Anna Shaffer as Triss have done phenomenal jobs in their respective roles. Whenever they are on screen, they always come out with their best. All in all, ‘The Witcher’ Season 2 is everything that fans would have hoped for and even excels all the expectations. However, the ending has already made a way for Season 3 and we hope that we do get to see another edition.
‘The Witcher’ Season 2 is a worthy addition and takes the franchise to greater heights.