‘The Witcher’ Season 3 Episode 2 Review: Ciri learns more about Yennefer's past as Geralt parts ways
Spoilers for ‘The Witcher’ Season 3 Episode 2
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: After ‘The Witcher’ Season 3 Part 1 hit the screens, fans can’t help but wonder what’s in store for some of their favorite characters. After the previous season, everyone was almost too used to seeing Geralt and Ciri share a screen, with a lot of love, protection, and oftentimes, pain. So when the first episode of ‘The Witcher’ Season 3 ended with Geralt parting ways with Yennefer and Ciri, there is bound to be some sort of separation anxiety, especially for Ciri.
Nevertheless, this also gives Ciri and Yennefer some time to bond and really hone the magic skills that Yennefer has been keen on teaching Ciri. While both of them don’t always see eye to eye, they must embark on their journey to Aretuza, the only place Yennefer thinks can be truly helpful for Ciri, and possibly the most safe. ‘The Witcher’ Season 3 Episode 2 could easily be someone’s least favorite episode as Geralt remains away from Yennefer and Ciri the whole time.
Ciri and Yennefer bond… almost
The fact remains that Ciri and Yennefer are more similar than they know, or let on. Neither of them would admit it, but it’s almost crystal clear that Yennefer sees glimpses of her younger self in Ciri, and more of that is explored in this ‘The Witch’ Season 3 Episode 2. The two women start preparing for Aretuza, gathering items that might help them get through their journey without putting Ciri in harm’s way. Yennefer and Ciri stop at a friend, Keira’s shop where they try and buy a portal, but things go haywire when a man enters the same shop, with a child on a leash. At this moment, it is confirmed that Ciri’s visions are getting stronger and more frequent, as she lets the child run away from his captor, causing chaos.
Any bonding experience that Yennefer and Ciri had embarked on is broken away at this moment. Yennefer and Ciri manage to escape, but the former can’t let go of Ciri’s carelessness and blames herself, saying “In all those lessons, I should have taught you that sometimes, discretion is more important than valor.” Then ensues an argument of consequences, choices, and interference, and this is the moment when ‘The Witcher’ really makes viewers wonder which side is more reasonable, and that’s the beauty of it all.
Ciri learns about Yennefer’s past
“You snap your fingers, mountains move. Men bend to your will. How would you know what it’s like to fight for control of your life?” As these words leave Ciri’s mouth, Yennefer knows a detour is a must, to show Ciri a glimpse of her past. Yennefer takes Ciri to the place she grew up, which is now an empty field. As they hold hands, Yennefer is able to show Ciri parts of her life, before she transformed, when her face was deformed. Flashbacks of Yennefer being recruited by Tissaia are also shown.
Ciri pulls away in shock, as Yennefer takes this chance to open up to Ciri about her fears regarding Aretuza. In addition, Yennefer gives an example of herself, of when she set a prisoner free, and the consequences that led to the North going against the Brotherhood. This scene is probably one of the most important when it comes to Ciri and Yennefer’s relationship, but can Ciri really learn from Yennefer’s past? Meanwhile, Geralt continues to remain on his own quest and feels far from reuniting with Ciri and Yennefer at that moment.
You can now stream all episodes of ‘The Witcher’ Season 3 Part 1 exclusively on Netflix.