'The Witcher’ Season 3 Part 1 Review: One last Hurrah for Henry Cavill's Geralt before Liam Hemsworth takes over
Spoilers for ‘The Witcher’ Season 3 Part 1
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The first part of the third season of 'The Witcher' has been a noble attempt by the creators to bring the show as close to the novel as possible. Earlier seasons were criticized for straying away from the source, but in the first part of the third season, the makers seem to be making amends. More emphasis has been placed on the trio of Geralt, Yennefer, and Princess Ciri, with Geralt and Yennefer doing their best to save the royal blood amongst them.
However, Ciri’s father Emhyr var Emreis, the White Flame is doing everything in his power to bring her daughter back as the other houses including the Elves continue to search for her for their own selfish purposes.
He has spies all across the continent looking for his daughter and now Vilgefortz is also after Ciri. The third season continues the franchise’s long-standing tradition of Geralt being continuously on the move while dangers emerge on his path; but it is Henry Cavill’s impeccable portrayal and understanding of the character that shines through. Unfortunately for the fans, Cavill’s fate has already been decided in ‘The Witcher’ universe as he’s set to make way for Liam Hemsworth in season four. But in the third season, Cavill shone in many brilliant sequences that have now set up the season for an enthralling finale with its remaining three episodes set to air on July 27, 2023, on Netflix
Geralt is closer to Yennefer and Ciri than ever in season three
The one thing that stood out in the first part of the third season is the intimate and family-like alliance between Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri. At first, Geralt tries to keep his distance from Yennefer but Ciri becomes the glue that keeps both of them together. Both care for Ciri and train her for her safety. They share a common goal of helping Ciri at all costs which brings the trio closer, making them feel safe among themselves. Everyone on the continent, be it Mages, Elves, Sorcerers, or Nilfgaardians, are looking for Ciri, a young princess with mysterious powers. Geralt and Yennefer split up with the agenda of saving Ciri.
Geralt goes after Rience, the fire-wielding Mage while Yennefer takes Ciri to Aretuza to help her learn magic and keep her safe. It is only in the latter half of the season that Geralt realizes that Ciri is at a higher risk from someone from the Brotherhood of the Sorcerers. Geralt also teaches Ciri the ways of becoming a ‘Witcher’ and instills confidence in her by stating that she will one day become a great Queen.
A great supporting cast and a greater villain
The season boasts of an outstanding cast of terrific actors; Redanian spymaster Dijkstra (Graham McTavish) and sorceress Philippa Eilhart (Cassie Clare) came alive in the fifth episode while making their moves to entice Yennefer and Geralt to join the Redanian cause. The Nilfgaardian commander Cahir (Eamon Farren) who has been appointed by Emhyr also portrayed his part beautifully while Yennefer’s former teacher Tissaia (MyAnna Buring) added gravitas to her role.
But the biggest addition to the third season is of the two villains - Emhyr, Emperor of Nilfgaard, and power-hungry Vilgefortz, who is after Ciri's blood. The two characters will look to wreak havoc in the remaining three episodes, making the journey to save Ciri more troublesome for Henry Cavill, who will be picking up the sword for the last time as ‘The Witcher.’
‘The Witcher’ Season 3 Part 1 is currently streaming on Netflix.