Television The Witcher | Netflix | There are book spoilers here

[One Night Only]

Episode 6...

Spoiler

The dragons voice ffs, am I back in the 90s? Also they just seem to keep rushing absolutely everything, they could have made episodes 1-3 an entire series by themself, and that's without ciris storyline so far. It's as if they got overexcited and tried to cram everything into one season. Like a kid at Christmas has to play with every toy in one day.

 

[One Night Only]

I wish I knew tradespeople as good as those in this universe, every door is perfectly straight, brickwork is perfect proper kills it for me

 

[Redplane]

 

[Amarsdd]

I wish I knew tradespeople as good as those in this universe, every door is perfectly straight, brickwork is perfect proper kills it for me

I know. Even the forests and caves seem clean and not lived in. Just takes me out of the world. But anyway its getting better since episode 4 and I'm not caring of these things that much.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Finished with episode 6. Really having a blast with this. Geralt and Yennifer have been written and played excellently and their chemistry is as good as it should be.

 

[AaronRedDevil]

Only on episode 5. But my one gripe with the show is Triss....Just why? She has red hair. Fecking diversity

 

[caid]

I'm new to it. Haven't found it difficult to follow, its not that complicated. Really enjoying it. I like how each episode is pretty well contained. It feels like a large elaborate universe but it hasn't gotten bogged down with every little detail and just gives you the basic information you need to follow its story.

 

[marktan]

Just finished episode 4, I'm not sure how half these storylines play in together but I'm enjoying it, glad it's not solely about Henry Cavills character as I thought it'd be. I have no background knowledge about it, the Witcher books are one of the fantasy books I haven't read so nice to have the surprise factor.

I think one of the best things the shows gotten right is the dialogue, thus far it's not been over the top or super cliche in the way a lot of high actions shows or some other fantasy books are.

I'd rate it a solid 8/10 so far, going higher depending on how the rest of the episodes go. I can see this being a big hit for Netflix with further seasons. Also something stylistically similar for the Name of Wind series would be great, even though its very focused on its main character and only has two actually finished books. But I get the sense that witcher show is rushing through the books a bit, whereas the best part of the name of the wind is the dialogue so drawing out the books could work.

 

[KirkDuyt]

Only on episode 5. But my one gripe with the show is Triss....Just why? She has red hair. Fecking diversity

Same, just doesnt feel like Triss. Though she did grow on me further in the season.

The best fitting casting is Cahir though, he's excellent. Tissaia as well.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Only on episode 5. But my one gripe with the show is Triss....Just why? She has red hair. Fecking diversity

That's my one gripe too. Wouldn't mind if they change her next season. She's just so uninteresting.

 

[Amarsdd]

Just finished it. It got a lot better and fun since episode 4. But still the plot seemed dumb to me for lack of a better word which I'm not sure if its because of the lore itself or it has been heavily compressed for the series or simply because I haven't read the books. And even though it was fun, there were many moments that gave me flashbacks to Avatar the air bender movie.

 

[Ødegaard]

Toss a coin to your Witcher, oh valley of plenty, oh valley of plenty!

That's my jam.

This and lullaby of woe are on repeat as I've started a new witcher 3 run.

 

[The Cat]

Just finished episode 4, I'm not sure how half these storylines play in together but I'm enjoying it, glad it's not solely about Henry Cavills character as I thought it'd be. I have no background knowledge about it, the Witcher books are one of the fantasy books I haven't read so nice to have the surprise factor.

I think one of the best things the shows gotten right is the dialogue, thus far it's not been over the top or super cliche in the way a lot of high actions shows or some other fantasy books are.

I'd rate it a solid 8/10 so far, going higher depending on how the rest of the episodes go. I can see this being a big hit for Netflix with further seasons. Also something stylistically similar for the Name of Wind series would be great, even though its very focused on its main character and only has two actually finished books. But I get the sense that witcher show is rushing through the books a bit, whereas the best part of the name of the wind is the dialogue so drawing out the books could work.

I thought Kingkiller had been dropped for now?

 

[Drifter]

The gap between audience and critics as been growing wider and wider.Currently on Rotten Tomatoes Critics 58% Audience 91%. I know who i would trust .

 

[Massive Spanner]

The gap between audience and critics as been growing wider and wider.Currently on Rotten Tomatoes Critics 58% Audience 91%. I know who i would trust .

I would say it's neither as good as the audience scores or as bad as the critic scores. Seems the audiences are trying to pump the review scores up as high as possible to fight against the critic scores or something. It's more of a 7/10 show. it's fun but it's got a lot of problems.

 

[GhastlyHun]

Only on episode 5. But my one gripe with the show is Triss....Just why? She has red hair. Fecking diversity

No. That's artistic freedom CDPR took with her character. In the books she has curly, chestnut-colored hair.

I wish I knew tradespeople as good as those in this universe, every door is perfectly straight, brickwork is perfect proper kills it for me

Yeah... another case where you can clearly see the budget limitations. Even the first witcher game has more atmospheric scenes than this ^^

Spoiler: TW1 screenshots

 

[evil_geko]

The first Witcher game has the best atmosphere, even better than The Witcher 3. Too bad lots of people skip the first one because of combat, even though I like the combat from first Witcher much better than the borefest combat from the second game, but alas, this is going offtopic.

Everything being "perfect" in the universe is a really big nitpick for me, as I didn't even pay attention to it, there are far more important things that could be improved upon, this would be literally last on the list.

 

[GhastlyHun]

The first Witcher game has the best atmosphere, even better than The Witcher 3. Too bad lots of people skip the first one because of combat, even though I like the combat from first Witcher much better than the borefest combat from the second game, but alas, this is going offtopic.

Yes, that's what I keep telling people too! There are dozens of us, dozens!!

 

[simonhch]

Only on episode 5. But my one gripe with the show is Triss....Just why? She has red hair. Fecking diversity

You realise diversity is actually a good thing right? Even if it means you have to watch Triss have different coloured hair and a darker skin tone? How ever will you cope?

To be honest I was going to go in on you a lot harder at first, but I’ve mellowed out a bit. Nevertheless, try not to be so ignorant. You clearly have no idea what it’s like on the other side of your white washed fence.

 

[evil_geko]

You realise diversity is actually a good thing right? Even if it means you have to watch Triss have different coloured hair and a darker skin tone? How ever will you cope?

To be honest I was going to go in on you a lot harder at first, but I’ve mellowed out a bit. Nevertheless, try not to be so ignorant. You clearly have no idea what it’s like on the other side of your white washed fence.

Diversity is good when it makes sense, not just for the sake of it, if you want diversity in show, make it make sense and maybe write a new character that makes sense, not convert established characters like Fringilla only for the sake of it. It is lazy and idiotic.
I mean Fringilla is described as pale girl with green eyes, and she reminds Geralt a lot of Yennefer and her look directly influences the story, and they make her exactly the opposite.

I do like the show, but I do hate forced diversity for the sake of it.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Diversity isn't the issue with the Triss' portrayal in the show. It's more than the character /actress being as uninteresting as you'd expect some really side side character to be.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

The gap between audience and critics as been growing wider and wider.Currently on Rotten Tomatoes Critics 58% Audience 91%. I know who i would trust .

I don't know about trust. But I definitely agree more with the audience. I've nearly finished the show in 2.5 days and I'm someone who never binge watches anything.

 

[simonhch]

Diversity is good when it makes sense, not just for the sake of it, if you want diversity in show, make it make sense and maybe write a new character that makes sense, not convert established characters like Fringilla only for the sake of it. It is lazy and idiotic.
I mean Fringilla is described as pale girl with green eyes, and she reminds Geralt a lot of Yennefer and her look directly influences the story, and they make her exactly the opposite.

I do like the show, but I do hate forced diversity for the sake of it.

The fact you say “diversity just for the sake of it” shows just how important getting more diversity is. When so much source material and world building is based on exclusively white characters, where are these opportunities for other ethnicities going to come from? Why does it matter to you what colour they are? Does it change her character in any appreciable way, other than deviating from your expectations?

You are happy to change the source material to make up new, presumably fringe, characters that you’d find appropriate being dark skinned; but you draw the line at changing the appearance of a main character?

Show-runners take creative freedom with source material all the time, often to adapt it for the small screen and tighten up the story telling. Even including fairly major changes to story lines. And fans typically roll with it. Yet the one consistent backlash we get is race-swapping. That’s just an unforgivable deviation from the source material. It’s rendered this whole universe full of dragons and monsters completely unbelievable now.

I honestly feel sorry for how ignorant you appear to be.

 

[simonhch]

Diversity isn't the issue with the Triss' portrayal in the show. It's more than the character /actress being as uninteresting as you'd expect some really side side character to be.

A sensible post based on an acting review, not a race review. Thank you.

 

[AaronRedDevil]

You realise diversity is actually a good thing right? Even if it means you have to watch Triss have different coloured hair and a darker skin tone? How ever will you cope?

To be honest I was going to go in on you a lot harder at first, but I’ve mellowed out a bit. Nevertheless, try not to be so ignorant. You clearly have no idea what it’s like on the other side of your white washed fence.

I've no problem with diversity, but do it in a way that makes sense. Dont change main characters that already have a character bio and then change it for that sake. A black or Asian geralt wouldn't be a good thing for diversity. Just already shows they dont respect the source material. Too many people are doing that today and they dont see why it's being criticise for it. It would be like making a Mulan a white character. I wouldn't want that and I bet you it would get backlashed to hell. I wouldn't mind if they made fringilla or any of the other characters a different race. But just not the core characters. I hope I'm not sounding racist or discriminatory . Its not my intention. Just that we all watch this show from having to love the games and some more for the books. We see these characters as they are and want to see it on a tv show. Its bad enough with the trashbag armour the nilfgaards have hah.

 

[One Night Only]

I really don't like the actor who plays that mage who helps Yen near the start, can't remember his name.

The way he speaks sounds way too modern for the show, I know nobody sounds perfect but everything he says he sounds as if he is living in today's world, "I just want to research", the way he says that line just sounds so weird for the time and how things are. Proper shit character maybe, he can only work with what he is given.

Nearly as bad as Yen being "off the grid" ... Don't know what grid she is on about

 

[AaronRedDevil]

I really don't like the actor who plays that mage who helps Yen near the start, can't remember his name.

The way he speaks sounds way too modern for the show, I know nobody sounds perfect but everything he says he sounds as if he is living in today's world, "I just want to research", the way he says that line just sounds so weird for the time and how things are. Proper shit character maybe, he can only work with what he is given.

Nearly as bad as Yen being "off the grid" ... Don't know what grid she is on about

That's one of the rookie problems with the show. They say some words of today like "Gross". Its a bit weird hearing it in that setting. Still love the show though. Had my doubts about Cavill but hes doing brilliant.

 

[Siorac]

That's one of the rookie problems with the show. They say some words of today like "Gross". Its a bit weird hearing it in that setting. Still love the show though. Had my doubts about Cavill but hes doing brilliant.

It's important to note that this isn't historical fiction. These characters aren't from medieval England.

Also, here's a random quest item from the Witcher 3:

As per the instructions of our supervisor, Ireneus var Steingard, we have conducted a series of studies on the genotype of the creatures commonly known as drowners. Sadly, administering a poison made of fugu fish induced a coma in all the specimens in the study. After 24 hours the vital functions of all above-mentioned specimens ceased, prohibiting us from continuing the study.

 

[AaronRedDevil]

It's important to note that this isn't historical fiction. These characters aren't from medieval England.

Also, here's a random quest item from the Witcher 3:

Fair enough.

 

[evil_geko]

The fact you say “diversity just for the sake of it” shows just how important getting more diversity is. When so much source material and world building is based on exclusively white characters, where are these opportunities for other ethnicities going to come from? Why does it matter to you what colour they are? Does it change her character in any appreciable way, other than deviating from your expectations?

You are happy to change the source material to make up new, presumably fringe, characters that you’d find appropriate being dark skinned; but you draw the line at changing the appearance of a main character?

Show-runners take creative freedom with source material all the time, often to adapt it for the small screen and tighten up the story telling. Even including fairly major changes to story lines. And fans typically roll with it. Yet the one consistent backlash we get is race-swapping. That’s just an unforgivable deviation from the source material. It’s rendered this whole universe full of dragons and monsters completely unbelievable now.

I honestly feel sorry for how ignorant you appear to be.

The bold part is when I saw how ignorant about this topic you are, if you can't see how different adding new characters are to changing already established characters that people got attached to over the years I give up.

I feel sorry for how brainwashed you are, you are already gone you can't be rationally talked to, you already found many hidden agendas in my post where none are, you just twist my words how they are convenient to you. Cheers.

 

[izec]

is it worth watching even if you never played the game?

 

[evil_geko]

I've no problem with diversity, but do it in a way that makes sense. Dont change main characters that already have a character bio and then change it for that sake. A black or Asian geralt wouldn't be a good thing for diversity. Just already shows they dont respect the source material. Too many people are doing that today and they dont see why it's being criticise for it. It would be like making a Mulan a white character. I wouldn't want that and I bet you it would get backlashed to help. I wouldn't mind if they made fringilla or any of the other characters a different race. But just not the core characters. I hope I'm not sounding racist or discriminatory . Its not my intention. Just that we all watch this show from having to love the games and some more for the books. We see these characters as they are and want to see it on a tv show. Ita bad enough with the trashbag armour the nilfgaards have hah.

You don't sound racist, you just want proper storytelling, and SJW people will never understand that.

 

[giorno]

2 episodes in and my take so far is keep Cavill, fire everyone else, scrap this and redo from scratch. Get competent writers, directors and producers most of all

 

[evil_geko]

Diversity isn't the issue with the Triss' portrayal in the show. It's more than the character /actress being as uninteresting as you'd expect some really side side character to be.

I agree, I mean she is closer to the book than the games Triss, but she is just bland.

 

[giorno]

Allright, can someone who watched the whole show and read the books tell me how they resolved the following plot holes? Just tell me if they're solved in a way that is satisfactory and makes sense, thanks(don't tell me how they did it, just tell if it's good)

Spoiler

Ciri not knowing who Geralt is after the fall of Cintra, and Fringilla being a student at Aretuza

 

[KirkDuyt]

The first Witcher game has the best atmosphere, even better than The Witcher 3. Too bad lots of people skip the first one because of combat, even though I like the combat from first Witcher much better than the borefest combat from the second game, but alas, this is going offtopic.

Everything being "perfect" in the universe is a really big nitpick for me, as I didn't even pay attention to it, there are far more important things that could be improved upon, this would be literally last on the list.

I remember playing the witcher on my stone age pc. Every loading screen was 10 minutes. Took me months to finish.

 

[Mr Pigeon]

Diversity is good when it makes sense, not just for the sake of it, if you want diversity in show, make it make sense and maybe write a new character that makes sense, not convert established characters like Fringilla only for the sake of it. It is lazy and idiotic.
I mean Fringilla is described as pale girl with green eyes, and she reminds Geralt a lot of Yennefer and her look directly influences the story, and they make her exactly the opposite.

I do like the show, but I do hate forced diversity for the sake of it.

God forbid the actresses for Triss and Fringilla were selected because of their talents.

This is my problem whenever someone brings up the "diversity for the sake of it" argument. It's lazy and offensive to the people who got the job because it assumes that they only got it due to their race. And that can go both ways btw.

And it does make sense because what's established in the books means basically feck all in the TV universe. Ciri, apart from being white and blonde, doesn't look like Ciri - or is that ok because she ticks the race box correctly?!

 

[evil_geko]

God forbid the actresses for Triss and Fringilla were selected because of their talents.

Which obviously wasn't the case because they are both bland.

And it does make sense because what's established in the books means basically feck all in the TV universe. Ciri, apart from being white and blonde, doesn't look like Ciri - or is that ok because she ticks the race box correctly?!

I literally explained how Fringilla's race and appearance influence story in many ways, and that's how people know her, they might as well call her a different name because they changed her completely, but I have no problem with that as I already mentioned many times that I love the show, I do have problem with "forced diversity" which is a thing, whether you and other SJW want to admit or not, even Hollywood people are starting to mention how they had to pick this and that because of diversity.

And yes, I agree, it is offensive to the people who got the job because they are being used by studios for their own agendas.

In Star Wars they fired Kathleen because she was terrible at her job and they are mentioning how they "have to" replace her with another woman just "so that the studio isn’t accused of mistreating women in power ". So nevermind that she is terrible at her job, they have to justify her firing just because she is a woman, bloody hell, this world deserves another meteor ASAP. Cleansing is needed.

Now leave the fecking SJW nonsense aside and talk about the show.

Allright, can someone who watched the whole show and read the books tell me how they resolved the following plot holes? Just tell me if they're solved in a way that is satisfactory and makes sense, thanks(don't tell me how they did it, just tell if it's good)

Spoiler

Ciri not knowing who Geralt is after the fall of Cintra, and Fringilla being a student at Aretuza

Spoiler

What do you mean about Ciri? They didn't meet until late after fall of Cintra?! And about Fringilla, I don't know, they changed her whole character from the books.

 

[Mr Pigeon]

Which obviously wasn't the case because they are both bland.



I literally explained how Fringilla's race and appearance influence story in many ways, and that's how people know her, they might as well call her a different name because they changed her completely, but I have no problem with that as I already mentioned many times that I love the show, I do have problem with "forced diversity" which is a thing, whether you and other SJW want to admit or not, even Hollywood people are starting to mention how they had to pick this and that because of diversity.

And yes, I agree, it is offensive to the people who got the job because they are being used by studios for their own agendas.

In Star Wars they fired Kathleen because she was terrible at her job and they are mentioning how they "have to" replace her with another woman just "so that the studio isn’t accused of mistreating women in power ". So nevermind that she is terrible at her job, they have to justify her firing just because she is a woman, bloody hell, this world deserves another meteor ASAP. Cleansing is needed.

Now leave the fecking SJW nonsense aside and talk about the show.

Spoiler

What do you mean about Ciri? They didn't meet until late after fall of Cintra?! And about Fringilla, I don't know, they changed her whole character from the books.

Oh just feck right off, you're clearly unable to have an adult conversation if you're accusing me of being a fecking SJW because I don't agree with you.

The fact that you've taken my post and then started on a rant about social justice just shows how deep rooted your views are and I haven't got time to spend talking to any cnut who will just brush off anyone else's opinions as whimsy whilst asserting that their weak arguments are somehow rock solid.

If you don't want to engage in discussion then kindly feck off back to your echo chamber on 4chan. Hohoho merry Christmas

 

[evil_geko]

Oh just feck right off, you're clearly unable to have an adult conversation if you're accusing me of being a fecking SJW because I don't agree with you.

The fact that you've taken my post and then started on a rant about social justice just shows how deep rooted your views are and I haven't got time to spend talking to any cnut who will just brush off anyone else's opinions as whimsy whilst asserting that their weak arguments are somehow rock solid.

If you don't want to engage in discussion then kindly feck off.

Feck off too kindly, cheers!

And for the record, I didn't call you SJW, you decided to pull that context out for yourself, and then started insulting me first while telling me "I can't have adult conversation" ? You are so full of all kinds of shite, so yeah, feck off if you can't talk without insulting.

Anyway, RT audience score jumped to 91%, I do like the show but that is surprising, I guessed it would be around 80% or something.