So, my only experience of The Witcher has been some second hand knowledge of the games. Meaning I knew the names of a few characters, a couple of tidbits (i.e. the basic premise of what a Witcher is and why he has two swords) and that's it. Hopefully this review will someone in a similar position an idea of if it's worth a look.
With no prior expectations, my main impression of the series is the same feel as 90's adventure shows, like Xena: Warrior Princess and its lesser spinoff (you know the one). Indeed, Jaskier gave me strong Joxter t' Mighty vibes. I also felt a lot of similarities with a certain other fantasy Netflix adaptation. If that's the sort of thing you're after, you're on the right track.
Our premise is simple at first; our main character, the supernaturally enhanced Pro Human Trans Human Geralt wanders the land as a D&D murder hobo (in the nicest possible way), killing monsters for money, quaffing potions and making sound ethical decisions despite an abundance of Fantastic Racism and the sheer irritation of his on/off bard companion and hype man. His Love Interest Yennefer meanwhile studies at a dark and edgy wizard school after being purchased from an abusive family. The third major plot thread involves Ciri, a 12 year old Fallen Princess who's forced to run for her life after her grandmother's kingdom is sacked. The three's stories start to intersect in the background of a previously backwater kingdom beginning to conquer the rest of the world (Ciri's homeland being their beachhead).
The main barrier to the story is something I considered a plus; half way through the season you'll realise the plotlines are occurring years apart. After you realise this (or know from the start because it's hard to recommend the series without explaining that), everything starts to click like Baccano! and sets up the finale.
Along with this, there's some decent fight scenes, catchy music and genuinely compelling characters. Marred (perhaps enhanced?) only by the odd bit of dodgy CGI.
Overall, I'd enthusiastically recommend it, and even though I'm not playing the games for now (for personal reasons), it's got me very interested in reading the novels.
Going in almost blind
So, my only experience of The Witcher has been some second hand knowledge of the games. Meaning I knew the names of a few characters, a couple of tidbits (i.e. the basic premise of what a Witcher is and why he has two swords) and that's it. Hopefully this review will someone in a similar position an idea of if it's worth a look.
With no prior expectations, my main impression of the series is the same feel as 90's adventure shows, like Xena: Warrior Princess and its lesser spinoff (you know the one). Indeed, Jaskier gave me strong Joxter t' Mighty vibes. I also felt a lot of similarities with a certain other fantasy Netflix adaptation. If that's the sort of thing you're after, you're on the right track.
Our premise is simple at first; our main character, the supernaturally enhanced Pro Human Trans Human Geralt wanders the land as a D&D murder hobo (in the nicest possible way), killing monsters for money, quaffing potions and making sound ethical decisions despite an abundance of Fantastic Racism and the sheer irritation of his on/off bard companion and hype man. His Love Interest Yennefer meanwhile studies at a dark and edgy wizard school after being purchased from an abusive family. The third major plot thread involves Ciri, a 12 year old Fallen Princess who's forced to run for her life after her grandmother's kingdom is sacked. The three's stories start to intersect in the background of a previously backwater kingdom beginning to conquer the rest of the world (Ciri's homeland being their beachhead).
The main barrier to the story is something I considered a plus; half way through the season you'll realise the plotlines are occurring years apart. After you realise this (or know from the start because it's hard to recommend the series without explaining that), everything starts to click like Baccano! and sets up the finale.
Along with this, there's some decent fight scenes, catchy music and genuinely compelling characters. Marred (perhaps enhanced?) only by the odd bit of dodgy CGI.
Overall, I'd enthusiastically recommend it, and even though I'm not playing the games for now (for personal reasons), it's got me very interested in reading the novels.
And don't forget to throw a coin to your witcher...