The Witcher
Geralt of Rivia, a solitary monster hunter, struggles to find his place in a world where people often prove more wicked than beasts.
Hakihiko reviewed
1d ago•
A Solid Fantasy Journey Overshadowed by Unfair Outrage
"The Witcher" has always been a series defined by its rich world, layered characters, and a tone that blends grit, magic, and myth with a very distinct personality. Across its run, the quality has shifted — sometimes slightly, sometimes noticeably — but the idea that the show has suddenly collapsed into unwatchable territory is, frankly, absurd.
For me, the first two seasons stand tall at around an 8.5/10. They’re engaging, atmospheric, and bold, even with the occasional narrative wobble. Season three dips a little to an 8, not because it’s bad, but because it starts to feel the weight of its expanding world and increasingly tangled storylines. And yes, season four is the weakest, sitting in the 7 to 7.5 zone — but that still means it’s good. Not excellent, not groundbreaking, but absolutely not the disaster so many angry voices online claim it to be.
Let’s address the loudest complaint: Cavill’s replacement. Losing Henry Cavill is undeniably a big blow. He embodied Geralt with a rare mix of physicality, nuance, and dry humor. But to dismiss Liam’s performance outright is unfair. Under enormous pressure and impossible expectations, he delivers a surprisingly strong take on the character — not identical, not better, but good. And because season four spreads its focus more broadly across the ensemble, Geralt is less central than before, making the transition feel far less jarring than expected.
Having rewatched the entire series before starting season four, I can confidently say the narrative threads continue logically. The writing hasn’t suddenly devolved into nonsense; the show maintains the same tone, pacing quirks, and worldbuilding style it always had. The internet’s “bad writing, nonsense, kid’s play” chorus feels more like performative outrage than genuine critique. The series was never a flawless masterpiece — and it never pretended to be.
Season four does have issues: uneven episodes, some odd character choices, and moments that could have been sharper. But it also has real strengths. Ciri and Yennefer’s performances are exceptional, showcasing emotional depth and growth that lifts the entire season. The pacing remains tight, the subplots continue to expand the world in meaningful ways, and the tone stays remarkably faithful to the established universe — even if it diverges from the books. And that’s key: this is an adaptation, not a carbon copy. If deviation itself is unforgivable, then the books are still there, unchanged and perfect as ever.
This review will undoubtedly irritate those who’ve decided the fourth season is an “abomination,” but the reality is far less dramatic. "The Witcher" remains a good show — flawed, fun, ambitious, messy, atmospheric, and very much still worth watching. The decline in quality is real, but not catastrophic. And the hatred surrounding season four simply doesn’t reflect what’s actually on screen.