The Most Unforgettable Moments from The Witcher Season 3
The Witcher Season 3 delivers a rollercoaster of emotions, highlighting the best moments like Yennefer's heartfelt connection with Ciri, while also stumbling with weak scenes such as Geralt's lackluster fight with Rience Brace yourself for a mix of thrilling highs and disappointing lows
Warning: This article contains spoilers about The Witcher Season 3!
Summary
The Witcher Season 3 presented a mix of the highest and lowest points, featuring storylines and character choices that generated strong opinions. One notable turning point was when Yennefer referred to Ciri as her daughter, resolving contentious alterations made to the original material.
The Wild Hunt's appearance was lackluster and their time on screen was short, ultimately leaving fans feeling disappointed. The third season of The Witcher was highly controversial, sparking division due to its storytelling, character development, and adherence to the original source material. Within the Netflix series, there were both exceptional and abysmal moments, as it was split into two parts and served as Henry Cavill's farewell as the monster-slaying Geralt of Rivia. Fans eagerly anticipated a season finale that would honor his portrayal, but instead received a mixed bag. Geralt became more of a secondary character in his own series, while the other characters suffered from questionable creative choices made by the production team.
While featuring more direct dialogue from Andrzej Sapkowski's novels about the White Wolf, the lines seemed awkwardly placed in storylines that lacked the authentic character development seen in previous seasons. Although these deviations from the books managed to capture the essence of the series, there were instances where certain characters behaved and spoke inconsistently. Nevertheless, there were shining moments when the talent of the actors intertwined seamlessly with the sincerity of the script, resulting in a touch of magic despite the season's overall scarcity in fantastical elements. The tumultuous conclusion for Geralt, Ciri, and Yennefer could serve as an opportunity for Season 4 to start anew and explore uncharted territory. "
12 Best: Yennefer Calling Ciri Her Daughter
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After Season 2 mishandled Yennefer and Ciri's relationship by showcasing the sorceress's devastating betrayal of her ward's trust, their bond reached a new level of strength in Season 3 when Yen affectionately refers to Ciri as her own daughter. Although their happiness is short-lived due to safety concerns, forcing them to be apart for much of the season, this pivotal moment serves as a vital step towards rectifying controversial changes made to the original material. Particularly for Yennefer, who is unable to conceive, this instant carries a deeply emotional significance.
11 Worst: Geralt's Fight With Rience
10 Best: Jaskier Gushing About Radovid To Vespula
Season 3 kicks off with Episode 1, featuring an intense showdown between Rience and Geralt. Surprisingly, instead of swiftly decapitating his opponent, the White Wolf chooses to shatter Rience's hands, sparing his life. This decision proves to be a glaring error on Geralt's part, as Rience's significance is ultimately undermined in Episode 6, where his fate is reduced to a mere shock factor. Despite Rience's initial potential to play a significant role in the series, his purpose is mishandled in Season 3 due to a single, grave mistake made by Geralt.
Despite their tumultuous relationship, Jaskier finds solace in confiding in Vespula about his infatuation with Radovid, even amidst the chaos of her tossing his lute out the window. While this scene may appear insignificant compared to other major moments in The Witcher Season 3, it effectively highlights Jaskier's character as a hopeless romantic. Given his tendency for fleeting, intense relationships, it is refreshing to witness him opening up to someone who truly understands him on a deeper level about his genuine admiration for another person.
9 Worst: The Wild Hunt's Appearance
Despite being teased at the end of The Witcher Season 2 as a formidable threat to Ciri and the rest of The Continent, the Wild Hunt plays a disappointingly minor role in The Witcher Season 3. When the interdimensional Elvish riders finally make their appearance, it is fleeting and lackluster. They come and go like a mirage, swiftly vanquished by Geralt who conveniently arrives at the right moment. The anticipated intense confrontation that was promised fades away like a passing storm cloud, leaving nothing but a whimper.
8 Best: Geralt, Yennefer, And Ciri Having A Family Dinner
In Season 3, fans were finally treated to what they had eagerly awaited since Season 2 - the heartwarming sight of Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri living harmoniously under one roof. Despite their constant vigilance to keep Ciri hidden, the trio found solace on the road, seeking refuge in remote cabins and sharing heartfelt family meals consisting of their foraged and hunted provisions. Regrettably, this blissful arrangement was short-lived, lasting only for a single episode. Nonetheless, it served as a much-needed respite for fans who had witnessed countless obstacles preventing these three characters from uniting.
7 Worst: Radovid Fooling Dijkstra With The Queen's Death
Some significant transformations occur to Radovid in The Witcher Season 3, diverging from his origins in the book. The most substantial change is that he is portrayed as the younger brother of King Vizimir, rather than his son. However, one particular event stands out as a modification that diminishes the intelligence of Dijkstra, one of the season's most intriguing characters. Instead of Dijkstra being the one to expose the truth and put Radovid in his place, it is Radovid himself who cleverly deceives King Vizimir's advisor with news of the Queen's demise.
6 Best: Geralt's Distraction At The Conclave Of Mages
The Conclave of Mages brings The Witcher Season 3 Part 1 to a close, showcasing Yennefer's strategic maneuvers that take center stage. Episode 5 highlights Geralt's diversion tactic, involving a playful duel with her former lover Istredd to vie for her affection. This not only grants her the time she needs to search Stregobor's chambers but also allows Henry Cavill to exhibit a more enjoyable side of Geralt, demonstrating his versatility as both a charismatic and fierce character.
5 Worst: Fighting The Aeschna Monster On The Boat
4 Best: Vilgefortz Revealed As The Villain
Among the five monsters featured in The Witcher Season 3, the Aeschna encountered by Geralt and Ciri during their boat journey to Thanedd Island receives the most spotlight. Unfortunately, due to the excessive use of fast cuts and edits, it becomes difficult to ascertain Ciri's prowess against this formidable creature, despite her active involvement in the battle. This instance was meant to emphasize her bravery in confronting the monster without solely relying on her psionic abilities, but regrettably, it turns out to be one of the least impressive fight scenes presented throughout the entire series.
The Witcher Season 3 required something remarkable to distinguish itself from the rest. Despite facing challenges in various aspects, its most compelling subplot followed Geralt's relentless pursuit of the enigmatic mage controlling Rience. This captivating mystery unfolded with suspicions initially pointing towards Stregebor, only to divert attention to the immensely powerful Vilgefortz, leader of the esteemed Brotherhood. Unmasking Vilgefortz as the true antagonist, a once esteemed hero during the Battle of Sodden against the Nilfgaardian army, was a rewarding outcome amidst the intricate political landscape of this season.
3 Worst: Ciri In The Desert Fighting The Sand Monster
After ascending a flight of stairs in Tor Lara, Ciri unexpectedly tumbles through a mysterious portal that transports her to the desolate expanse of the Korath desert, devoid of Geralt's, Yennefer's, or any other familiar faces. In the treacherous desert, Ciri undergoes a series of trials, encountering a mystical unicorn and confronting various challenges that surprisingly serve as distractions rather than contributing to the already intense atmosphere of the season. Tentative glimpses into Ciri's elusive visions in The Witcher Season 3 hold the potential for significance in the forthcoming Season 4. However, before delving deeper into these captivating visions, her focus abruptly shifts to engaging in a perilous battle against a formidable sand monster, consequently meandering aimlessly for a significant portion of an episode.
2 Best: Geralt Telling Yennefer He Loved Her
In Season 3, Geralt, known for his brevity and emotional restraint, surprises us by opening up. He not only shares heartfelt thoughts about his mother but also bravely reveals his feelings to Yennefer, after seasons of uncertainty between them. Midway through the season, Geralt holds Yennefer's hands, gazes into her eyes, and sincerely confesses his love for her. This tender and masterfully acted moment in The Witcher, and in the season as a whole, is particularly touching considering the challenging journey Geralt has faced to reach this point.
1 Worst: Tissaia's Death
Tissaia, betrayed by her lover and inadvertently responsible for Aretuza's downfall, made the difficult decision to end her own life. Overwhelmed by guilt for the loss of mages and young women she had trained since their childhood, she chose to leave Yennefer behind to deal with the aftermath. This unexpected act, contrary to Tissaia's strong character both physically and mentally throughout the series, will pose challenges for Season 4 that need to be addressed for its success.
