By Connor LaLone

The second season of Netflix’s adaptation of Andrzej Sapkowski’s (“Light Pepetual”) “Witcher” books was released on Dec. 17. The series sees Henry Cavill (“Man of Steel”) reprise his role as Geralt of Rivia, and Anya Chalotra (“Wanderlust,”) Freya Allan (“Gunpowder Milkshake”) and Joey Batey (“Knightfall”) return as Yennefer of Vengerberg, Princess Cirilla of Cintra and Jaskier the bard, respectively. 

Viewers who are familiar with Sapkowski’s books or the CD Projekt RED video game adaptations will recognize several newly introduced characters, including Geralt’s fellow witchers Vesemir, (Kim Bodnia, “The Bridge”) and Lambert (Paul Bullion, “Peaky Blinders”).

Season two differs from its predecessor in that it tells a linear story that is much easier to follow. The first season of the Netflix series features episodes that, while sequential, do not take place in a forward-moving timeline. This could create a sense of confusion for viewers, even for those familiar with the characters and stories presented. 

Not only is the newest season of “The Witcher” easier for viewers to follow, it features a more interesting plot and action. While much of season one’s screen time was used to establish characters and the political background of the story, season two elaborates on this with genuine plot points that connect the main characters in a satisfying manner. 

The cinematography within “The Witcher” is both impressive and diverse. The show features excellent tracking shots, dimly lit caves and sewers, magnificent views of mountaintop fortresses and dense forests. Fight scenes are choreographed expertly and exemplify the true fantastical nature of the “Witcher” world. Sights and sounds are effective in placing the viewer within the world of Geralt and Ciri, creating an immersive show. 

The use of CGI in the series is another strong point. As magic is a crucial aspect of the storyline, CGI is ever present. The effects used to represent magic, as well as the numerous monsters Geralt and the other Witchers must fight, are a major strength of the series. The wardrobe for the show is another aspect in which the show truly succeeds. The costumes are a great realization of Sapkowski’s vision of what the characters should look like. 

The largest complaint against the newest season is that it does not follow Sapkowski’s books as faithfully as some may like. Much of the plot revolves around the “Conjunction of The Spheres,” and while that itself is no folly, the introduction of large stone monoliths is unique to the show. Despite complaints from some of the books’ most avid fans, this new concept seems to align well with other occurrences in the series and is not out of place for the “Witcher” universe. 

The second season of “The Witcher” is a significant improvement over the first, as it improves on the shortcomings of the initial while continuing to build on the strengths it already possessed. Excellent cinematic fight scenes combined with terrific dramatic acting creates an intense and enthralling series. Even as it strays from its novelistic inspiration, “The Witcher” succeeds in being an excellent mash up of Polish book and American video game culture. Fans of the “Witcher” lore will no doubt look forward to the third of a planned seven seasons of the Netflix adaptation. 

Image from Netflix via YouTube