Verily I say unto you, the era of the season two is nigh. While we edge closer and closer to the release on the 17th, let’s delve into a few spoiler-free thoughts on the show.
Compared to season one, which felt like eight episodes of set up, The Witcher’s sophomore season feels like we are finally able to start the actual story. The first episode, “A Grain of Truth,” starts out the gate strong. Like “The End’s Beginning,” it is a short story that encapsulates the tone of the rest of the episodes.
There are many short stories to choose from, and like Andrzej Sapkowski once said, choosing a favorite short story is like asking, “Which of your daughters in the most beautiful?” They are all beautiful, but “A Grain of Truth” is a strong choice. It has exceptional acting from guest actors Kristofer Hivju as the gregarious Nivellen and Agnes Born as the mysterious Vereena. Although they appear in a single episode, their complex and flawed characters will certainly linger in the minds of viewers.
The costumes are gorgeous evolutions of last season. Like the actors and writers, its sophomore season is confident in tone and identity. Costume designer Lucinda Wright is thoughtful in the way the costumes reflect each character’s story arc after the Battle of Sodden. She also worked with actors, considering their design input:
“Geralt had to find new armour, but he hadn’t had the opportunity to stop anywhere and buy armour or make it, so he delved into the dungeons of Kaer Morhen and found something very old and from a different era, but it’s serviceable…we put a lot of work into it in quite a short space of time. But I’m very happy with where we ultimately landed.” – Henry Cavill
“I loved working with with Lucinda Wright on Ciri’s outfits this season. She really listened to what I visualized for the character…I was quite particular about Ciri’s Witcher outfit…Ciri hasn’t turned into a boy because she is training to be a Witcher. Yes, she is a feisty fighter and grubby like the men she is living with, but she’s still a girl.” – Freya Allan
“I walked into our costume designer Lucinda Wright’s room and said, “I want a swishy coat, please.” And Lucinda, for whatever reason, acquiesced. She was very open to my ideas. I wanted to show that he (Jaskier) was a bit more rock and roll, beyond his boyish looks in the last season.” – Joey Batey
Fans of the books and games will appreciate Geralt’s use of signs, which was sparse last season. There are also some cheeky easter eggs sprinkled in the sets and dialogue, so keep your eyes and ears open. Geralt also speaks more this season, which is natural, considering traveling with Ciri needs more than the occasional grunt or two to communicate.
Overall, this season is a refreshing change of pace, telling a linear story that is unencumbered by the necessary backstory of last season. We get to simply enjoy the story and the characters, knowing the basics of the Continent lore. Viewers who watched the animated prequel movie, “Nightmare of the Wolf,” will have additional background, but those that haven’t will not feel lost in the overall plot.
The eight episodes are an hour long each, but never feels like enough to tell the complex story of The Witcher. However, the show does an excellent job of distilling a story that fits the restrictions that come with creating a television show—while also being enjoyable for new and established fans alike.
The books, games, and the show are story telling mediums with their own benefits and drawbacks. Each have their own unique take while staying cognizant of the themes and tone set by Sapkowski. If the three were siblings, they are beautiful in their own ways and shouldn’t be compared to one another. How can a father pick the most beautiful of his daughters?
December 17th is the global release of season two, and based on what we have seen so far, is one that shouldn’t be missed.
