Liam Hemsworth takes over the role of Geralt of Rivia in the fourth season of Netflix’s The Witcher, succeeding Henry Cavill. Initial impressions may be jarring due to Cavill’s strong portrayal, but viewers may adapt to Hemsworth’s performance as the season progresses. The new season begins with Geralt leading a diverse group, which includes his friend Jaskier, on a quest to rescue his surrogate daughter, Ciri, who is hidden away in a distant location. Simultaneously, Yennefer seeks support from fellow mages to confront a powerful wizard, Vilgefortz.
The storyline has become more intricate, focusing on broader political conflicts rather than the core trio of characters. This shift challenges understanding and may detract from the original appeal of the show, which centered on Geralt’s journey through a dark, morally complex world filled with monsters and political intrigue. While these elements can add depth, they risk overshadowing what initially set The Witcher apart from other fantasy narratives.
Despite these issues, the fourth season introduces compelling new characters, such as a skilled bounty hunter and a mysterious herbalist, but their potential appears underutilized. One notable episode features the characters sharing their backstories in various creative formats, providing a refreshing deviation from the ongoing quests and battles.
The season draws criticism for lacking the fun, excitement, and unique elements that characterized earlier episodes, leading to an experience that feels bloated and at times monotonous. While Hemsworth’s portrayal has not been problematic in the broader context, it appears that the central character’s importance has diminished as the series aims to expand its narrative scope into a larger franchise.
The Witcher Season 4 is currently available for streaming.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/entertainment/810151/the-witcher-season-4-review-netflix-liam-hemsworth