As the final breath escapes a man's lips, his dying ramblings echo, his chest slashed mercilessly. The witcher, upon hearing his cries, demands 3000 florens upfront, stepping out into the night to follow the crimson trail. But ambushed and slain, his fate seals the prologue for episode 3 of The Witcher.
Geralt emerges from slumber, a whore by his side, vowing payment in full as he pursues his target, intent on completing the hunt in Temeria. As the army approaches, the rebellious villagers, disregarding the King's guards, flee, leaving Geralt with no choice but to do the same, watching the turmoil unfold in silent awe. Wandering through the woods, he encounters Triss Merigold, pleading for his assistance to save the creature he seeks, not to slay.
The creature is not a vudolak, evident from its form, and Triss shows Geralt the lifeless body, devoid of liver and heart. This creature, a Striga, is more than just any monster; it is a princess.
Within the palace, Yennefer and Istridd play their games, as the initiation draws nigh. Surrounded by a circle of flames, an enchanted artist promises to transform Yennefer into something extraordinary, as Tissaia approaches, reassuring her that all deformities can be vanquished. As she molds Yennefer's powers into her own vision, the council convenes in secret, forcing Yennefer to depart.
In the royal chambers, Geralt and Triss strive to convince the King to allow them to heal the creature. But he dismisses them, ordering Geralt to depart Temeria forever. Yet, Geralt waits outside the castle walls with Triss, sneaking in to investigate. In the chambers, they uncover damning evidence that could topple the royal family. It transpires that the curse was intended for Foltest, but Adda fell victim instead.
The truth between Yennefer and Istridd is revealed, and in the depths of the chamber, an enraged Yennefer abandons him, declaring her intention to become all-powerful. She strides towards the artist, demanding he use his skills to make her beautiful. Meanwhile, Geralt discovers vital information about his quarry, while Yennefer prepares for her transformation.
The creature reveals itself to Geralt, screeching fiercely in the hallway as he clutches the chains, ready for battle. But it breaks free, facing Geralt in a ferocious hand-to-hand combat. As the episode reaches its thrilling climax, Geralt's fight with the creature and Yennefer's transformation alternate, as the sun rises and the chaos abates for now. Yennefer presents herself to a stunned Tissaia, while Geralt awakens to find Triss standing over him. She whispers of greater wonders awaiting him, while Ciri wanders off, captivated by whispers in the forest, traversing the frozen wasteland littered with lifeless bodies.
With Yennefer's transformation flawlessly executed and an even more intense action-packed narrative this season, "The Witcher" continues to captivate audiences with its intricate storyline and unwavering confidence, skillfully merging these two enthralling plotlines. While minor flaws in the occasional CGI sequences mar the experience slightly, the show triumphantly rises above these imperfections, delivering a compelling visual spectacle. Henry Cavill's portrayal of Geralt is nothing short of brilliant, his demeanor a perfect reflection of the iconic character from both the books and the games. From this point onward, the show accelerates into a thrilling gear, promising episodes that are undoubtedly worth the anticipation!
