After a series of intriguing build-ups, The Witcher finally unleashes a breathtaking episode, showcasing Yennefer's formidable magical prowess while intricately weaving our narratives together. As the show reaches its midpoint, it poses intriguing questions for the future, offering over an hour of spellbinding magic and thrilling action to digest.
Episode 4 of The Witcher commences with Ciri wandering aimlessly through the woods, mesmerized by ethereal voices, until she stumbles upon a dazzling yellow light. As she regains her composure, she encounters a bizarre warrior tribe. Fearing their judgment, she introduces herself as Fiona, but their leader beckons her to join them. Meanwhile, Jaskier indulges in tales of Geralt's valiant deeds and sharp wit amidst the tavern's chatter, only to be interrupted by the Witcher's arrival, drenched in gore, igniting a jubilant chant and cheer from the crowd. After a much-needed bath, Jaskier mentions a royal ball, and Geralt, despite his unassuming attire, is quickly recognized by Mousesack. Their subsequent conversation about royal matters eventually leads Geralt to sit with the Royal Family, though he steadfastly refuses to lend them his aid. Amidst the festivities, they snub a potential suitor for the Princess due to his Nilfgaardian origins and the lingering tensions between the kingdoms.
Deep in the forest, Ciri reunites with Dara and confesses her true identity. However, the revelation that her birth family was responsible for Dara's family's demise sows the seeds of discord between them. Meanwhile, Yennefer's serene journey is disrupted by a monstrous creature assailing the caravan. As she traverses different realms and timelines, she escapes with the Queen, realizing that the King had masterminded the attack and sent an assassin in her wake. Tragically, the Queen falls victim to the creature's wrath, but Yennefer arrives just in time to save the babe from a similar fate. Exhausted and bloodied, she utilizes her formidable powers to escape through another portal, only to be struck by a malevolent spell in the process. The babe, now pale and lifeless, is buried by Yennefer in the sand, leaving her devastated and alone.
Ciri awakes from a harrowing nightmare, her heart still pounding. Encouraged by unseen voices, she dares to sip the mystical waters, expecting a revelation. Meanwhile, Dara had embarked on a similar journey and emerged victorious from his own trial. But for Ciri, the water brought no immediate change, as Shan-Kayan awaited patiently in the shadows. As she timidly sipped from the tree's sap, she was enveloped in a strange realm, where an ancient tree began to speak.
Geralt and his allies, meanwhile, endured Vaskier's haunting melodies until a, knight clearly under a curse, appeared. He boldly asked for Pavetta's hand in marriage before invoking the Law of Surprise. Geralt forged an unlikely alliance with the cursed creature, who was in fact Duny, and they charged towards the guards in a furious assault. However, as Calanthe drew her sword, the two warriors halted their battle.
As the truth unfolded, Eid and Mousesack intervened, urging the Queen to uphold the Law of Surprise. Just as Calanthe prepared to strike Duny, Pavatti unleashed her Elder powers, sending everyone flying in a magical whirlwind. The Queen realized that her daughter had indeed inherited the mage's powers, and thus, she honored the Law and embraced Duny in a kiss, which transformed him back into a man.
As Geralt bade farewell to Mousesack, he warned him of the impending calamity, despite the ominous promise. The scene then shifted to a future time, where Mousesack was captured, and Queen Calanthe lay lifeless on the ground. The Witcher is indeed shaping up to be a captivating fantasy tale, and if this episode is any indication, the final chapter promises to propel the overarching narrative to new heights. So far, the show has expertly interwoven individual plotlines with the overarching story, unlike The Mandalorian, where standalone segments often felt disjointed. What lies ahead remains a mystery, but one worth anticipating.
