The Witcher returns to Netflix with a spectacular second season loaded with bloody twists. The series ups the ante on monsters, betrayals, storytelling, and intriguing character development. We last saw Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra) destroying Nilfgaard’s invading army at the Battle of Sodden using outlawed fire magic. Then Princess Ciri (Freya Allen) runs to embrace Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill) after losing everything she loved. The Witcher finally claims his destined daughter from the “Law of Surprise”, but their journey together is treacherous. Season two reveals why Ciri is so special and the extreme lengths powerful adversaries will go to find her.

“A Grain of Truth”, the season two premiere, lays the groundwork for multiple evolving story arcs. Geralt and Ciri arrive at the burnt carnage of Sodden. Tissaia (MyAnna Buring), the most powerful sorceress at Arezuta, weeps for the loss of Yennefer and her sister mages. She tells a distraught Geralt that his beloved Yennefer has been killed. The Witcher decides to take Ciri to Kaer Morhen, the mountain enclave of his monster-killers brotherhood. There he can recuperate through the winter and delve further into the mysteries of Ciri’s past.

TheWitcher2
Via: Netflix

Yennefer is not dead. She and Fringilla (Mimi M. Khayisa), who betrayed the Northern Kingdoms for Nilfgaard, have been captured by the Elves. Yennefer’s worst fear has been realized. She has lost her Chaos, the power that gives her magic. Yennefer and Fringilla curry favor with Francesca (Mecia Simson), the pregnant leader of the Elves. The three women are haunted by dreams that offer to fulfill their greatest wishes. They will learn that a bargain with Voleth Meir, “The Deathless Mother”, only leads to more pain and suffering.

At Kaer Morhen, Geralt introduces Ciri to his mentor, Vesemir (Kim Bodnia), and the dwindling band of surviving Witchers. Ciri trains to be a warrior. She dreams of killing Cahir (Eamon Farren), the Black Knight of Nilfgaard, who’s now a prisoner of Tissaia. But Ciri’s dark dreams unleash a threat the Witchers thought was not possible. Geralt learns the source of her incredible power and birth meant drastic changes for the Continent. The surrogate father and daughter establish an unbreakable bond. They are severely tested from unexpected and diabolical threats. The White Flame of Nilfgaard emerges from the shadows.

TheWitcher
Via: Netflix

The Witcher takes the mantle of best fantasy series since HBO’s Game of Thrones. The second season delves into the extraordinary detail of Andrzej Sapowski’s books and video games without becoming convoluted. Showrunner and head writer Lauren Schmidt Hissrich does a banner job of keeping every element firmly in equal check. The character drama does not play second fiddle to production design, visual effects, or wanton violence The storylines are paramount and weaved masterfully through eight riveting episodes. The Witcher is mercilessly dark because the stakes are so high for the players involved. There are mind-blowing reveals sprinkled like plot grenades. The finale, “Family”, has a twist that will leave viewers breathless.

The character ensemble is fantastic. Henry Cavill, Freya Allen, and Anya Chalotra are magnificent in challenging lead roles. The dramatic interplay works because of the brutal physicality. These characters fight, bleed, and suffer. Their struggle to simply survive is never understated. But they must also get to know each other and figure out the larger stakes at play. Ciri finally has a father that will protect and guide her at all costs. Geralt’s lifetime of wandering now has a true purpose that’s not just sacred duty. Yennefer must choose to reclaim her magic or sacrifice her defining trait for the greater good. Joey Batey also returns as Jaskier, providing needed comic relief in the second half of season two. The delightful bard has a smaller, but impactful role.

I binged all of season two in one sleepless night. I literally could not stop watching. The Witcher grabs you and doesn’t relent until a stunning cliffhanger ending. It is truly must-see television. The Witcher has gruesome violence, nudity, and adult themes. It is only meant for mature audiences. The Witcher is produced by Sean Daniel Company, Stillking Films, Platige Image, One of Us, and Cinesite. It is currently available to stream globally on Netflix.