Just watched the first 3 episodes on my flight.
I love it.
Yeah, the first two episodes are especially shaky. They cram in a lot and I fully acknowledge my enjoyment is directly tied to how familiar I am with the characters and story, overall, from the games and stories. This really is one of those rare pieces of media where being a fan really increases your enjoyment. If I didn't know anything about the Witcher, as a series, I might feel completely differently. I fully acknowledge that. The sorceress stuff, especially, in ep 2 was a little obtuse.
But DAMN, I love this fucking show. I'm already sad that there are so few episodes. I really do wish some of these episodes were longer or split up. The elves stuff in ep 2 could have been 2 episodes, easily, for proper setup and payoff. Overall, it's a world that is fun to be in.
Acting is fantastic, really, across the board. I can't believe those early impressions complaining about Yennefer. She's a fucking standout. Cavill is great. He's good enough to make me wish he actually talked more.
Renfri <3
Is anyone familiar enough with the books to know how much dialogue is pulled from them? Folteat in particular has some great stuff ("love is bright but casts long shadows" or something like that). Really reminds me occasionally of how the LOTR movies would use Tolkien's writing. Comparisons to late GoT is LAUGHABLE. There is some beautifully written stuff here, although there are occasional rough spots.
I truly don't understand the complaints about the cinematography. I think what most pe itsople are actually complaining about is the color grading, which is inconsistent and ugly at times.
Who knows, maybe it gets worse. This show is really what The Mandalorian should have been in a lot of ways. ________ of the week, strong characters, action, acting. Pulpy but with some genuinely powerful moments and stories.
The reviews are a bit baffling but like I said, I get it if you aren't familiar with the series. I've been playing since the first game.
