The Witcher Season 4: A Missed Opportunity That Leaves Fans Divided
Netflix’s The Witcher has always been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but Season 4 takes this inconsistency to a whole new level. Bold claim? This season is the epitome of squandered potential, leaving fans scratching their heads and wondering what could have been. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some moments shine, the overall execution feels like a disjointed mess, raising questions about the show’s direction post-Henry Cavill.
Let’s start with the elephant in the room: Liam Hemsworth stepping into Geralt’s boots. Is he the problem? Surprisingly, no. Hemsworth’s portrayal is serviceable, and his more agile, book-accurate fighting style is a refreshing change. The issue isn’t the actor—it’s the writing. Season 4 struggles to find its voice, oscillating between emotional depth and cringe-worthy dialogue. One moment, you’re captivated by Ciri’s (Freya Allan) haunting transformation into Falka, and the next, you’re baffled by character decisions that feel ripped from a different story altogether.
And this is the part most people miss: The show’s biggest sin isn’t its deviations from Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels—adaptations need creative freedom. It’s the why behind these changes. Major characters are killed off prematurely, robbing them of their narrative weight, and key moments are reshuffled without clear purpose. Take Montecalvo, for instance. What should have been a politically charged showdown feels hollow, reducing complex characters like Francesca (Mimî M. Khayisa) and Philippa (Cassie Clare) to mere plot devices. Where’s the intrigue? The socio-political stakes that made the books so compelling are largely ignored, leaving viewers with a defanged version of the canon.
That said, it’s not all doom and gloom. The Rats storyline, though flawed, delivers emotional punches, and Ciri’s descent into darkness is a standout. Freya Allan’s performance is nothing short of stellar, capturing Ciri’s internal struggle with raw intensity. Sharlto Copley’s Leo Bonhart is another highlight, embodying the chilling unpredictability of his literary counterpart. And let’s not forget the monster design—creatures like the mournful wraiths and Ysgith swamp entities remind us why we fell in love with The Witcher’s blend of fantasy and grit.
New characters like Regis (Laurence Fishburne) and Skellen (James Purefoy) add flavor, though they’re often underutilized. A brief animated sequence even hints at what could have been, leaving fans to wonder if The Witcher might thrive in a non-live-action format. But these glimmers of brilliance are overshadowed by the season’s inconsistencies, from choppy storytelling to performances that feel disjointed—even Anya Chalotra’s Yennefer struggles to maintain emotional cohesion.
Here’s the burning question: Can The Witcher recover from this misstep? The season sets up major book moments, but their impact feels muted, like a dull blade in a world that demands sharpness. With Season 4 premiering on October 30, 2025, fans are left hoping for a course correction. But for now, this chapter feels like a coin tossed into the wind—uncertain and unfocused.
/Film Rating: 5 out of 10
What do you think? Is Season 4 a forgivable stumble, or has The Witcher lost its way? Let’s debate in the comments!
