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The Witcher: The Cost of Chaos (2023)
So, hear me out
We all hated season 2. I get it. As an avid lover of the sourcematerial, so did I. Because of that, my expectations were down a lot for this third season. And perhaps that is partly why I actually think it's better than a lot of review on here seem to suggest.
Now of course, when you're invested in a story you've probably read about a dozen times and you've imagined every little detail over and over again, anything that isn't thát is gonna feel like a disappointment to many.
And I feel that that's what has happened here. Because yes, I do still believe they overstepped the mark on 'creative freedom' in the second season by a mile or two. But hate me all you like: I found that when watching this third seasons, the core of the story that is told in the book that serves as the base for this installment, was translated on screen. I saw and experienced the major events that I expected to see.
And no, it isn't one on one. Differences will always be a part of any adaption to the big screen. But as someone who is as skeptical as they come when talking about these showrunners and this Netflix-adaption as a whole, I think they did a decent job. It's not a masterpiece. And it certainly isn't the political and gritty game of chess that I was expecting from this franchise. But I genuinely think a lot of you are very unfair and too hard on this season in particular.
It won't blow you of your feet, certainly not as an avid fan of the source-material. But this third season marks an improvement, a small step in the right direction, and it certainly isn't as bad as many make it out to be.
Keep Breathing (2022)
Not the show, but viewers miss the mark
I'm honestly quite baffled by the response this got on here. Going by the reviews, most people expected a Bear Grylls survival show.
That is not what this is, or was ever going to be.
This is a story about pain, regret, reflection and hope. A story about how trauma can shape our personalities and affect our every move.
Having to survive in the wild isn't the story in itself. It's the setting that allows our main character to (finally) be confronted by of all of the above, and I believe it's done brilliantly.
I May Destroy You (2020)
Brilliant
This show is dark and borderline gutwrenching at times and WHAT a delivery on such a deep and painful story. Contrary to some people here it seems, I actually really rate the main characters, their humanity and the different flaws that come with that as well. It keeps this grounded and real for me. There are some stunning performances in this, with Coel taking things to the next level ib my opinion.
The ending is especially interesting, basically confronting us with the painful truth that unfortunately as is often the case when it comes to stories like this, our main character has to almost 'choose' her own ending just to be able to finally somewhat close the chapter for herself without ever getting real answers or justice. Not gonna lie, that teared me up big time.
Fantastic. Well done.
A Fall from Grace (2020)
I wanted to like this, but I couldn't.
Honestly, it's awful. And I hate that it is. The concept of the plot is fine and stories like these have worked for dozens, if not hundreds of films. But the execution is just not good.
Without going into details, the 'twist' is laughable at best. There are also blatant issues when it comes to time management, where peoples' hair and/or make-up would change mid-scene, or people offering a cup of coffee all of a sudden start putting a kettle on. These things don't hurt a story too much, normally. But here, it's just a few further examples of rushed production.
The one thing that absolutely murders (pun intended) this one, is the script. I'm sorry, but who wrote this? It's so awful I'm not even sure if the acting maybe wasn't as bad as some people make it out to be, but it was the best (which wasn't very good) the actors could do with this material. Astoundingly bad. At one point, one of the characters even says 'world wind' instead of whirlwind'. About sums it up.
I got some snacks and got myself ready for an interesting Thriller, but after about half an hour, I knew enough. I finished it, because I felt like there had to be something. But no, there is not.
Not gonna tell you not to watch this one, but know that it won't be good. At all.
The Witcher (2019)
Good, but not quite 'there'
I will start with the following; I've read the books, I've played the games and I've found myself to be a bit biased because of it. Ye' be warned.
The Witcher on Netflix is a decent enough adaptation. We've seen projects like these go incredibly wrong so many times, so I'll definitely see that as a victory. If I have to pick some of the best things, instantly we'll have to go to the fight-scenes. They are incredible. So much work has been put into the choreography and it shows. Spectacular.
I found the CGI to be largely good. I agree that some of it can look a little 'off' (although this is rarely the case in my opinion) but then again, they picked some of the short stories with possibly the most ambitious monsters to bring to life on screen. Considering this will most likely be the season with the lowest budget as there is usually an increase every season, I think they did pretty well.
I also want to mention the music. I'll admit, the score is a bit shorter and more limited as to what I hoped for, but the tracks that were there, are definitely inspired from the games' take - which was masterful. The score therefore postively surprised me.
The acting is mostly good. I have to say Cavill portrayed Geralt very well, I also think Yennefer was handled rather well and despite my doubts after his first appearance, Jaskier was also portrayed in a statisfying way. Some other mentionable casting were Fringilla, who I really liked, Tissaia was well done and on a far more personal note, I loved the bad-ass portrayal of Véa and Téa, the two Zerikkanian warriors, allbeit for only one episode.
There are a lot of racist people who are bashing the show for not being a white supremacy fanfare - kindly move along. If your 'immersion' was honestly 'lost' because Fringilla isn't white, there is something horribly wrong with you.
Now, for the downsides. It became clear rather quick that because we focussed on three characters with entire different journeys and lifespans, we found ourselves crossing between three different timelines - something that in my humble opinion, wasn't executed well at all up untill the point where they came together in the last two episodes. Especially because Ciri's story was largely linear, whilst at the same time we were flipflopping between decades with Geralt and Yennefer. I can only imagine the amount of confusion this must cause to people who aren't familiar with the franchise. I want everyone to enjoy the Witcher and its' rich lore, but this will stop newcomers from being able to do so, I think.
Secondly, the vastness of the Witcher-world was not utilized, at all. The world-building was, dare I say, very poor. Characters would just throw around names as Temeria, Cintra and Nilfgaard like that is supposed to mean anything to people new to the franchise. Once again, a very poor job of making this accesible to a new audience. There was no connecting it all. Something so simple as the intro to Game of Thrones, which shows you the relevant parts of the world so you can slowly puzzle it together as we go, would have helped. The world of The Witcher is so rich, yet is kept like an empty shell with no other purpose than our characters to be in. Wasted potential.
Lastly, the pacing. Especially from episode 2 to 5, it isn't great. Some of my favourite stories from the first book were rushed to the point were so many potential for both the building of characters and the world were lost. This because we of course had to follow three characters - which I get and serves a purpose - but they wanted too much in too little time and legendary stories (if you're a reader of the books) such as the tale of Foltest and the Striga and Stregebor and Renfri were rushed and just didn't deliver in this state of storytelling.
I'm giving this an 8, because for me, as someone who was familiar with the source-material, it was very nice to see some of my favourite stories come to life - allbeit sometimes not executed to the fullest potential. I can however easily see someone who is completely new to the franchise give this a 6 or even a 5. Especially during that period I mentioned earlier (episode 2 to 5), it's an absolute mess if you don't know how the books go.
All in all; a good watch if you know the source-material, a messy one if you don't. As I've mentioned, the last two episodes do tie it all back together, but I couldn't blame some newcomers for having already switched off at that point.
I find myself letting a lot slide because this is the first season. We'll need to see improvements next season on some of the things I mentioned here though, otherwise the writers will waste the immense potential this franchise has.
Good, but not quite 'there'
The Witcher: Much More (2019)
Fantastic ending to a mixed season
This episode, like the previous one, had our main characters all in the same timeline and surrounding the same event: the attack on Sodden Hill. That alone is a massive relief in comparison the the messy first half of the season.
The show has looked stunning throughout and this episode is no exception: possible some of the best CGI so far. The battle of Sodden Hill does its job, especially seeing as we focus more on characters than the overall worldview as the fight is unfolding.
I might go as far as to say that this episode as well as the previous one, saved the season altogether. It was becoming rather messy after the first two episodes and I'm very happy to say the last two episodes brought it all together in a statisfying way.
A good point to end the debut season and focus on the next. A lot of improvements are needed, but let me reserve that for a overall season review. This episode on its own did nearly everything right and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The Witcher: Before a Fall (2019)
Greatness
I've been frustrated with this show. The focus on three main characters has made for some messy and sometimes rather confusing use of different timelines. There hasn't been enough establishment throughout it, which sometimes made it hard to follow - even as someone who has read the books.
I'm pleased to say they tie together the journey's of our characters, which all meet at the sacking of Cintra. This was desperately needed, because I was slowly losing my patience with the messy script, especially because you can see the amount of potential.
It's well done and brings us to a point where the show can sort of 'right it's own wrongs' of being messy in set-up for the second season during the last episode. I really enjoyed this one because of it - not only was it a good episode on multiple levels, it provides some much needed clarity and structure to what has been a promising but rather messy start to this show.
The Witcher: Rare Species (2019)
The Dragon and the wolf
One of the better episodes of this season. The chemistry between Geralt en Yenn was portrayed really well, again. I absoluty loved seeing the warrior women of Zerrekenia as well. Great combat scene at the end, followed up by some great acting (especially by Cavill) to end their part of the episode. Fantastic to see Ciri's story developing too. Her part had grown a bit stale but definitely not here.
One thing I'd say, and I've said it before, is that the writers haven't conveyed the different timelines very well. If you don't know the source-material, it'll be very unclear to follow what is linear and what isn't. That isn't a critique specifically for this episode, but seeing as Ciri's story has just continued in a linear way and both Geralts' and Yenns' stories have been a bit more... let's call it flexible when it comes to timelines, makes it hard to really invest in the characters and their journey.
The Witcher: Bottled Appetites (2019)
Lilac and Gooseberries
After being slightly let down by the last 2 or 3 episodes, this one deserves praise.
The dynamic between Geralt and Yennefer on screen is portrayed very well. The dialogue during the bath scene is probably the best we've seen so far. The story about the Djin is well done too and, at least for me, doesn't leave an awful lot to be desired. Ciri's story has been slightly stuck for the past two episodes or so without really progressing her or the characters around her. Good to see her story pick up again. Nice use of the doppler too, great to see.
My biggest critique is the same as I've had for the entirety of the series so far: pace. There has been little to no effort to establish the world, the stories or even the characters and make it into it's own, 'whole' thing. Especially the use of Geralt's short stories is all over the place and become extra confusing due to the fact that both Ciris' and Yenns' stories, on the contrary, are linear. I can only imagine the confusion if you haven't read the books.
I'll confess I'm softer on this show than I would be if I wasn't in love with the source-material, but the pacing really needs to be worked on for the second season.
The Witcher: Of Banquets, Bastards and Burials (2019)
Some greatness and a few letdowns
The banquet is a very prominent story that delves back in the past and sets up a lot of the future storyline. Adding Jaskier to it felt like a good move, although I felt they could have utilized him a bit better. The other changes weren't major and worked well enough. Again, I feel the short stories are (or at least feel) a bit rushed, but I think that was always gonna happen being translated to television. Something the writers are struggling with, is really integrating the humour into this dark and gritty world. At the moment, it feels like they are two separate things and that makes that the mood and setting sometimes change so drastically, it almost doesn't feel natural.
Something that annoys me a little, is the lack of external world-building. Characters just throw names of nations and cities out there, such as Temeria, Cintra, Lyria, Aedern and Nilfgaard. That's all well and good if you've read the books and therefore understand where they are and what their connections may be. I can imagine that for new viewers however, it feels like a lot of information that isn't really connected into a living world. I hate the comparison, but on this front, the show can and should learn from the first few seasons of Game of Thrones - were they did a really good job of not just throwing names out there, but making sure you understood what it meant.
All in all at this halfway-point, I am certainly enjoying the show. As it's the first season, there are always gonna be points of improvement. There is definite potential here, I just feel like the writers need to grant certain aspects a little bit more breathing room to develop and really dive into the potential of this world and it's characters. At times it feels too much like a fast-paced, generic fantasy show, which the Witcher really isn't.
The Witcher: Betrayer Moon (2019)
I do like it! But...
I desperately want to like this show and this episode in particular, as the Striga story is probably my favourite out of the first book. And I did, I enjoyed it. But..
I don't mind the writers changing things, I really don't. Here however, it takes away too much of what makes the story great. The intrigue and emotions that come into play with Foltest are completely cut, making Foltest a totally un-interesting character. That also causes a very important side of Geralt to get way less time on screen, making the viewer miss out on a lot of why we, as readers of the books, love him. I had the exact same complaint during the first episode and I really hope this doesn't become a theme.
I also have to say that the fight with the Striga was slightly disappointing too. It turned more into a shove and push battle than the almost dancing conflict and the epicness that is described in the book. I also really don't like that they skipped the, dare I say, famous preperation scene in this story. I'm starting to get a little scared that they've skipped the more 'up close and personal' side of Geralt and made him more of an action figure.
I like Yen's backstory, but if it comes at the cost of the valuable screen-time that is simply needed to portray these short stories in a manner that respects their depth, it feels like a bit of a waste. Seeing the, what is supposed to be epic fight against the Striga compilated with Yen's transformation did not do it justice, I have to say. It feels rushed and that's a shame.
I can't give it a low grade, as I'd be lying. I did enjoy myself, but I don't want what I've described here to become a theme. Cutting the what I consider to be very important 'slower' scenes and, at least in my eyes, rushing some of the stories that provide the foundation on which characters - Geralt in particular - are built, is an incredible waste.
Still enjoying it, but I'm starting to see some cracks. Let's hope, as I've said, it doesn't become a theme.
The Witcher: Four Marks (2019)
Decent follow-up
After setting the brutal tone during the debut episode, the second episode slows it down a little.
We get Yennefer's backstory which is executed well enough and see some of her potential. Ciri's journey takes some interesting turns and shows some more of the world-building.
Geralt interacts with another 'monster' and comes across a group of elves. I'm not entirely sure what to think of the shows' version of Jaskier just yet, but I really hope they'll get their dynamic right!
The Witcher: The End's Beginning (2019)
Very decent start
As someone who has read the books, this was pretty decent! I think the few changes they made didn't mess with the story too much. There is something to say for the pacing being a bit off though, as multiple short stories are basically mushed together in this one episode and therefore sped up a bit - which does take away some of the 'charm' (not really the right word for this franchise, but you know what I mean) they had when reading through them.
I can also see that people who are completely unfamiliar with the franchise will be confused. This doesn't have to mean anything, as that's exactly what I felt during the first half of the debut season of Game of Thrones, but especially the war and following death scenes won't really mean anything as a neutral, since you simply don't get any background information whatsoever.
The acting is mostly great. Cavill really did nail Geralt and I like most of the other actors too. The show looks gorgeous and the fight scenes are on a godly level. Phenomenal. The music seems very much inspired by the soundtrack used in the games, which is fantastic!
The hype surrounding this series is immense, and I'm definitely not disappointed. I can see massive potential here and I really look forward to seeing the rest.
Euphoria (2019)
Good, but missed the train to greatness
The first episode had me incredibly invested. I thought this would finally be a more realistic, existensial take on the struggles of Gen-Z puberty and late teenhood. It was, for a while. However as the series went on, more on more dramatized 'tropes' were introduced. Abusive relationships, addiction, struggles with sexuality and mental health.
Now I'm not saying that's bad, not at all. Those subjects are a very important reality to portray, however I felt like this show would do that while keeping it relatively grounded and realistic. Instead, especially in the latter half of the season, it went more and more towards that slightly over the top 'yeah, I'm watching a drama show' point and I think that's a bit of a shame.
The acting is mostly great, cinematography is stunning, just like the music. It's a very enjoyable watch and I'd still recommend it! I personally was just hoping for a more grounded approach of all the issues younger generations face. This show also does that, however most of it's main characters go through things that are pretty extreme exceptions. Again, that is fine and a very enjoyable watch! I just expected something a bit more grounded and I'm also blaming the person recommending this show to me by saying it was 'like Degrassi, but realistic', haha.
Still, I binged it and had a great time. Go give this a try!
Chernobyl (2019)
Absolutely breathtaking
Wow, I am nearly speechless. I started watching when the first 3 episodes were out and I instantly binged them, eagerly awaiting the last two. It's pure brilliance.
The first three episodes are extremely dark and grim, really pushing you face down into how incredibly huge and overwhelming this disaster really was. The last two episodes really tie it all up as our main character is struggling with balancing his life in the name of truth and all tje corruption within the Soviet Union.
The visuals are insane, the casting superb - not only are the actors all very good, they even look similar to the real life character. The music is stunning, those strings never fail to make you feel it all. Besides all of that, it's also factually correct and doesn't mess around with many cultural stereotypes. It's raw and real, and you can certainly feel that.
At the end of the ride, after almost forgetting all of this did actually happen about 33 years ago - we get to see what happened to our characters in real life, most of it tragic. Goosebumps. Everywhere.
I'd give this a 9,5. The highest score any show could realisticly get as nothing is ever perfect. However since I can't do that here, it will be a 10. I cannot give this show a 9, it simply wouldn't be enough. Superb.
Dear White People (2017)
Low score because white people don't get racism
And I am as white as they come. Racism against whit people does not exist as the show also does well to explain.
The show is indeed filled with what we as white people might feel are rather cliché scenario's, but they're a reality to students of colour and the show does well to take us along within that. Yes, there are stereotypes too, all have their reasoning within the story and none are over the top.
Seriously, my fellow white people - Get the sand out of that specific place and stop being butthurt because the reality of racism is hard for you.
Game of Thrones (2011)
This hurts, but must be done.
3 years ago, I would've told anyone this was the best show ever made. It was, no doubt about it. The first 5 seasons are absolutely brilliant. Stunning visuals, an absolutely fantastic cast and thanks to the books, the best dialogue and writing ever to grace television. Season 6 was still amazing, however that's where it took a turn..
Season 7 is where it started to drop. Characters were acting.. out of character more and more, people could seemingly teleport all over the world and the once cunning dialogue seemed to have faded quite a bit. Then came a 2 year gap with the 8th and final season, which, I feel, made a lot of people forget about the slight disappoinment that season 7 was. Huge hype and anticipation was utterly crushed by probably the worst ending I have ever seen. The quality did not just continue to go downwards, it plummeted and crashed into the ground.
It's still visually stunning, the music is still breathtaking and the production quality overall is just mindblowing - except when it comes to writing. 7 seasons if storyline were butchered, including the main villain and basically all of the main characters. It wasn't a factor of me not agreeing or me not being 'happy' about it - they literally destroyed their storlyines and made them act like different people whilst all they, and therefore we had gone through, meant nothing. It's been extremely painful to see such decline in what was genuinely the best thing to grace television. I truly believe that.
I'll still give it a 7. The first few seasons are without a doubt the best you'll ever see. But if you missed out or come across this in 10 years time when the next generation will find out about this phenomenon: know that the ending and the whole last season are an utter disappointment an ruin it all.
Game of Thrones: The Iron Throne (2019)
I feel empty.
For the first time in weeks, I have to say I enjoyed the first 20/25 minutes or so. This is mainly (if not entirely) thanks to Peter Dinklage's performance. Absolutely brilliant.
Despite him being that good and the visuals being stunning, that doesn't distract from the broken mess this last season is. It's terrible, absolutely terrible. The thing is: I can't really point out the specific things wrong with this particular episode, simply because this was now the only possible way to go out for the show. There was no other way possible, and they executed this mess as best as it could have been. The total brokenness that was created the other 5 episodes is where the blame has to go. That's where they ruined the ending, not by the execution of which they handled it in this last episode.
The absolutely ridiculous turn of Dany which now holds her in some sort of illogical delusion. The absolute slaughter of episode 3 - by which I don't mean the actual battle (no one really died anyway, looking at the size of her army today), but the slaughter of the White Walkers and Night King's storyline. Making Bran and his storyline completely useless, it was for nothing - only for him to become king. It's so, so poor and lazy - but again, the season is it fault for that, not this episode on it's own.
That's why I'm giving it a 4. The season get's a 1 (one point being for effort of everyone else and the writers). Absolute disaster. This specific episode on it's own however didn't do an awful lot wrong in the execution of the already set up mess of a story. I loved Game of Thrones, yet I didn't feel anything but anger as it ended. Everything was for nothing and instead of being hurt (or feeling anything else) by the ending of the characters, this is all I'm left with.
"Goodbye old friend", just like Varyss said to Tyrion before his ridiculously destroyed story came to an end. Now, just like what happened to him, it is time to burn the show and grieve over what's left. I'm heartbroken, but for all the wrong reasons.
Game of Thrones: The Long Night (2019)
Both thrillling and disappointing
I'm not going into the whole feeling of it either being great or a disappointment, as I believe this episode was both. It can be both, you know, and I believe this was.
Let's just start at the fact that this was one hell of a spectacle. The army of the dead was absolutely relentless, even the Dothraki didn't stand a chance. The music was absolutely amazing, as it always is. The special effects and acting (wherever that really came into play) phenomenal and it had me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole episode - my heart was beating twice as fast.
- DIRECT SPOILERS IN THIS PART -
The biggest let-down of all has to be the ending of the Night King's story (at least, we're just going to assume there are no crazy twists with him coming back in any kind of way). For him to be hyped up to be this ultimate villain, only to be at war for 3 episodes and then just die at the hands of Arya (who went unseen through the entire army of the dead and the whit walkers, I know the show desperately wants to prove she's a bad-ass, but damn) and have it be over just like that, after 1 real confrontation.. is disappointing to say the least.
Now the attention will go to Cersei and the 'normal' war between men. I really do hope they still show us who the Night King is and why he wanted what he wanted, although it wouldn't make much sense to venture back to that now he's gone. Will this mean they also completely overlook 'the Prince that was promised' storyline? And will we find out what the purpose of Jon Snow is after he got resurrected, now we know that defeating the Night King wasn't it?
All in all I feel I just went through a rollercoaster, maybe expecting a but too much, and as I stepped up, I feel that I enjoyed a thrilling ride, but both expected and wanted so much more.
The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
Brilliant.
This took me for quite a ride..
The story is very interesting, it made me come up with all sorts of different theories (as someone who wasn't familiar with the original). This is a story that goes very deep and is told by an amazing cast, excellent editing and brilliant cinematography.
The horror element had me very tense at least once per episode, with some (non cheap) jumpscares really getting me. Especially the first 5 episodes, where we get introduced to the children and their experiences, some of them haunted me for the rest of the night.
Worth more than a watch - worthy of your undivided attention.
All or Nothing: Manchester City (2018)
Impressive
A season to remember and this series is memorable too.
Even though there aren't too many low points, the way you get to see everyone in and around the club deal with those, as well as all the highs as very well done.
The passion on display from the players, Pep and the backroom stuff, the heart and soul they seem to put into their work, even behind the scenes where we normally wouldn't see it.
100% recommend, even if not a City fan it's just all round interesting and fascinating to look at!
( Don't look at the bitter reviews that the United fans leave here - although, I'd be bitter too if a 'small club' with 'no fans' was better run than the so called biggest club in the world ;) )