A bit slow in episode 1, this series actually picks up immediately after. The cinematography leaves a bit to be desired, invoking more of an early syfy sitcom than a big-budget Netflix series. However, the acting and writing is top-tier. It can be tough to look past this early-on, but the latter half of the first episode and the rest of the series flows smoothly.
132 Reviews
Great start to the show.
Egzan20 December 2019
The episode was pretty solid from beggining to the end. Exept for the Cintra-Nilfgaard plot which was handled poorly.
Every scene Geralt in it had a element to it that probably will make this show great in the future.
Overall, great pilot episode with some cringy moments. I think it can only go better
A solid start
whiteblade-147823 December 2019
Great Start
shvmbanerjee22 December 2019
From a no. 1 fan of the witcher world
tothpeter-166151 January 2020
Started off Slow.. but finished Strong
csgotswagg23 December 2019
Henry Cavill is great so far. Some of the other acting seemed a little iffy as well as some of the special effects. But I was enjoying throughout and in the end I thought the episode had a satisfying arc/setup for the series. Geralts butchering in Blaviken was badass as it was brutal and his discrimination though a bit on the nose was done well enough. Henry Cavill is just dripping Gerald of Rivia and I can't wait to see more.
Good Start
wandernn1-81-68327418 April 2021
Promising start.
cruise0123 December 2019
4 out of 5 stars.
Good start for a fantasy series. Geralt (Henry Cavill) comes across Renfri which a sorcerer tried to get him to kill her. Cause she is a powerful mutant. While a Kingdom falls while a princess is on the run from the bad guys. Love the cast so far. Henry Cavill is perfect for the role as Geralt. A witcher that hunts monsters. The script did tried to cram a little too much on the first episode. It is still good. Some brutal fight scenes. And exciting moment. It is a great start.
Good start for a fantasy series. Geralt (Henry Cavill) comes across Renfri which a sorcerer tried to get him to kill her. Cause she is a powerful mutant. While a Kingdom falls while a princess is on the run from the bad guys. Love the cast so far. Henry Cavill is perfect for the role as Geralt. A witcher that hunts monsters. The script did tried to cram a little too much on the first episode. It is still good. Some brutal fight scenes. And exciting moment. It is a great start.
A Gripping Start
AT200115 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
A 1 hour long starting episode that moves on a slow pace but a very enjoyable one. Brutal action sequences that keep you on the edge of your seat. Watch out for the timelines of the characters, they are not the same.
If I hadn't read the books I'd have been very lost, but there's no doubting the potential of this series
sam_l_kay20 December 2019
I took the same steps as Cavill, played the games then read the books, and I am so glad I did because this pilot does very little to explain to its new audience what the hell is going on!
The show did well to combine origins of 'The Butcher' nickname Geralt is known for with one of the other short stories, but considering the enormous significance of how Destiny plays such a big part in the books and the subsequent story of Geralt and Cirilla I'm surprised at how little attention is paid to establishing exactly that in this Pilot.
A part of me believes this pilot ought to have been at least 2 episodes, because the threat of Nilfgard is not prominent enough, and characters of key importance have their names mentioned once or twice, BUT, it's still a pretty solid opener!
Cavill clearly loved playing this part and it shows, and oh boy is the fighting choreography SUBLIME! I feel sorry for the new audience for what must be a very janky and confusing pilot, but the show definitely has its strengths and I'm itching to see more
The show did well to combine origins of 'The Butcher' nickname Geralt is known for with one of the other short stories, but considering the enormous significance of how Destiny plays such a big part in the books and the subsequent story of Geralt and Cirilla I'm surprised at how little attention is paid to establishing exactly that in this Pilot.
A part of me believes this pilot ought to have been at least 2 episodes, because the threat of Nilfgard is not prominent enough, and characters of key importance have their names mentioned once or twice, BUT, it's still a pretty solid opener!
Cavill clearly loved playing this part and it shows, and oh boy is the fighting choreography SUBLIME! I feel sorry for the new audience for what must be a very janky and confusing pilot, but the show definitely has its strengths and I'm itching to see more
Great start on a long journey
franklawler-2683331 December 2019
This is a great opening episode and of course it's not game of thrones but nothing else will come close but very strong start to a promising future and I can feel great times ahead for this show, Henry cavill who I have never seen before looks the real deal he's definitely strong and tough and handsome enough for the Ladies, the fight scenes were up there with some of the scenes in got, I look forward to seeing episode 2.
Pilot to remember
nazirkulovb20 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Despite a few liberties the writer took with the pilot, particularly Renfri's last words, the pilot of the series brings the world of the witcher in it's full glory.
The cinematography, the music, the acting and brutality. Can't wait to see the rest. My only complaint is the battle at Cintra. Can you filmakers stop with stupid, cringe-worthy battles? Make them al teast somewhat believable, I'm not asking for documentary, but whole battle was executed poorly. Just don't show it if don't have the resources and talent for such a thing. Illogical as GoT battles, but at least the latter were more entartaining.
The cinematography, the music, the acting and brutality. Can't wait to see the rest. My only complaint is the battle at Cintra. Can you filmakers stop with stupid, cringe-worthy battles? Make them al teast somewhat believable, I'm not asking for documentary, but whole battle was executed poorly. Just don't show it if don't have the resources and talent for such a thing. Illogical as GoT battles, but at least the latter were more entartaining.
What?
scpellinen21 December 2019
Incredible show!!
faithdix29 March 2021
Near to be almost perfect
carlosvelasco6925 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
It is notable in most parts but some details annoy me:
Comparing with books they don't fit the image that i have about them.
About the chapter exclusivelly, the scene with when Geralt speaks the horse looks meh... the scene in the castle looks poor because the music.
About the chapter exclusivelly, the scene with when Geralt speaks the horse looks meh... the scene in the castle looks poor because the music.
- The song masks the cruelty outside which was the cause of these moments. Pure metal and screams would have been better.
Geralt goes to hollywood
toms-slavicek20 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This was a very interesting episode
Honestly I would prefer if the episode focused solely on Geralt, the Cintra plot was unnecessary - especially given that we're gonna come back to Cintra later to explain the background of child of destiny.
The swordfight was indeed the highlight of the episode, music was excellent. I don't have a problem with the dialogue at all. I have some issues with the changes they made. I didn't like Calanthe telling Ciri to find Geralt - firstly, how could she find him in a medieval setting, and secondly, Calanthe didn't want to give Ciri to Geralt in the first place.
Honestly this would have been a better episode if they didn't introduce Ciri, and focused on Witcher in Blaviken - what was Tridam Ultimatum, it would help portray the Witcher as someone who can put 2 and 2 together.
TLDR: entertaining, good introduction, should focus more on Witcher.
Honestly I would prefer if the episode focused solely on Geralt, the Cintra plot was unnecessary - especially given that we're gonna come back to Cintra later to explain the background of child of destiny.
The swordfight was indeed the highlight of the episode, music was excellent. I don't have a problem with the dialogue at all. I have some issues with the changes they made. I didn't like Calanthe telling Ciri to find Geralt - firstly, how could she find him in a medieval setting, and secondly, Calanthe didn't want to give Ciri to Geralt in the first place.
Honestly this would have been a better episode if they didn't introduce Ciri, and focused on Witcher in Blaviken - what was Tridam Ultimatum, it would help portray the Witcher as someone who can put 2 and 2 together.
TLDR: entertaining, good introduction, should focus more on Witcher.
Love it
szin-viktor25 December 2019
I'm a big fun of The witcher books and games. Henry Cahill as Geralt is spot on! Yaskier is just as he has to be. Casting-wise they could find someone better for Yennefer and Triss, but I still love this show as the world is amazing.
A must watch!!
faithdix29 March 2021
Had my doubts after the trailer and pre-views, but...
sky-smarty20 December 2019
Was pleasant surprised with the first episode. Ok, the Nilfgaardian armor does still look like dragon **** leather but that is as far as all the initial fears did come true.
Nice atmosphere, swordfights were creative and fun to watch. I enjoyed the last game. Never red the books, might gonna do it later.
Nice atmosphere, swordfights were creative and fun to watch. I enjoyed the last game. Never red the books, might gonna do it later.
Confused but Promising
claudio_carvalho11 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The witcher Geralt fights a monster kikimora and heads to Blaviken to sell it and meets the local Renfri. However a girl arrives and convinces him that the sorcerer Stregobor would be interested to buy the monster. However Stregobor wants Geralt to kill Renfri and he does not accept. Meanwhile in Cintra, the castle is invaded by their enemies Nilfgaardian and only Princess Ciri survives. She is assigned to meet Geralt to protect her.
"The End's Beginning" is the beginning of "The Witcher" but the episode is still developing the characters. The story is confused since the viewer is not familiar with the universe of magic from the show. However it is promising. My vote is six.
Title (Brazil): "The End's Beginning"
"The End's Beginning" is the beginning of "The Witcher" but the episode is still developing the characters. The story is confused since the viewer is not familiar with the universe of magic from the show. However it is promising. My vote is six.
Title (Brazil): "The End's Beginning"
A great and epic set-up for the world.
ououzaza16 May 2020
A fine start, and a superb performance from Cavill.
Sleepin_Dragon13 February 2020
First of all, it's only fair to say that Fantasy drama isn't exactly my favourite genre, so I'm almost reviewing this as a neutral, with no experience of the books, and not being a gamer. One thing I certainly do enjoy is well made drama, and this first part scores highly. I will definitely be watching it all.
Henry Cavill is awesome as Geralt, I imagine he will have many fans swooning, but his performance is first rate, he's charismatic, and has a huge presence, he was well supported by a fine cast. Amazing production values, it looks truly sensational, better than many big budget films. The action comes thick and fast, as does the gore, but there is so much more happening besides.
7/10 there's more than enough to make me want to watch the next one.
Henry Cavill is awesome as Geralt, I imagine he will have many fans swooning, but his performance is first rate, he's charismatic, and has a huge presence, he was well supported by a fine cast. Amazing production values, it looks truly sensational, better than many big budget films. The action comes thick and fast, as does the gore, but there is so much more happening besides.
7/10 there's more than enough to make me want to watch the next one.
Didn't know about the book
saila-yassine-197-58579822 December 2019
Good start
amindostiari23 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
It was the first episode and it had a good start. Many questions arise in the minds of the audience and I hope we will get answers in the future. The choice of actor was very good. I did not like the war sequence very much, it was emotionless.
Awesome introduction to a promising series
andrei-bencsik22 December 2019
The look and feel of the series is perfect!
Cavill delivers: voice, movement.. what a good choice.
The first episode strikes a good balance of giving us enough to get us (or at least me) hooked.
Looking forward to the rest!
The first episode strikes a good balance of giving us enough to get us (or at least me) hooked.
Looking forward to the rest!
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