Season 1 – The End’s Beginning

The Witcher: Season 1 – The End’s Beginning

Introduction

"The End’s Beginning," the first episode of Netflix’s "The Witcher" series, marks the inception of a sprawling fantasy adventure based on the popular book series by Andrzej Sapkowski. The episode, which premiered on December 20, 2019, was directed by Alik Sakharov and written by Beau DeMayo. The series is produced by Lauren Schmidt Hissrich, who also serves as the showrunner.

The production of "The Witcher" involved a significant investment by Netflix, aiming to create a flagship fantasy series to rival other epic productions like "Game of Thrones"[2]. The show features Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia, Anya Chalotra as Yennefer of Vengerberg, and Freya Allan as Ciri, bringing to life the complex characters and world of the Witcher universe.

What sets "The Witcher" apart is its non-linear storytelling, blending multiple timelines and character arcs, which is a departure from the traditional linear narrative often seen in fantasy series. This approach allows for a rich and layered storytelling experience, drawing viewers into the intricate world of the Continent.

Plot Summary

"The End’s Beginning" introduces viewers to three main characters: Geralt of Rivia, a Witcher (a mutated human trained to hunt monsters); Ciri, the Crown Princess of Cintra; and Yennefer of Vengerberg, a powerful sorceress. The episode is structured around two primary storylines that eventually intersect.

Geralt’s storyline begins with his battle against a kikimora, a monster he defeats in a dramatic and action-packed sequence. He then travels to the town of Blaviken, where he meets Renfri, a cursed princess turned bandit. This encounter sets the stage for Geralt’s character, showcasing his moral ambiguity and the consequences of his actions as a Witcher[3].

Meanwhile, Ciri’s storyline is set in Cintra, where she is the target of the Nilfgaardian army’s invasion. The episode depicts the brutal assault on Cintra, the death of Queen Calanthe, and Ciri’s discovery of her unique abilities, including a powerful sonic scream that could be the reason behind the Nilfgaardians’ attack. Ciri is advised by her grandmother, Queen Calanthe, to seek out Geralt of Rivia, setting the stage for their eventual meeting and the central plot of the series[1][2].

The episode also introduces Yennefer’s backstory, though her storyline is more subtly woven into the narrative in this initial episode. Her formative experiences and transformation into a sorceress are hinted at, laying the groundwork for her complex character development in subsequent episodes.

Themes and Symbolism

"The End’s Beginning" explores several central themes that are pivotal to the series. One of the primary themes is destiny and the interconnectedness of characters. Geralt and Ciri are linked by the Law of Surprise, a prophecy that binds them together before Ciri was even born. This theme underscores the idea that the characters’ lives are intertwined in ways they cannot fully understand or control[3].

Another significant theme is the nature of power and its consequences. Ciri’s sonic scream and Yennefer’s magical abilities highlight the dual-edged nature of power, which can be both a blessing and a curse. This theme is further emphasized by the destruction of Cintra and the motivations behind the Nilfgaardian invasion, showing how power can be used for both protection and domination[1][2].

Symbolism also plays a crucial role, particularly in the depiction of Ciri’s abilities and the destruction of Cintra. Ciri’s scream, which can stun and repel her attackers, symbolizes her inner strength and resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. The burning of Cintra serves as a symbol of the destruction of innocence and the beginning of a larger conflict that will span the entire series[1].

Cultural Impact

"The End’s Beginning" and the broader "Witcher" series have had a significant cultural impact since their release. The show has been praised for its action sequences, character development, and faithful adaptation of the source material. It has attracted a large and dedicated fan base, many of whom are fans of the books and video games.

The series has also influenced popular culture, with references to "The Witcher" appearing in various forms of media, from memes to other TV shows. The show’s success has also spurred renewed interest in the book series and the video games, further expanding the Witcher franchise’s reach and popularity[2].

Critical Reception

"The End’s Beginning" received mixed but generally positive reviews from critics and audiences. Critics praised the episode’s action sequences, the performances of the cast, and the show’s ambition in adapting the complex source material. However, some critics noted that the non-linear storytelling could be confusing for viewers unfamiliar with the books or games[2].

Audiences were largely enthusiastic, appreciating the show’s faithfulness to the original stories and the visual and action elements. However, there were also some criticisms regarding the pacing and the handling of certain characters’ introductions.

Over time, the series has continued to garner a loyal fan base, with many praising its character development, world-building, and thematic depth. Despite some initial controversies, such as criticisms of the show’s pacing and some creative choices, "The Witcher" has solidified its place as a major player in the fantasy genre.

Legacy

"The End’s Beginning" and the first season of "The Witcher" have left a lasting impact on the fantasy genre and television as a whole. The show’s innovative storytelling approach and its blend of action, drama, and fantasy elements have inspired other creators to experiment with similar formats.

The series continues to be a point of reference for discussions on adaptation, world-building, and character development in fantasy storytelling. Its influence can be seen in other Netflix productions and beyond, as the platform and other networks continue to invest in epic fantasy series.

The enduring relevance of "The Witcher" also lies in its ability to engage audiences on multiple levels, from the action and adventure to the deeper themes and character arcs. As the series continues to evolve with new seasons, it remains a significant part of contemporary popular culture.