The wait for The Witcher has been a long one for fans of the series. Even newcomers can't help but feel anticipation for Netflix's upcoming adaptation. There are still two long weeks to weather before the show premieres, but a lucky few got to preview the series' first episode, and they've shared their thoughts of it online for the rest of the world.
The overall consensus? The Witcher will be another hit-series for Netflix.
One of the primary aspects praised about the episode happened to be its plotting (which is probably the most crucial component of any TV series). Fans who were skeptical about how Lauren Hissrich would handle the series were pleasantly surprised. The general belief is that if the rest of the season plays out anything like episode 1, The Witcher will be a must-see phenomenon. Essentially, the episode created a new sense of trust between potential fans and Lauren, making the seven seasons she has planned for the show something to be excited for rather than hesitant.
Henry Cavill, who also originally worried fans with his casting as Geralt, won them over with his performance. He diligently prepared for the role by taking cues from The Witcher 3, and considering all the praise he's receiving, his studying must have paid off. Henry plays the character "perfectly," some say, others were left speechless and can't get enough of seeing him in tight leather pants. Anya Chalotra and Freya Allan weren't explicitly mentioned, but praise was given to the whole cast, so their performances must have exceeded expectations, too.
Apparently, Henry's swordplay deserved praise, as well. The action fans caught a glimpse of in The Witcher trailer released on Halloween plays out in full in the first episode, and it's considered to be mind-blowing. A lot of fans compared what they saw to Game of Thrones (as expected), and what The Witcher has to offer comes out on top. The action was so good, that a lot of viewers said it made Game of Thrones' swordfights look "awful" or like "two drunks fighting outside a bar." The seventh and eighth seasons of Game of Thrones may have failed viewers, but to rate The Witcher's fight scenes so highly in comparison when Game of Thrones displayed things like "Battle of the Bastards" and "Hardhome" make The Witcher sounds very promising indeed.
The Witcher television show debuts on Netflix starting December 20. The Witcher 3 is available now on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
Source: IGN