Netflix has finally released the first five episodes of The Witcher Season 3, featuring the intertwined journeys of Geralt of Rivia, Cirilla of Cintra, and Yennefer of Vengerberg. Scroll down to watch complete season 3 online.
Despite initial reservations due to past inconsistencies, this season proves to be a significant improvement over its predecessors. The storyline is intricately complex, yet the characters' motivations are clear. Initially, the trio is united in their mission to protect Ciri, nurture her powers, and thwart those who pose a threat to her. This unity creates a sense of simplicity and beauty within their dynamic "family." Meanwhile, the Continent is in disarray following the events of Season 2, setting the stage for the chaos that unfolds in the new season. It is important to note that only five episodes are currently available, with the final three set to be released on July 27th by Netflix.
SPOILERS for The Witcher season 3
“Shaerrawedd”: The Witcher season 3 episode 1 recap
In the Season 3 premiere of The Witcher, Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri find themselves on the run, seeking refuge and working towards their shared goals of protecting Ciri and harnessing her powers. Tensions arise as Geralt struggles to forgive Yennefer, who attempts to regain his trust through daily letters. However, their peaceful existence is disrupted when Rience sends a monstrous jackapace to target Ciri at the Belletyne Festival. Meanwhile, various factions, including the elves and Redania, continue their search for Ciri, believing she possesses the ability to reshape the world. The episode concludes with Geralt engaging in a fierce battle with Rience, while the elves and Yennefer face off against each other. Ultimately, Geralt chooses to pursue Rience alone, leading to emotional farewells between Geralt, Ciri, and Yennefer, setting the stage for the challenges and adventures that await them.
The Season 3 premiere of The Witcher masterfully balances the ongoing pursuits of Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri, who are brought together but are ultimately forced to separate due to the threats they face. The episode effectively portrays the tensions and complexities within their group, particularly Geralt's struggle to trust Yennefer. The introduction of Rience as a persistent antagonist adds suspense and danger to the narrative, culminating in an intense battle. Furthermore, the episode hints at larger conflicts brewing within the Continent, with the elves and Redania continuing their search for Ciri, and the appearance of Emperor Emhyr of Nilfgaard, hinting at a significant role to come. Overall, the premiere sets the stage for an engaging and thrilling season, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the future adventures of Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri.
The Witcher Season 3 premiere delivers a compelling and action-packed storyline. Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri are faced with the challenges of evading pursuers while also dealing with their own personal conflicts. The emotional tension between Geralt and Yennefer adds depth to their relationship, and Ciri's struggles with her powers further highlight the complexities of her character. The introduction of Rience as a formidable antagonist raises the stakes and propels the narrative forward. Additionally, the episode expands the world-building by introducing other factions in search of Ciri, setting the stage for larger conflicts to come. Overall, the premiere successfully combines character development, thrilling action, and expanding plotlines to engage audiences and leave them eager for more.
“Unbound”: The Witcher season 3 Episode 2 recap
In the second episode of The Witcher season 3, titled "Unbound," Ciri and Yennefer continue their journey to Aretuza. As they travel without Geralt, tensions arise between the two of them, and Yennefer must work to regain not only Geralt's trust but also Ciri's trust. Meanwhile, Geralt seeks information about Rience from Codringher and discovers that Rience is working for a more powerful sorcerer. Despite warnings to let it go, Geralt decides to pursue Rience alone, traveling to Vuilpanne.
Emperor Emyhr of Nilfgaard reveals his ambition to become the Emperor of the Continent and seeks a queen to achieve his goal. Back on the road, Ciri and Yennefer have a heated discussion about the consequences of using visions to change the future. They take a detour to Yennefer's childhood home, where Yennefer shows Ciri her memories and explains how her choices have influenced the events unfolding in the North. Meanwhile, in Vuilpanne, Geralt encounters a monstrous creature created by a sorcerer and saves a girl who resembles Ciri. However, the true identity of the sorcerer behind the creature remains unknown.
As the episode progresses, tensions rise in various factions, including the mages at Aretuza and the power struggles in Redania. The episode concludes with Rience eliminating Codringher after discovering their knowledge of the plans regarding Cirilla of Cintra. The mysteries surrounding Rience's employer and the girl who believes she is Ciri continue to deepen, while Yennefer's plan to bring Ciri to Aretuza raises questions about their safety.
Overall, "Unbound" maintains the suspense and intrigue of the season, with the characters facing challenges and uncovering hidden agendas. The episode raises more questions than answers, leaving viewers eager to learn about the true motivations and identities of the key players involved.
“Reunion”: The Witcher season 3 Episode 3 recap
In the third episode of The Witcher season 3, titled "Reunion," the focus shifts to Geralt's quest to uncover the truth about the imposter posing as Ciri. Alongside Jaskier, Geralt seeks the help of Anika, a friend of Geralt's deceased mother, Visenna. They administer an extraction elixir to the imposter, hoping to break the powerful mind control enchantment placed on her. Meanwhile, Ciri and Yennefer face challenges of their own as they visit Giancardi Bank, leading to an encounter with mages and an unsettling interaction between Tissaia and Ciri.
Tensions rise as Ciri becomes frustrated with Yennefer and the Brotherhood's plans. Yennefer argues that their actions are necessary for Ciri's well-being, but Ciri believes that Geralt would not make the same compromises. Yennefer and Tissaia devise a plan to hold a Conclave of Mages to unite the Brotherhood and prevent war. However, Ciri's impulsive actions, including reaching out to Geralt through a magic coin, jeopardize their plans.
In Redania, negotiations between Queen Hedwig, Vizimir, and Nilfgaard progress with the promise of offering Ciri in exchange for a favorable agreement. Dijkstra and Philippa, driven by their own agenda, take drastic measures by manipulating events and eliminating potential threats. Meanwhile, Istredd searches for a mysterious book, the Book of the Monoliths, which leads to unexpected connections.
The episode concludes with Geralt learning from Anika that his mother suffered a tragic fate after being mistaken for an elf. Determined not to abandon Ciri, Geralt sets off for Aretuza to uncover the truth behind the imposter. As tensions escalate and alliances are revealed, the episode sets the stage for major revelations and power plays, particularly in Redania. The episode's fast-paced narrative and significant plot developments make it a standout installment of the season.
“The Invitation”: The Witcher season 3 Episode 4 recap
In "The Invitation," the penultimate episode of The Witcher season 3 part 1, there is a sense of anticipation and the calm before the storm. The episode begins in Nilfgaard, where Emyhr tasks Cahir with a mysterious mission involving Francesca. Emyhr urges Cahir to let go of his questions and embrace their shared actions. Meanwhile, in Aretuza, Yennefer proposes an alliance with Redania against Nilfgaard, receiving support from Tissaia and the mages, except for Stregobor. Yennefer learns that another novice, Elisabet, has gone missing, prompting Triss and Istredd to investigate the disappearances of half-elven novices.
As Geralt, Jaskier, and Ciri reunite, they embark on a journey to Aretuza but encounter a monster in the water. Geralt agrees to slay the monster in exchange for safe passage. During their voyage, Ciri learns about the Wild Hunt's interest in her and the importance of mastering her powers. They eventually find Yennefer in Redania, where she approaches Philippa and urges her to attend the Conclave of Mages. Yennefer's plans face opposition, and she faces an illusionary attack by Geralt. Triss warns Yennefer about bringing Ciri to Aretuza, but Yennefer remains determined.
Geralt reveals to Ciri the truth about Teryn and the mistreatment of half-elves, leading Ciri to agree to go to Aretuza. Finally reunited, Ciri, Yennefer, Geralt, and Jaskier make their way to the Conclave of Mages. In the meantime, Cahir proposes an alliance between Nilfgaard and the elves to hunt down Ciri. In Aretuza, Triss and Istredd track the Book of Monoliths, which is hidden in someone's room.
The episode showcases the political complexities of the season, building tension and setting the stage for the upcoming Conclave of Mages. The characters' intertwined paths and the sense of impending chaos create a thrilling atmosphere. With the season reaching its climax, the episode leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the final episode of The Witcher season 3 part 1.
“The Art of Illusion”: The Witcher season 3 episode 5 recap
"The Art of Illusion" is widely regarded as the standout episode of this set, primarily due to its emphasis on presentation rather than action. The story unfolds through Yennefer and Geralt's perspectives as they piece together the events of the ball night while spending intimate time together. Throughout the evening, important conversations take place between Geralt and key figures such as Philippa, Dijkstra, Stregobor, and Vilgefortz, while Yennefer engages with Triss, Istredd, and Philippa. These conversations yield significant information and contribute to the overall puzzle of the narrative.
Philippa reveals to Yennefer that Lydia would go to extreme lengths for love and warns her about placing trust in the Brotherhood, emphasizing the importance of the Conclave of Mages. Dijkstra attempts to sway Geralt to join forces with Redania, while Vilgefortz shares his backstory and extends an invitation for Geralt to join the upcoming battle. Meanwhile, Yennefer learns about the Book of Monoliths from Triss and Istredd and devises a plan to distract Stregobor with Geralt's help.
As the night progresses, a confrontation ensues in Stregobor's quarters, where Geralt and Yennefer accuse him of heinous acts against half-elves, including torture and a more sinister plot. The Brotherhood agrees to detain Stregobor until after the Conclave of Mages. Yennefer and Geralt believe they have thwarted the threat against Ciri and look forward to uniting the Brotherhood at the Conclave to bring unity to the kingdoms.
Amidst their reflections on the events, Geralt and Yennefer realize that Vilgefortz is the mastermind behind everything, employing Rience and manipulating Lydia and potentially others. However, his ultimate intentions remain unknown. The episode concludes with Geralt hearing screams in the hallway, where Dijkstra holds a knife to his neck, introducing a moment of suspense and leaving viewers on a cliffhanger.