As a reader of the Geralt-books and player of the games, I have waited eagerly for this show. And it didn't disappoint.
I think it's kind of unfair to compare the Witcher to Game of Thrones as so many people here have done.
Yes, it's also fantasy but that's about it. In Game of Thrones the fantastic elements take a much smaller part. In the Witcher series we have mutants, monsters, mages, elves right from the start. Also, the Witcher is centered on one person. You guessed right, it's the witcher. Of course there are other main characters like Yennefer and Ciri, but in Game of thrones there are multiple storylines with dozens of equal characters. You can't expect that from the Witcher. The novels are also noticably shorter and less complex than GoT. So of course the series feels different. And that's a good thing.
Some things that characterize both the books and the series:
All this is captured quite well in the series. It's a tough thing adapting books and having to please fans of the games most of whom haven't read them. I think the casting is mostly excellent (although I would've preferred a red-headed Triss) and the production value is good.
I hope they make it until season 3 in which, if they stick to the books, the real fun begins.
I think it's kind of unfair to compare the Witcher to Game of Thrones as so many people here have done.
Yes, it's also fantasy but that's about it. In Game of Thrones the fantastic elements take a much smaller part. In the Witcher series we have mutants, monsters, mages, elves right from the start. Also, the Witcher is centered on one person. You guessed right, it's the witcher. Of course there are other main characters like Yennefer and Ciri, but in Game of thrones there are multiple storylines with dozens of equal characters. You can't expect that from the Witcher. The novels are also noticably shorter and less complex than GoT. So of course the series feels different. And that's a good thing.
Some things that characterize both the books and the series:
- dark humour
- long dialogue passages
- shorter episodes that are like finished (that might change if the series makes it to book 3. From here on it's an ongoing story)
- time lapses (even more apparant in the series
- references to classic fantasy mythology like fairytales, folk tales etc.
All this is captured quite well in the series. It's a tough thing adapting books and having to please fans of the games most of whom haven't read them. I think the casting is mostly excellent (although I would've preferred a red-headed Triss) and the production value is good.
I hope they make it until season 3 in which, if they stick to the books, the real fun begins.