(852-word review) I can understand being at least entertained by this show, especially the first season, which was decent when it premiered and shines brighter now. There was an actual story and compelling supporting characters; the characters in general, notably the central three, felt competently written - overall, the season felt efficiently put together. Even the second season (yes, an undeniable decline) had its moments; however, in the midst, those elements that felt competently done in the first season gradually became less so throughout.
And now, with this premiere alone, none of them seem present; this isn't the same, better (but still not up-to-par) show in the beginning, with the first season. It could have been better. The pacing was jarring, jumping from one scene to the next, expecting you to care for what's happening, yet seemingly not caring enough to make that possible. The "story" is cluttered - every loose piece leading back to Ciri (summed up to "Everyone wants her") while liberated of any merit of their own. This show has been declining far down enough to where you'd think it'd have hit rock bottom by now, but it's still going.
There's meant to be emotional and general weight to certain scenes - exposition about people in the past (Aelirenn), some awkward symbolism/parallels, and constant dialogue about them to try and add that clever/imaginative-intended touch to the writing for extra points, on top of an attempt at adding more character growth to Ciri through that constant dialogue regarding said awkward symbolism/parallels (spoiler alert: it doesn't feel "cogent" whatsoever - it's borderline nonsensical), a certain death that just happened, with the obligatory 'This other character cares/cared about this character' emotional-intended reaction to it, Geralt's speech at the end - but there isn't a sense of genuinity or impact; there's a sense of emptiness.
The direction of the fight choreography/fight sequences seemed more focused on being stylish and "cinematic" with the CGI blood and the slow motion, except for the fact that the former was terrible and that the latter was gratuitous - while also forgetting to make the fight sequences "good." The choreography was lukewarm and lacked a thrill and liveliness (perhaps the score was meant to pick up the slack?), and the directing was lackluster. The fight sequences weren't that terrible, but those aspects could've been done more efficiently.
Most of the outfits and hairstyles for Yennifer are horrendous - looking bland, and the hair-down look (in that particular way) is uninspired. Her best look was the scene before the festival, even though that throwback dress still isn't that good. She looked even better after it when they were packing their belongings to find a new hideout, particularly the makeup; that was a surprisingly excellent look, and I don't get why she doesn't look like that more often.
The plot convenience with the Geralt vs. Rience fight at the end to extend his life a little longer and to split the central trio up by having Geralt have enough time to break his hands, run to his sword, and then go back through the portal, yet not kill him instead, was hilarious. You wouldn't "need to find Rience to finish him off," Geralt, if your master(s), aka the writer(s), possessed slightly better skills. As it turns out, the Butcher (of Blaviken) was them all along.
And Joseph Trapanese's score, while a cue or two stood out (same with the second season), made me wish Sonya Belousova and Giona Ostinelli were the composers instead of him more than anything. His overall score back then did the trick, and I'm sure it'll be the same here, but also the same regarding the feeling of something lacking and only a few cues standing out; Sonya and Giona's score seemed more tonally efficient, and all-around impactful/effective and memorable.
Case in point - the score cue ("The Time of Axe and Sword Is Now") during the final scene. That was their work, and it's so much better; however, while it still hits by itself, it doesn't hit the same way within the context of the show/this episode's ending as it did two seasons ago, which speaks to the avoidable but occurring depreciation of the show.
At least, entertainment-wise, we have Jaskier, amirite? What a lovely, enjoyable character, is he not? Right? Guys...? The writers seem to think so, but more importantly, the average viewer, as his comedic relief existence is continuously used, not to mention so well-written and not at all annoying. Everyone's here for him, no doubt. He's irrevocably (thank you, Bella Swan, for the word of the millennium) not insufferable Jaskier.
But in all seriousness, despite this show's apparent inability to ascend further, there is still something about it - drawing you in, even through the thick and thin of everything. That'll have to do. And this premiere, while underwhelming, wasn't that far from decent enough; yes, it could've been more entertaining, but that's not that big of a deal. Not to mention it's just that - a premiere, and maybe the following episodes, including the second half of the season, will be a significant improvement. Fingers crossed.
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