Netflix’s The Witcher has always put their focus on Geralt of Rivia, who travels on the Continent to kill monsters. But in the second season for the first time, fans came across other witchers. Some were his mentors and others grew up with him in Kaer Morhen. The mutant who remained closest to the White Wolf was Eskel. Fans saw glimpses of their dynamic in season 2 moment before he got killed at the hands of his childhood friend.

His death drew significant backlash from the audience because the show made changes to his story. In the books, he did not die so early, so it came as a shock for readers that the show did not explore his bond with Geralt. However, with the controversial ending of season 3, it makes much more sense as to why the creators cut off his role.

Eskel’s unforeseen death helped Geralt in The Witcher? 

In 2022, Netflix Geeked The Witcher showrunner Lauren S. Hissrich was asked about the unceremonious death of Eskel. In her response, she explained they had to kill someone from mutants. Although they first had the new witcher John in mind, they chose him because of his connection with Geralt. The creators wanted to use his death as a turning point for Geralt, so he could figure out quickly what was going on with Ciri, considering she was a threat to herself and to others around her with all that power and growing visions.

This death apparently added tension and forced the monster slayer to make important decisions in the future. The results were seen in season 3 ending when Geralt finally decided to go against the emperor of Nilfgaard. The White Wolf has always been neutral and never reveled in the politics of the Continent before, but for Ciri, he took the hard decision and chose a side.

Well, from this viewpoint, the death of Eskel might have been justified on the show, but in season 4, creators certainly need to be cautious of deaths.

Season 4 must handle character deaths properly

In three installments so far, fans have seen so many deaths and a lot of them came out of nowhere. This happened because they strayed from the source material, but the viewers never appreciated these changes. For instance, the death of fire mage Rience in season 3 differed completely from his death in the books. However, the creators cannot do so in season 4 because they have promised to follow origins and would have to justify them properly from now on.

This might be the only hope that could save the series now after Henry Cavill‘s exit. The viewership has dropped since season 3 and fans have already warned creators they will not watch the show without him. So following the source material plays an important role in winning back all the fans of this saga.

What do you think about Eskel’s death in The Witcher? Leave your comments below!