Netflix’s The Witcher started off as one of the leading fantasy adventure shows rivaling the massively popular Game of Thrones. The show, based on The Witcher novels by Andrzej Sapkowski, was hailed by fans for its action, storyline, and above all, Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia. The actor lifted weights on the gyms and the show on his shoulders as he enthralled the audience in season one. However, come season three Cavill has exited the show, which itself has fallen to record lows and poor ratings.

Fans certainly were dejected by the 40-year-old actor’s untimely exit and hence dropped off the show. Nevertheless, it was not the only reason that the last two episodes have the dishonor of being the lowest rated in the entire series. It turns out that the tide was already against The Witcher’s favor even before Cavill left the show.

Season three was destined to fail even if Henry Cavill had never left the show

The Witcher also had a love affair with Henry Cavill. The actor’s portrayal of Geralt was unparalleled in its majesty on the screen. Regardless, some on the show accused the Britisher of high-handedness. Refuting those claims, season one and now One Piece director, Marc Jobst once weighed in on how Cavill’s energy would often motivate others on the set to do more. However, it all came to chaos in the end. 

Aptly titled, The Cost of Chaos, episode eight of the third season became the lowest-rated finale ever in the series with a mere 5.3 out of 10 rating on IMDb. However, the damage had occurred long before Cavill announced his exit after the third season. And, it is only Netflix that has to take the blame. Firstly, one of the biggest bone of contention and fallacy between Cavill and the show was the rampant deviation from the books and games. 

The show introduced too many unnecessary plotlines in season three that were hard to follow and keep track of. Instead of the main story, the show focused more on sub-plots like Ciri’s desert journey and tryst with the Rats. It left Henry Cavill completely sidelined for much of the season. Again, the fate and tales of the characters such as Ciri diverged from that of the books almost completely, lacking proper narrative.

Additionally, viewers who preferred to binge-watch at one go felt more alienated by Netflix’s decision to split the show into two volumes. What hurt the most probably, however, was the finale itself. Instead of giving Cavill’s Geralt a ceremonious or fulfilling end as expected, the finale just made him walk off into the distance. Not receiving a proper farewell devastated fans of their favorite actor, who felt that he was being snubbed. Adding insult to injury, the story and visual effects did not sing to each other and were out of tune and choppy.

All of this means more work for Liam Hemsworth, who is taking over the sword of Geralt of Rivia from Henry Cavill in The Witcher. For, he has many holes to patch.

Reviving The Witcher is an uphill task for Liam Hemsworth and Netflix

Liam Hemsworth recently took over the news and started preparations for the show while also admiring Cavill’s dedication. However, repairing the damage is too big a task for one person. Netflix may have to work its way all over again if it ever intends to bring The Witcher back to its former days of glory. A cohesive and sincere writing approach should be at the top of their priorities. Additionally, after the taste of backlash, Netflix should be wary of straying from Sapkowski’s novels. Meanwhile, Hemsworth should also look at taking over the traits that made Cavill a fan favorite.

As far as the story is concerned, the show needs to close its portals of sub-plot chaos. The fate of Ciri and Yennefer, which differs from that of the books, requires reconciliation. Additionally, a lot of pressure now falls on Hemsworth to match Cavill’s stature and acting prowess, even though the producers agree that he is a good match. Regardless, the show has to win over fans and gain new ones in the process.

What do you think of the reasons why Season Three of The Witcher failed? Let us know in the comments below.