When a hit series like The Witcher hit a rough patch, what had fans biting their nails was the anticipation for season 3. But alas, it delivered a bitter pill to swallow. The plummet in viewership was not merely pinned on Henry Cavill‘s departure; it was the decision to split the season into two parts that set the ship adrift. Even before Cavill hung up his boots as the Geralt of Rivia, fans were already slipping through the show’s grasp like sand through fingers. The real trouble began after the fallout of season 2, and the divergence from the source material only fueled the downward spiral.

Whether you blame it on a summer release or Netflix’s crackdown on password sharing, The Witcher 3 descended into a valley of disappointment. With Season 4 looming on the horizon, it had to climb a mountain to regain its lost glory. Five burning questions loom over the show’s future like a sword of Damocles. As the fans gravitate back to their beloved series, they demand answers that would set the stage for a triumphant return to greatness.

Emhyr’s knowledge on the deceptive trail of fake Ciri

The third season of The Witcher left chaos in its wake. In the season’s gripping finale, Vilgefortz of Roggeveen, marked by a grotesque transformation, resurfaced thanks to Ciri’s cataclysmic portal at Tor Lara. What’s the catch? The “Ciri” unveiled in Nilfgaard’s court was a counterfeit, Teryn, the girl Geralt had once saved from Vulipanne’s castle. Vilgefortz, the sorcerer weaver, deftly erased Teryn’s memories and replaced them with Ciri’s, creating a convincing imposter to dupe Emhyr.

A burning question lingered: Could Emhyr see through the imposter Ciri’s façade? The answer remains elusive. If the TV series follows the books, Emhyr might have been shrewd enough to uncover the ruse. In the novels, his awareness came much later, in stark contrast to the show’s earlier reveal. His immediate realization that Nilfgaard’s Ciri was a fake concealed his deep connection to the Princess of Cintra. The TV adaptation left us guessing, leaning toward the Emperor’s insight into the deception, but certainty remains scarce until the eagerly awaited arrival of season 4.

Unmasking the Geralt transition – A farewell to Henry Cavill?

Cavill’s exit and Hemsworth’s entry had tongues wagging for months. Hemsworth’s intense preparation, devouring Witcher books, was a hot topic. With season 3, the fate of Geralt unfolded. A brutal encounter with Vilgefortz, left Geralt clinging to life and later under the care of dryads. Season 3 built a close-knit family, only to shatter it in the finale, as Geralt sacrificed his neutrality to reunite with his loved ones. This transformation paves the way for Hemsworth’s debut as Geralt, as he assumes a new role to protect his newfound family.

The show’s handling of the transition shrouds in mystery with no post-credits hints. Tomek Baginski suggested a thoughtful approach to introducing Hemsworth as Geralt, keeping in line with the lore or Jaskier’s hymns making way. Season 4 faces a crucial decision – embrace the changing of the guard or play it down.

Unlike House of the Dragon‘s age-up shifts, this is a full-on torch-passing moment. Hemsworth cannot simply look at the camera and ask, ‘Wondering how I got here?’ But ignoring the obvious would not do either. Sadly, Season 3 left us with more questions than answers. The journey until 2025 promises to be intriguing.

Radovid: The transformation from jester to tyrant

Seasoned fans of the franchise found themselves in uncharted territory as Netflix’s adaptation took a bold departure from the source material. In the original books, Radovid, the rightful heir to Redania’s throne and King Vizimir’s son, faced a different path to power, not assuming the throne immediately after his father’s assassination. The creative twist stirred the pot, crafting an intriguing and unexpected narrative.

In the world of literature and gaming, Radovid earned notoriety for his cruelty, but Season 3 presented Radvoid with a jolly and warm-hearted figure with an inner kindness. However, perched on the throne, power’s transformational grip now casts a shadow over Radovid’s future. Further, raising the pivotal question: how will this benevolent ruler metamorphose into the feared oppressor? The Witcher has unfurled a character arc laden with twists and turns, promising a saga of intrigue and unexpected revelations in the seasons that lie ahead.

Cahir’s fate: The aftermath of Thanedd in The Witcher

As Cahir defiantly confronted the oncoming Scoia’tael cavalry, an air of uncertainty shrouded his destiny. His ultimate fate, whether he succumbed to the elven warriors, remains a well-guarded secret. Yet, for those who had traversed the rich pages of Sapkowski’s novels, Cahir’s survival was a foregone conclusion. Within the novels’ intricate narrative, Cahir’s tale took an intriguing detour. Following the tumultuous events of the Thanedd coup, he found himself ensnared with the Redanians, becoming a mere pawn in their political gambit. Eeventually, shipped off to Nilfgaard as a peace offering.

As fate would have it, the winding pages of Baptism of Fire orchestrated a reunion between Cahir and Geralt. This pivotal encounter is likely to sculpt the foundation of the fourth season. Gradually, Cahir’s role evolved, as he transitioned into an indispensable member of Geralt’s nomadic entourage. The show’s alignment with the books suggests a harmonious parallel in Cahir’s journey. However, before this narrative unfolds, the show’s first task is to unveil the cryptic veil concealing Cahir’s destiny following the Thanedd Coup.

What lies ahead for Ciri and Yennefer in The Witcher 4?

In season 3 finale, Ciri’s journey veered away from Geralt and Yennefer. This hinted at a possible extended separation if the show follows the source material. Yennefer, on the other hand, embarked on a unique path, deviating from her book storyline. In the novels, she endured a month-long confinement within a jade figurine after the Aretuza incident. Meanwhile, Ciri’s season 3 adventures differed from her book character. More so, she grappled with relinquishing her powers, explored the Korath desert, and confronted her inner demons.

In season 4, Yennefer’s storyline is poised to align with her book’s trajectory, leading her toward a reunion with Geralt at Stygga Castle. Further, Ciri’s darker transformation poses a challenge, potentially unsettling devoted fans enamored with Freya Allan’s portrayal. With the impending shadow of Geralt’s recasting, season 4’s focus on Ciri could ignite further uncertainty. The upcoming transition promises to be a crucible for the character and a trial for viewers’ loyalties.

What more questions do you think need to be answered before paving way for season 4? Let us know in the comments below.