THE WITCHER EP. 2 REVIEW: "YOU SMELL OF DEATH AND DESTINY" [SPOILERS]

This post has affiliate links. You can see the disclosure policy here.

Directed by ALIK SAKHAROV

Starring HENRY CAVILL, ANYA CHALOTRA, FREYA ALLAN, MYANNA BURING,

and ROYCE PIERRESON

The second episode 'Four Marks' is immediately more interesting than the first episode. Yennefer (Anya Chalotra) is a deformed bullied servant. She's also the first person of color we see with an extensive speaking role. Chalotra is of Indian descent. 

SOMETIMES THE BEST THING 
A FLOWER CAN DO FOR US IS DIE.

Tessaia [to Yennefer]

'The Witcher' is based on the beloved fantasy series from Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, which was turned into a video game. The world created by Sapkowski is based on medieval Eastern European folklore, so it makes sense that the actors are of European descent are cast, but I'm glad the showrunners added people of color to the cast.

Fantasy films and television often exclude people of color, whilst they cast White actors for various Caucasian ethnicities. It's unfortunate because fantasy fiction is pure imagination and isn't bound by traditional standards. It's not historical fiction, so it's a great opportunity for color-blind casting. 

See article on "OSCARS SO WHITE" CONTROVERSY

Yennefer is in the midst of being violently assaulted when she teleports herself to a cave. It's here she meets another character of color, Istredd (Royce Pierreson). Istredd is kind to Yennefer. He warns her that a witch will be coming for her because of her abilities. 

Soon after Tissaia de Vries (Myanna Buring) comes calling. Yennefer's abusive stepfather sells her to Tissaia for "four marks," which is cheaper than he sells his pigs. Her mother makes a meek attempt to save her, but Yennefer is sold away from her family.

 YOUR BACKHAND IS EVEN MORE 
IMPRESSIVE THAN YOUR MAGIC

Istredd [to Yennefer]

We find Ciri in the woods running rom the Black Knight (Eamon Farren). She's searching for the man her grandmother told her about, Geralt of Rivia the Witcher (Henry Cavill). It's here she meets Dara (Wilson Radjou-Pujalte), a mute boy who helps her. She comes upon a Cintran refugee camp and believes herself to be safe. Dara knows better. It's through Ciri that we learn about a war between humans and the elves called "Filavandrel's uprising." The Nilfgaard got past Cintran's borders because of elven spies. Cintra belonged to the elves first. 

Ciri is recognized as a girl of nobility because of her cloak. She's taken to a wealthy family's tent to recover. There are subtle metaphors to elitism, narcissism, and social injustice in this episode. The wealthy refugees delusionally believe they can return to their normal lives while living in a tent. One memorable scene involves a noblewoman ordering her drawf servant to remove his shoes to give Ciri. It's no surprise the dwarf murders her when the camp is attacked. Ciri's character is the least interesting thus far. However, given her latent "black canary"-like abilities, I expect better things to come. She's currently the viewer's eyes and ears through the story. 

OH, NO THANK YOU. I DON'T EAT RAT.

Ciri [to Dara]

In a separate storyline, the witcher comes across a band of battered elves and Torque the Sylvan (a goat-like creature). The elves were forced from their homes and left to starve. The elves taught the humans how to turn chaos into magic, then the humans slaughtered them in the "great cleansing."

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the Witcher's new singing sidekick, Jaskier (Joey Batey). Jaskier adds some much-needed levity and humor to the series. Jaskier follows the Witcher and sings about his conquests. It's slightly irritating especially when they add music to it, but the songs are kind of catchy lol. 

I LOVE THE WAY YOU JUST SIT IN 
THE CORNER AND BROOD. 

Jaskier [to the Witcher]

I'M HERE TO DRINK ALONE.

Witcher [to Jaskier]

In our third and final storyline, Yennefer attempts suicide and is saved by Tissaia. She is quickly immersed in Tissaia's version of "Hogwarts." Tissaia is a harsh teacher, but she seems to believe in Yennefer. Istredd continues to support Yennefer when no one else does. It's a sweet romance that slowly develops over the episode. Istredd looks beyond her deformity and falls in love with her. Yennefer confides in him that she's part elf. But Istredd isn't what he seems. He's feeding someone else information on Yennefer. The episode ends with Yennefer embracing her powers under Tissaia's cruel tutelage.

DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE 
WOULDN'T BLINK IF YOU DIED?

Tessaia [to Yennefer]

I really enjoyed this episode. I'm watching the series as a newbie. I have no knowledge of 'The Witcher' novels or the video game. There's far less action in this episode, but there's a good bit of character development and lore.

There isn't much dead weight in 'The Witcher' when it comes to acting. Everyone is on top of their game. Charlotra is a talented actress who brings depth and sincerity to her character. If I have one complaint about 'The Witcher' it's the age of the Witcher's love interests (and potential love interests). Par for the course, all the female leads are 25 or younger. Couldn't we get a woman in her early 30's for 36-year-old Cavill? If there wasn't so much age discrimination against women in Hollywood, it wouldn't bother me.

See article on CASTING CONTROVERSIES

QUICK GERALT. DO YOUR WITCHERING.

Jaskier [to the Witcher]

***THREE STARS.

I hope you've enjoyed my review. I would love to hear your thoughts on the first episode and if you have enjoyed the series overall? Do you think the series improved over time?

If you'd like to follow me on this journey please subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content. You can find me on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Bloglovin.