‘The Witcher: Blood Origin’ Netflix Series Review - The Witcher’s Lesser Half

The TV landscape this year has been dominated by fantasy series. From HBO's 'House of the Dragon' to Amazon Prime's 'Rings of Power' and more, every streamer wants a slice of those insane viewership numbers. For Netflix, the formerly Henry Cavill-led 'The Witcher' does this. As such, it obviously made sense to Netflix to expand this world. And so they did with 'The Witcher: Blood Origin'. Too bad it's a poorly written-mess. 

However, one truly has to wonder how much of the blame should be put on the writing shortcomings when the writers have just 4 episodes to tell their story plus 7 characters to introduce as well as the villains. It's too much heavy lifting. Yet, the urge to let them get away with just a slap on the wrist isn't arising in me, simply because the show is boring and mediocre from the first episode itself. 

We follow Éile (Sophia Brown) as she joins forces with Fjall (Laurence O'Fuarain), Scīan (Michelle Yeoh), Meldof (Francesca Mills), Syndril (Zach Wyatt), and Zacaré (Lizzie Annis) to exact revenge on the Elven empire for killing her clan. But all the characters have paper-thin characterization so you never really root for them. 

Events happen in each episode and you watch it because it's just four episodes, so why stop even though you are bored. But does it get better? Sadly, it doesn't. It doesn't inspire intrigue or questions at any moment. Characters just stop to compliment Éile anywhere and everywhere and it's just so bizarre and cartoonish sometimes that you just have to laugh.

Looks like the writers forgot that if you have a heroic character, you need to show why they are important/ brave/ unique and not just tell it all. What's even poorer is the fight choreography. In one scene a group of mercenaries from different kingdoms attack Éile, and they attack her one by one, instead of just ganging up on her.

But there is one fight scene that stands out. It's of Scían fighting Éile and Fjall. Her dominating the fight with just a scabbard was the top moment of the show. But imagine having Michelle Yeoh in your cast and then never giving her anything to work with except this one scene. Just a waste. 

The other actors apart from Yeoh do a passable job. What must be complimented is the costume and set design. From Empress Merwyn's dresses to the houses of the different places the group visits in their journey, everything is clearly inspired by Japanese traditions, building designs, etc. Fans of The Witcher will also probably be happy to see Jaskier (Joey Batey) right at the beginning and hear about the beginnings of Chaos Magic. Oh and yes, they will also get to see the first Witcher prototype. 

Overall, it's better if 'The Witcher: Blood Origin' exists as just a footnote in The Witcher franchise. Watch it if you have about 4 hours to spare. However, it's better if you just replay the games. 

Final Score – [4/10]
Reviewed by - Ishita Chatterjee
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Publisher at Midgard Times