The Witcher: Season 1, Episode 4: Of Banquets, Bastards and Burials

The Witcher. Spooky whispers, creepy woods, a girl in a trance-like state …. a mysterious start to the half-way-through-the-season esposide. Where exactly is princess Ciri going? It looks like she is getting more and more lost, as she walks deeper into the forest. What is this forest full of Tribal women? It’s Brokilon forest also known as “Forest of Death”. I’m intrigued.

Wondering where the Witcher has landed himself this time, we are taken to a storyteller, a man who tells of the horror of the Witcher’s fate … he has us believing the Witcher is dead! But Jaskier (who is taking notes for his next song) doesn’t buy it, no way not Geralt of Rivia … surely …
Loving this eposide so far! “Toss a coin to your Witcher …” my favorite song, led by Jaskier (of course!), has all the village folk in the tavern sing his song as Geralt makes an enterance … what a surprise!!
Jaskier and Geralt bond over dirty humor, there are lots of giggles to be had in this episode.
They’re having a boys “Royal” night out! The Witcher meets an old friend at the party … and saves Jaskier’s life, but not his embarrassment … The party is for the daughter of the Lioness (Queen Calanthe played by Jodhi May), her name is Pavetta Fiona Elen played by Gaia Mondadori – a marriage ceremony for the young princess who is the mother of Ciri.

Meanwhile, the other princess, Ciri, gets a history lesson from the Dryads and finds her Elf friend is still alive. She finally tells him the truth about who she really is but doesn’t get the reaction she expected … a few home truths are brought her way, and it is very saddening … he wants to forget, he might just be in the right place for that …
To stay in the forest they must drink the waters. Are they pure of heart? Ciri must undergo a test, drink the waters and all will be revealed …

Back to the Witcher, and he is quite bored at the party celebration, but Queen Calanthe soon brings him into the lime light and puts him on the spot … he tells a very interesting story, entertaining but not what they expected. Queen Calanthe finds the Witcher very interesting and propositions Geralt but can she tempt him with her offer?

Meanwhile, Yennefer who is now the kings mage, talks about being the greatest mage ever …. but Yennefer still isn’t happy … will she ever be. Travelling with a queen and baby, their carriage gets attacked but why … who is this dark assassin… they are being hunted! Yennefer does her best to fight the attacker off … this is a visual, very interesting part to the plot where Yennefer gets to display her magickal powers and her ability to serve & protect. Emotions run high, with heart breaks all round. It is time for deep contemplation by Yennefer who is so negative and so dark. She is hurting deep. She needs to heal.

Jaskier (aka Dandelion) is a fantastic singer, so uplifting but he is failing to uplift Queen Calanthe’s spirit. She is too busy hating on male traditions.

So why are there so few Witchers? Do we find out in this episode … Geralt and Queen Calanthe bond over killing monsters.

Another fast paced, surprise occurs as the Knight, Duny, the Urcheon of Erlenwald (played by Bart Edwards) comes to claim the hand of princess Pavetta. Unrenowed & hiding his face, but why? Is he cursed …

The Law of Surprise … oh what a surprise this is!
The party people at the royal court turn on the Knight but the Witcher (not one to stand by when it comes to being righteous) comes to his defence and very arousing fighting scene begins. The Queen is NOT happy … she screams stop, she tries to call the Witcher out for his actions but his wisdom and wit are just too hard to argue with. 

Looks aren’t everything … Duny, the Urcheon has an interesting story to tell that reveals more secrets, more destiny… but can his curse be broken? If the time is right, and all debts are paid maybe, just maybe … Can Queen Calanthe admit when she is wrong. Princess Pavetta makes her decision and breaks someones heart …

Then, ANOTHER surprise … but from who this time? Magickal happenings … destiny. Will this marriage ever happen …
Everyone, unable to anything, stand and watch in awe, except for the Witcher of course!

The Witcher makes a flipent destiny choice. He is all partied out and makes a run from the the party, but can he run from his new found destiny. Or, will he choose to unleash true calamity? The choice is his. It’s an amazingly entertaining episode. An emotional rollercoaster. Very gripping.

In the meantime, princess Ciri’s dreams are getting dark. Will she drink the water? Drinking & forgetting sure does sound good doesn’t it … She has enemies hot on her tail so she better be quick! Another excellent, artistic, visualization that leaves you wanting more. Check out the Witcher S1 E1 here.