The Witcherstarted with a bang. And witha very confusing timeline. Thoughthere was a reason for all of this, it understandably turned off some fans.The WitcherSeason 1, however, could’ve been a whole lot more confusing. The first season of the Netflix version is primarily based onshort stories written by Andrzej Sapkowskithat take place in the world ofThe Witcher. These stories are tied togetherlargely by their protagonist, Geralt. While reading, it is not fully clear in what order these stories take place. Therefore, if the show had followed the books strictly, fans would’ve been in for even more timeline confusion. And that would’ve made many fans unhappy.
The writers ofThe WitcherSeason 1 stayed true to the books' spirit while still putting their spin on it. Now that thethree main characters' timelines have converged, fans are in for a real treat. Season 2 ofThe Witchermight be even better than the first. The writers have adapted some of Sapkowski’s stories inThe WitcherSeason 1, but there are still more for season 2. For example, the short story featuring Nivellen, known as “A Grain of Truth.“Game of Thronesactor Kristofer Hivjuhas already been cast in the role. Don’t worry, though. The writers will probably tell these stories through more straightforward flashbacks. However, it is impressive that the writers ofThe WitcherSeason 1 were able to get a somewhat understandable showout of these stories.
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While the stories are good, they can make for a somewhat confusing and intense reading experience.The WitcherSeason 1might be somewhat confusing for some fans, but it is still mostly understandable. And for a show based on loosely connected short stories, that’s no small feat. The stories are somewhat tied together by Geralt’s presence and, particularly inThe Last Wish, through a frame story. A frame story isa piece of writingthat allows for other stories to be told within it. For example, inThe Last Wish, Geralt reflects on life events while recovering at the temple of Melitele in Ellander. There are several parts to the frame story inThe Last Wish, known as “The Voice of Reason.”
The WitcherSeason 1 did not adapt this particular story, though judging bythe cast list for Season 2, it might happen then. One of the characters cast is the priestess Nenneke, who appears in several parts of “The Voice of Reason.” One of these parts is the part that goes into the story of Geralt meeting Nivellen, “A Grain of Truth.” That might be how Nenneke and Nivellen are featured in season 2, or the show writers might put their spin on it.The WitcherSeason 1,had it adapted the books more exactly, would’ve had Geralt recovering with Nenneke and reflecting on his life experiences. This version would’ve involved him fighting the Striga earlier in the show and meeting Renfri in Blaviken later. That would’ve been a different kind of take.
In fact, the book “A Grain of Truth” takes place before the story where Geralt meets Renfri. Renfri’s story is told later on and is called “The Lesser Evil.” By rearranging the order of the stories, the show’s writers also makecharacters like Renfri more important.Characters like Jaskier are also more crucialin the show’s version, as he spends a lot of time with Geralt and is involved in events likethe betrothal of Ciri’s parents.Without Jaskier in the show, Geralt wouldn’t have ended up with a child of surprise, at least according to Geralt himself. In the books, that is not the case. Geralt asks for a child of surprise and wants them to be raised a Witcher.The WitcherSeason 1 did an excellent job of keeping theessence of the stories from the bookswhile adapting them for a different medium.
Increasing the importance ofcharacters like Renfri and Jaskiermakes the world ofThe Witcher Season 1 even more intriguing. Geralt being a reluctant father figure for Ciri only makes things even more interesting. Nenneke and Nivellen haven’t been on screen yet. Fans can only speculate on how the show will adapt their stories. Yet so far they have a pretty good record. It seems that things can only go well from here. Of course, not everyone will agree. Some will prefer thebooks' take on the characters or the games'. And that’s fine. Everyone has different tastes.
No show can satisfy every fan’s preferences. YetThe WitcherSeason 1 did a pretty good job at adaptingthe stories in the books to the screen. Luckily, season 2 looks promising as well. Only time will truly tell. However, some fans are likely relieved the show didn’t follow the books too closely. Doing so would’ve only caused more confusion for those fans who didn’t like the timelines.
