Kitchen Table Kibitzing is a community series for those who wish to share a virtual kitchen table with other readers of Daily Kos who aren’t throwing pies at one another. Drop by to talk about music, your weather, your garden, or what you cooked for supper…. Newcomers may notice that many who post in this series already know one another to some degree, but we welcome guests at our kitchen table and hope to make some new friends as well.
Please do not attack Democratic candidates or drag primary fights into our community.
Toss a coin to your Witcher
Oh valley of plenty…
So sings the bard, Jaskier, as he tries to promote the monster-hunter, Geralt of Rivia, in the Netflix series. Geralt is a Witcher, a magically enhanced superhuman whose purpose is to clear monsters from a world that is largely an untamed wildwood full of danger. This is the wildwood of myth that taps a deep vein in the collective consciousness. If some elements of the Witcher seem somewhat familiar it is surely because of that classic mythic basis. And this series is a very well done rendition. It hooks you.
Jaskier’s song is a total ear-worm, by the way. And Geralt? Well, to say he is watchable is putting it mildly. Henry Cavill wears this role as naturally as Geralt wears his form fitting leather armor. He doesn’t say much — as likely to grunt as to speak — but he expresses himself very well nonetheless. See for yourself:
The Witcher is not a new IP. The Netflix series is based upon the first of a series of books published in Poland by author Andrzej Sapkowski. Years ago, there was a Polish tv series about the Witcher. And then there were video games, graphic novels, and even a board game. And I, sad to say, had never heard of it! Well, now I have, and I look forward to reading the books. Might as well because season 2 of The Witcher is going to be more than a year coming.
The thing about the Netflix series that I find quite intriguing is the story is not linear. It takes awhile to cotton on to this but it adds layers of interest. There are three major characters: Geralt, Yennefer the mage, and Princess Cirilla. Some of the story threads are about Geralt’s past adventures and others about how Yennefer became a very powerful (yet dissatisfied) sorceress. Others are about the Princess’ present day flight from her homeland as it is overrun by a cruel enemy force that does not abide by any rules, a force that even uses forbidden magic. Geralt has a bond of destiny with this princess — he is supposed to protect her. But they have never met and we are left wondering if they will ever find each other as the world around them is fractured by war.
Fair warning, the show has mature themes and sexual situations.
And it is good, really good. I love it and I think you will, too. Hey, when the real world seems overrun with negativity and chaos, it is rather tonic to watch a handsome, legendary hero do battle with forces of negativity and chaos. Or a beautiful and powerful sorceress, for that matter. That is my weekend streaming tip for you!
Come in, be comfortable, and share your day, your weekend plans, your menus!
I have a late late afternoon appointment today and likely will be late to the table. Please carry on and I hope to join you as soon as possible!