‘The Witcher’ Season 4 first reactions are overwhelmingly one-sided

Geralt of Rivia is finally back, but not in the way that most fans would have wanted. Henry Cavill has exited “The Witcher” TV series on Netflix, leading to his role being taken over by Liam Hemsworth. While there are plenty who will give the show a chance, the first reactions are overwhelmingly one-sided.

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“The Witcher” became an instant hit with fans, as Cavill seemed to fit into the role of Geralt in a way that nobody could have imagined. The high fantasy series became a huge talking point in the first season, with many praising the adored actor in his portrayal of the beloved novel and video game character.

Though the first three seasons appeared to be hit and miss with critics and audiences, the overall acceptance of “The Witcher” was well ingrained. That was until it was revealed that Cavill would be exiting the series.

Naturally, fans were up in arms on the internet with their displeasure at the news. With Hemsworth taking over and potraying his own style of Geralt, the first reactions tell a disappointing story.

Screentime wrote, “”The problem isn’t that Henry Cavill is gone – it’s that ‘THE WITCHER’ Season 4 still doesn’t know what kind of show it wants to be.”

Rama’s Screen said, “The Witcher season 4 was just weird. Liam Hemsworth’s version of Geralt was a soulless, lifeless empty shell. And Geralt took a backseat to a bunch of annoying fellow travelers that kept yapping like nails on a chalkboard. This show has gone way past its prime.”

Nicola Austin of radiotimes posted, “I’m afraid to say The Witcher without Henry Cavill really just isn’t the same beast. Unless season 5 pulls off a (monster) miracle, this might be one quest even Geralt can’t complete.”

“There might be enough dynamic action sequences here and there to win some fans of the show over. Plus, it goes out on a high note with a brutally grim ending that offers a more promising hint of what’s next in the final season. But it just isn’t enough to make you forget the void that now exists at the show’s center. Hemsworth’s Geralt can wield all the magic and drink all the potions in the world, it still won’t help this character come back to life,” The Wrap said in their review.

Most of the reactions are on the negative side of things, but Variety believes the show has received an “upgrade” with Hemsworth in the center stage.

Most fans of the show have likely been bracing themselves to see how Hemsworth takes on a character Cavill has long mastered. Although the voice isn’t quite the same, as the episodes move forward and given the season’s straightforward structure, which zeros in on Geralt, Yennefer and Ciri separately, the transition is mostly seamless,” Variety wrote.

Hemsworth was always set to face an uphill battle replacing Cavill, as most recast beloved characters receive the same treatment. At least fans might be happy to know only one more season of “The Witcher” will be produced.

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