‘The Witcher’ Season 4 Review: Liam Hemsworth Steals the Show in This Action-Packed Upgrade
Streaming on Netflix
The Witcher is back for its fourth season, and it’s clear from the first few episodes that this is a show that has recalibrated. After Henry Cavill’s exit from the series, fans were left wondering what would become of Geralt of Rivia, the brooding, monster-slaying witcher whose complex emotional journey helped define the show’s first three seasons. Enter Liam Hemsworth, who takes over the role in a fresh chapter of the series. As many feared, this shift could have been jarring, but in reality, Hemsworth’s portrayal feels like a natural progression, and The Witcher Season 4 manages to find its footing once again.
In what is perhaps the most action-driven season to date, The Witcher sharpens its narrative, cutting through the sometimes convoluted plotlines of previous seasons. Now, with the foundational elements settled, the show takes a breath, refines its characters, and amplifies its most thrilling moments—especially with Hemsworth at the helm.
A Reset and a New Beginning
Season 4 opens with a nostalgic recap of Geralt’s past, setting the stage with an old man recounting the tale of the infamous Butcher of Blaviken to a group of children. This scene not only nods to the show’s rich history but also brings the timeline forward, centering the new season in a more cohesive, straightforward narrative.
Separated from his beloved Yennefer (Anya Chalotra) and his adoptive daughter, Ciri (Freya Allan), Geralt is wounded and recovering from a brutal encounter with the malevolent mage Vilgefortz (Mahesh Jadu). Though physically impaired by the wounds, his resolve remains unbroken. Alongside his loyal companion, Jaskier the bard (Joey Batey), and the skilled archer Milva (Meng’er Zhang), Geralt embarks on a dangerous journey to find Ciri before Vilgefortz—or the dark forces of Nilfgaard—can take her.
As Geralt’s quest for Ciri unfolds, the show’s world-building flourishes. The beloved characters from the books and games return, with familiar faces like Yennefer, whose own mission to gather powerful mages to battle Vilgefortz adds a deeper layer of intrigue to the season. Meanwhile, Ciri has grown older and more conflicted. Now in her twenties, she has abandoned her legacy to join the Rats, a gang of thieves who operate on their own moral code. Though struggling with her identity and the weight of her powerful lineage, Ciri’s journey of self-discovery is integral to the narrative.
Liam Hemsworth’s Geralt: A Subtle Shift in Tone
One of the season’s most anticipated aspects was how Liam Hemsworth would take over the role of Geralt. The transition, while initially met with skepticism, proves to be smoother than expected. Hemsworth doesn’t try to imitate Cavill’s portrayal; instead, he brings a more emotional, introspective edge to the character. Geralt is still stoic and rugged, but in Season 4, we see more layers of vulnerability, which Hemsworth pulls off with ease. The change in tone might surprise some fans, but it feels true to Geralt’s evolving character arc, especially as he becomes more attuned to his emotions.
Though the new voice and demeanor may take a moment to adjust to, Hemsworth settles into the role as the season progresses, making the transition nearly seamless.
Action, Drama, and New Faces
As expected from The Witcher, Season 4 delivers in terms of spectacle. The action sequences are bigger and more intense than ever before, with breathtaking sword fights, magical duels, and some genuinely horrifying monsters that continue to elevate the show’s fantasy elements. The stakes feel higher this season, thanks in part to new characters who add depth and excitement to the plot.
Among the new faces is Regis (Laurence Fishburne), a mysterious herbalist who becomes an invaluable ally to Geralt and his crew. There’s also Zoltan (Danny Woodburn), a dwarf with impressive combat skills, who quickly wins fans over. These characters enrich the already expansive world, offering fresh perspectives and new dynamics within the group.
However, not every episode hits the mark. Episode 5, titled The Joy of Cooking, stands out as a filler, lacking the narrative drive that the rest of the season maintains. Yet, this is a minor hiccup in an otherwise solid season that strikes a balance between fast-paced action and character-driven moments.
Looking Ahead: The Final Chapter
Though The Witcher Season 4 is not the final chapter in this epic tale, it sets the stage for a grand conclusion. The season serves as an essential stepping stone for the upcoming fifth and final season, which promises to tie up loose ends and resolve the many arcs that have been unfolding since the first season.
For fans of the series, the arrival of Liam Hemsworth as Geralt has breathed new life into the show. It’s an exciting, action-packed season that doesn’t shy away from deeper emotional beats. As Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri move toward their inevitable destinies, Season 4 proves that The Witcher has plenty of magic left to offer.
The Witcher Season 4 is available now on Netflix.
