I desperately want to like this show and this episode in particular, as the Striga story is probably my favourite out of the first book. And I did, I enjoyed it. But..
I don't mind the writers changing things, I really don't. Here however, it takes away too much of what makes the story great. The intrigue and emotions that come into play with Foltest are completely cut, making Foltest a totally un-interesting character. That also causes a very important side of Geralt to get way less time on screen, making the viewer miss out on a lot of why we, as readers of the books, love him. I had the exact same complaint during the first episode and I really hope this doesn't become a theme.
I also have to say that the fight with the Striga was slightly disappointing too. It turned more into a shove and push battle than the almost dancing conflict and the epicness that is described in the book. I also really don't like that they skipped the, dare I say, famous preperation scene in this story. I'm starting to get a little scared that they've skipped the more 'up close and personal' side of Geralt and made him more of an action figure.
I like Yen's backstory, but if it comes at the cost of the valuable screen-time that is simply needed to portray these short stories in a manner that respects their depth, it feels like a bit of a waste. Seeing the, what is supposed to be epic fight against the Striga compilated with Yen's transformation did not do it justice, I have to say. It feels rushed and that's a shame.
I can't give it a low grade, as I'd be lying. I did enjoy myself, but I don't want what I've described here to become a theme. Cutting the what I consider to be very important 'slower' scenes and, at least in my eyes, rushing some of the stories that provide the foundation on which characters - Geralt in particular - are built, is an incredible waste.
Still enjoying it, but I'm starting to see some cracks. Let's hope, as I've said, it doesn't become a theme.
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