Netflix's The Witcher season four review: Liam Hemsworth isn't the biggest problem

The latest season of Netflix's fantasy adaptation of The Witcher is starting to suffer some of the same problems as later seasons of Game of Thrones, the show it's always had an eye on to replicate. However, despite serious fan concern, the biggest issue is not the arrival of Liam Hemsworth . The Australian actor makes his long awaited debut as Geralt of Rivia, replacing the fan favourite Henry Cavill. The Superman actor was a well-documented fan of the books written by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski as well as the video game interpretation by developer CD Projekt Red. Viewers praised his take on the lead character and were less than pleased when he announced his departure following three seasons. Hemsworth admitted he has a huge job to take on the role and his approach is sensible. He does not have the same presence or range to take on a character as complex as Geralt, but he makes a worthwhile attempt at a stand-in for Cavill. So much so, with the many flaws to be found in The Witcher's fourth season, he is not one of them. According to Netflix's synopsis, after the Continent-altering events of season three, Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri find themselves separated by a raging war and countless enemies. As their paths diverge, and their goals sharpen, they stumble on unexpected allies eager to join their journey. While Hemsworth may be sure of what his job is, the show itself still doesn't quite know its own identity. After facing criticism for the many changes it makes from the original books and the theories behind Cavill's exit, it almost begins in apologetic fashion. It acknowledges more than ever its novel origins, even adopting a literary framing device used in the books that the show's writers have largely ignored. Although it's not as impactful or accurate as on the page and is disappointingly discarded aside quickly, only to be picked up again when not needed. This kind of inconsistency dogs the fourth season almost constantly. Just like Game of Thrones' divisive final season, The Witcher season four begins by hurtling through the latter stages of Sapkowski's Witcher saga, largely taking its lead from the penultimate two novels. However it still finds time to halt the main action for nonsensical distractions and dragging of feet. Throw in the unforgivable sin of characters telling us what the show's themes and ideas are when the time to be shown them has flown by. This also sparks a recurrence of an old problem from past seasons, in that it can be extremely difficult to keep up with what's actually going on. Partner this with countless nameless faces dressed in dark clothing and cloaks, along with a bewildering take on how magic is used in this world and a refusal to set out Ciri's abilities or what everyone actually wants her for despite repeating the word 'destiny'. Action set pieces are still a highlight for The Witcher but unfortunately they are not all made equal. The best are naturally saved for the opening episode and the finale. One battle in particular should become a quick favourite among viewers. Not just for its spectacle but it impressively becomes one of the episodes most faithful to the original tale with something extra for flourish of course. It can be done! It does leave an exciting prospect for those who know what is to come based on the final book. But with a show that is so happy to make drastic changes for the sake of it, who knows? The Witcher's fourth season is full of fodder for fans to dissect over in reddit threads - 'Why is everyone appearing from thin air?', 'All these things didn't happen in the book', 'What's happening with the portals?', 'Who is that again?', 'What are the rules with magic in this place?' There will be one final season of The Witcher on Netflix and while it will not be a Stranger Things level event, there is enough for fans to turn up. Dedicated readers will still continue grumbling about what could have been and wonder if Game Of Thrones' worst finale crown will be passed on. The Witcher is streaming on Netflix.