Ep 4. Of Banquets, Bastards and Burials

Tensions run high in episode 4 of The Witcher season 1, entitled "Of Banquets, Bastards and Burials." The episode opens with Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill) and Princess Renfri (Emma Appleton) still at odds over what must be done to defeat the evil mage, Stregobor. Meanwhile, Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra) is finally given an opportunity to escape her drab life and earn a place at the prestigious Aretuza academy.

The bulk of the episode centers around a banquet and subsequent funeral, both held at Cintra castle. In the wake of King Foltest's assassination, Queen Calanthe (Jodhi May) must strengthen alliances with neighboring kingdoms. She hosts a grand feast to welcome visiting rulers, including the rough and tumble Skellige Chieftainess, Eist Tuirseach (Bjorn Hlynur Haraldsson). Yennefer also makes an appearance, utilizing her newly acquired sorcery powers to secure her position in court.

But the celebration is short-lived when emergency bells ring, and Cintra's inhabitants are forced to scramble into hiding. An unknown entity has invaded the castle, leaving death and destruction in its wake. The Witcher, tasked with protecting the queen and her granddaughter, Princess Ciri (Freya Allan), must fight his way through the chaos to escort them to safety.

Throughout the episode, viewers are also treated to flashback sequences that shed light on Geralt's early years. We see his grueling training regimen as a young boy, as well as his eventual transformation into the monster hunter we now know him as. These flashbacks serve to deepen our understanding of Geralt's character and motivations, as well as provide a window into the show's rich, complex history.

"Of Banquets, Bastards and Burials" is a pivotal episode in the early part of The Witcher's first season. It showcases the show's impressive world-building and character development, while also delivering plenty of action and intrigue. As the story continues to unfold, it becomes clear that few in this world can be trusted, and even fewer are truly good at heart. But Geralt, with his gruff exterior and unwavering sense of honor, remains a beacon of hope in an otherwise dark and unforgiving landscape.