The Witcher Season 3 Knows That Jaskier Is The Show's Not-So-Secret MVP - SlashFilm (2024)

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The Witcher Season 3 Knows That Jaskier Is The Show's Not-So-Secret MVP

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The Witcher Season 3 Knows That Jaskier Is The Show's Not-So-Secret MVP - SlashFilm (4)

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ByValerie Ettenhofer/

This post contains spoilers for "The Witcher" season 3, volume 1.

Season 3 of "The Witcher," the first half of which just dropped on Netflix, is a vast improvement over its predecessor for a key reason. While the fantasy series' second season got darker and more serialized than its first, streamlined the show's initially confusing timelines, and introduced a whole new host of shady characters, none of its changes felt as major as its decision to split up its crew for nearly half the season. For the first few episodes of season 2, Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra) is thought to be dead, leaving Geralt (Henry Cavill) to train alongside his new ward, Ciri (Freya Allan), without her.

Another season 2 absence was even more glaring: Jaskier (Joey Batey) — the traveling bard whose musical and comedic talents make "The Witcher" a much less self-serious show than it otherwise would be— was nowhere to be found for nearly four episodes. This may have been in keeping with "The Witcher" novels, but for casual fans of the series like myself, the lack of Jaskier was detrimental to the tone of the season. Luckily, the latest batch of "The Witcher" episodes learned from past mistakes: Jaskier isn't only back in action, but a key part of season 3's ongoing plot.

Jaskier brings some levity the show desperately needs

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Netflix

Jaskier makes as dramatic an entrance as ever in the season 3 premiere, being tossed out of the house of his on-and-off love Vespula (Beau Holland), a character video game fans will no doubt recognize. Vespula is furious at the lothario for his latest affair, but he's quickly sidetracked from her wrath by the sudden appearance of sorceress spy Philippa (Cassie Clare). "When will magic, sexy women just stop jumping out at me?!" he laments. Hopefully never, because the character's frank sense of humor and complete lack of humility are the perfect counterbalance to Geralt's perpetual scowl and Yen's guarded attitude.

Season 3 finds a great companion for Jaskier, not in his new paramour Prince Radovid (Hugh Skinner)— more on him in a minute— but in young Ciri (Freya Allan) herself. As Jaskier ends up tasked with protecting Ciri, the pair fall into an easy, playful dynamic, cracking jokes about the more melodramatic members of their little found family when they witness Yen and Geralt in an argument-turned-embrace. Jaskier and Ciri have met before, but it was when there was very little time for fun and games, so seeing the two together in season 3 is delightful. Plus, Ciri is clearly in a rebellious phase, and as the girl whose future is tangled with the fate of the world comes to see Geralt and Yen as parents of sorts, Jaskier's fun uncle vibe seems like a healthy, grounding force for her.

Part-time ally turned full-time hero

The Witcher Season 3 Knows That Jaskier Is The Show's Not-So-Secret MVP - SlashFilm (6)

Susie Allnut/Netflix

The singer gets mixed up in more than one major storyline this season, as he also finds himself drawn to the newcomer Prince Radovid, whose allegiance doesn't seem to lie with either his brother king or the mystical spies who aim to undermine his rule. At the mid-season mark, I'm still uncertain whether Radovid is worth trusting, but the show's attempt at embracing a genuine love story for Jaskier is admirable, and the two share some fun, sweet scenes. Joey Batey's comedic timing and vocal talents are two of the show's best qualities, and no matter the circumstance, he brings a brightness to the cast that stops the series from looking and feeling like so many other generic, grim fantasy series that have come before it.

As late as Jaskier's return came in season 2, his reappearance felt like an appropriately triumphant moment, and it's great to see that the show's writers now seem acutely aware that the character works best as a full-time hero, not a part-time ally. Whether he's barely disguising his disdain for a rival singer, surviving getting shot in the lute, or fumbling his way through an awkward flirtation with Radovid, Jaskier is a supporting character with main character energy, played with pitch-perfect ridiculousness and charm by Batey. He's an MVP of every season, and it's great that season 3 actually gives him space to shine.

"The Witcher" season 3 volume 1 is now on Netflix. Volume 2 will hit the streamer on July 27, 2023.

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The Witcher Season 3 Knows That Jaskier Is The Show's Not-So-Secret MVP - SlashFilm (2024)

FAQs

Is Jaskier a traitor in season 3? ›

Yet he refuses to help them get her through their methods, instead offering to talk to Geralt. He wants what's best for Ciri but is unwilling to hurt his friend. Despite their many ups and downs, Jaskier remains loyal to Geralt, showing him to be genuinely good.

Who does Jaskier fall in love with? ›

In Season 3 of The Witcher, Jaskier and Radovid fall in love with each other. Unfortunately, as a loyal servant of Redania's throne, Radovid betrays Jaskier's trust and tries to kidnap Ciri (Freya Allan). The bard is heartbroken and decides to end their romance.

Who is Jaskier's boyfriend? ›

In the new season, Jaskier has a flirtatious relationship with Radovid V (Hugh Skinner), the prince of the Kingdom of Redania, who are enemies of Jaskier and his friends. By episode four, the two finally give in to their feelings and share a kiss.

Why is The Witcher season 3 confusing? ›

The Witcher season 3 leaves a lot of questions unanswered, including how long it's been since the show started. That question is further complicated by the disjointed nature of The Witcher season 1's timeline, which spans nearly six decades. Fortunately, the books provide some clarity.

How do jaskiers live so long? ›

While Geralt and Yennefer both have reasons for their enduring youth -- those being witcher mutations and magic, respectively -- Jaskier is simply a human, which led to confusion among viewers. Showrunner Lauren S.

Does Jaskier sleep with the prince? ›

No, Jaskier doesn't finally get with Geralt, but he does land himself a prince. Jaskier's crush on — and subsequent hook up with — Prince Radovid of Redania (Hugh Skinner) might have the makings of a doomed romance, but right now we're just enjoying the ride.

Who is Geralt's one true love? ›

Geralt's True Love Is Yennefer In The Witcher 3.

Why was Jaskier's name changed? ›

Dandelion's original Polish name, "Jaskier", literally means "Buttercup", but was changed in the English translation because "Buttercup" sounded too feminine in English. In the Czech translation of the books and the game, Dandelion's name is "Marigold" and Triss Merigold is called "Triss Ranuncul".

Who is the canon love interest in Witcher 3? ›

Lauren A, Guides Editor: As an aside: CDPR confirmed that Yen is the canon option, and she isn't a backstabbing cow who stole her friend's man because he lost his memory, so there. There is a further option to sleep with Yennefer during the 'No Place Like Home' quest in Kaer Morhen.

Why does Geralt look fat in Witcher 3? ›

Geralt loses weight if you eat less. He also gains a gut if you consume too much alcohol. I also noticed after sex scenes his beard grows considerably.

Why did Anna miscarry Witcher 3? ›

Anna had turned to the ghastly sisters because she did not wish to give birth to the baron's child. The Crones granted her wish in their own, twisted way: with a curse which made the fetus inside her wither on the vine, taking Anna's life energy with it.

Why did Henry Cavill leave The Witcher? ›

A report from Deadline in October 2022 claimed that Cavill had a short-term deal for The Witcher and had decided to move on. The report noted the show's overseas filming and demanding production schedule as potential culprits behind his departure.

Who is the traitor in Witcher season 3? ›

Their main suspect had been the mage Stregobor (Lars Mikkelsen) — with his vocal anti-elf views, they're certain he's not only responsible for missing Aretuza apprentices, but has also been spying for Nilfgaard. But, as they find out, the real villain is actually Vilgefortz of Roggeveen (Mahesh Jadu).

Why did Jaskier betray Geralt? ›

Netflix's The Witcher season 2 ending teased Jaskier would find himself forcibly brought before Dijkstra and made to repay that favor in season 3, with betraying Geralt and Ciri the most likely compensation demanded.

Why did Jaskier go to jail? ›

When Jaskier finally caught up to Yennefer, he discovered that she'd been taken prisoner. However, as they were about to take her away, she muttered an incantation and disappeared. Unfortunately for Jaskier, he was caught peeping and thrown in jail.

Is Radovid evil in Witcher season 3? ›

Radovid V, also known as The Stern, is a major antagonist in The Witcher franchise, appearing as a major antagonist in the videogame series, serving as a major character in the videogames The Witcher and The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings and a major antagonist in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

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