Most of us have likely merrily binged our way through the first season of Netflix's massively popular fantasy show The Witcher by now. In celebration of this, writer and showrunner Lauren S. Hissrich recently headed to Twitter to share the intriguing alternate ending to the finale - one that was ultimately left on the cutting room floor.
Obviously, getting into this will involve discussion of the first season's finale. If you're the kind of person that likes to take it nice and slow with their Netflix viewings and have yet to finish the show, I would advise against you reading on to avoid some pretty major spoilers. Understood? Wonderful, we'll be diving into full spoiler territory below the picture of bathtub Geralt. Proceed at your own peril.
Okay, let's start with a recap of the ending that we actually got. The first series ends with Geralt finally catching up to Ciri in a forest outside of Sodden. As Geralt finally understands the prophecy that "people linked by destiny will always find each other," Ciri approaches the monster hunter with an embrace and one important question: "Who is Yennefer?"
Advert
Short and sweet, followed by a fade to black to end the series. However, the version that was written (and filmed before being cut) is actually much more dialogue heavy. It involves a little more emotion and depth from everyone involved as Geralt realises he will "never abandon" Ciri, and kindly tells her that she is much more than his destiny.
It's an interesting take, but as Hissrich herself says, it didn't really feel earned. In this instance, I personally think the less-is-more approach worked in the show's favour. You can check out the full scene, as shared by Hissrich, below.
The showrunner goes on to note that of all the doubts she had about the first series of The Witcher, it's this scene that causes her the most turmoil. Apparently she still sits up some nights wondering whether or not they should have cut the scene in question... but she reasons that's what's done is done. Onwards and upwards for season two, eh?
Topics: The Witcher
