Netflix's "The Witcher" has returned for its fourth and penultimate season, a pivotal installment that sees Liam Hemsworth stepping into the iconic role of Geralt of Rivia, previously portrayed by Henry Cavill. Cavill's departure after Season 3, announced in 2022 simultaneously with Hemsworth taking over, marked a significant change that fans had been bracing for. Season 4, adapted from Andrzej Sapkowski's popular book series and helmed by Lauren Schmidt Hissrich, offers a much sharper and less convoluted narrative compared to its predecessor, serving as a vital reset for the sprawling fantasy epic.

The season opens a century in the future of the show's chronology, with an old man recounting the legend of Geralt of Rivia, the Butcher of Blaviken, to eager children. This framing device cleverly recaps the first three seasons, grounding the audience in the current timeline. The primary trio—Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri—are separated and facing distinct challenges. Geralt, severely injured by the evil mage Vilgefortz, embarks on a quest to find Ciri, accompanied by his loyal friend Jaskier the bard and the legendary archer Milva. During this perilous journey, he forms alliances with characters familiar to book lovers, known as the Hanza. One notable new ally is Regis (Laurence Fishburne), a mysterious barber-surgeon who aids Geralt's group and bides his time before revealing his true nature, sharing a mutual respect with Geralt despite their hidden truths. The fan-favorite dwarf Zoltan (Danny Woodburn) also joins the expansive cast.

On the war-torn Continent, Yennefer (Anya Chalotra) assumes a leadership role in the wake of Tissaia's demise, rallying fellow mages such as Philippa (Cassie Clare), Francesca (Mecia Simson), Fringilla (Mimî M. Khayisa), Triss (Anna Shaffer), and Sabrina (Therica Wilson-Read). She leads them to Aretuza, determined to craft plans to counter the increasingly powerful Vilgefortz. The discovery that Vilgefortz and his loyalists have found a way to control portals adds urgency to their mission, pushing Yennefer to lean on old friends like Geralt's mentor Vesemir (Peter Mullan) for support.

Meanwhile, Ciri (Freya Allan), now in her twenties, is grappling with her powerful Elder blood and Nilfgaard lineage, which have made her a coveted commodity. Seeking refuge from her past and destiny, she sheds her identity and powers, renaming herself Falka and joining a ragtag band of thieves known as the Rats. This new journey tests her morals and pushes her to explore a darker side, particularly through her connection with Mistle (Christelle Elwin). Ciri’s storyline emphasizes her struggle to define herself outside the shadows of Geralt and Yennefer, ultimately realizing that destiny is inescapable.

Liam Hemsworth's performance as Geralt is largely a seamless transition, particularly as the season progresses. While his voice differs from Cavill's, the show's straightforward structure, which allows for separate focus on Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri, facilitates this change. Hemsworth’s portrayal captures an emotionally evolving Geralt, more attuned to his feelings and accepting of fatherhood, reflecting the character's journey at this point in the story. The season features gorgeously shot action sequences, replete with magic, swordplay, beheadings, and an array of monsters, enhancing the robust universe.

Season 4 also introduces new villains, notably the bounty hunter and former soldier Leo Bonhart (Sharlto Copley), whose unnerving precision and penchant for hunting witchers establish him as a major lurking threat for the upcoming final season. An imposter Ciri (Frances Pooley), brainwashed by Vilgefortz, is also revealed to be in Nilfgaard, unbeknownst to both Emhyr and Geralt, setting up future betrayals. Despite one filler episode, "The Joy of Cooking," the season is well-paced, tonally consistent, and offers ample screen time to the leading trio, weaving the immense fable in an accessible and engaging manner. "The Witcher" Season 4 effectively reclaims its magic and serves as an essential building block for what promises to be a devastating fifth and final season. "The Witcher" Season 4 is currently available to stream on Netflix.