The Invitation – The episode opens amid Cahir (Eamon Farren)’s nightmare. Emhyr (Bart Edwards) welcomes him back before handing him an envelope with his next mission. Looking at it, Chair warns it will not be easy to target Francesca (Mecia Simson). He suggests employing Fringilla (Mimi M. Khayisa). Reminding him of his earlier claim of “knowing a good leader,” Cahir asks if he is positive it is the right move. Emhyr guarantees a successful mission will give them the power to overthrow the North and his daughter will be with him.

Yennefer (Anya Chalotra) informs Stregobor (Lars Mikkelsen) of her plan to build a Northern alliance against Nilfgaard. He warns of further division if the alliance is headed by a traitor (her). She stresses the importance of creating a stronghold between Kaedwen, Verden, Lyria, Redania, Aedirn, and Temeria. Artorius (Terence Maynard) reminds her that Redania cares nothing of outside interests when making decisions. She says Redania’s army is more powerful than any other in the North. Tissaia (MyAnna Buring) offers Yennefer her full support. Yennefer emphasizes how vital it is that they all agree with the Brotherhood. All members of the Council support her agenda.

Ciri (Freya Allan) claims a Specter grabbed her shoulder. Gerald of Rivia (Henry Cavill) tells her that a theory is monoliths are “conduits to other spheres.” He says her power is essential in opening the conduits. She tells him that a conduit to Aretuza needs to be opened. She questions the safety of the portals. He assures her that it is the best option. He encourages her to embrace her power.

Yennefer comments on Tissaia’s bracelet from Vilgefortz (Mahesh Jadu). Triss (Anna Shaffer) tells Tissaia that the novice, Elizabeth is gone. Tissaia says they were relocated to Loxia for the concave. Triss voices concern about blood in Elizabeth’s room. Tissaia suggests finding novices that are as clumsy. Holding a ledger with names of novices, Triss tells Istredd (Royce Pierreson) that she is tracking half-elven novices that may have been abducted. He claims the Scoiatael aimed at helping the elven people violently abused them. He points out that the “Book of Monoliths” explains how to portal between spheres. He suggests it could help protect the elven people from being mistreated. He questions if the abductor will utilize the book to expect the novices.

Jaskier (Joey Batey) informs Geralt that the ferryman refuses to cross because a monster inhabits the water. Geralt suggests traveling around the gulf. Jaskier says it would mean two extra days of travel. Geralt asks the ferryman if he would accept their killing of the monster as payment for their passage. Accepting the offer, Obin (Oengus MacNamara) claims the monster was above a tower on Thanedd. Ciri asks what it represents. He says, “An omen for war.” Valdo Marx (Nathan Armakwel Laryea) receives a half-priced passage for himself and his people.

Vilgefortz (Mahesh Jadu) tells Yennefer that the Council ensures her safety to and from Redania via a secure portal. He scolds her for leaving messes behind for Tissaia to clean up. He assures her that he will not let her hurt Tissaia again. She compliments the person Tissaia has become in his presence.

Aplegatt (Jim Sturgeon) tells Dijkstra (Graham McTavish) that he will reach the commander of the Navy in 72 hours. Dijkstra orders him to do it within 48 hours as there is a great threat to the continent. Philippa Eilhart (Cassie Clare) demands definitive answers before accusing anyone. He points out that the flood of sympathy for the queen has strengthened their position. He claims King Demavend extended an alliance proposal.

King Vizimir (Ed Birch) describes Queen Hedwig as a “stern and distant figure.” Philippa tells Yennefer that she expected Tissaia to dispatch a liaison for the ball. Yennefer asks if she knows about the Conclave of Mages. Dijkstra reminds her of their Redanian Intelligence. Yennefer points out that they are at odds with the Brotherhood. Philippa asks if she is close to finding Rience (Sam Woolf). Vizimir calls for revenge against the Nilfgaardian. He orders everyone to prepare for battle. Yennefer expresses her condolences for Queen Hedwig’s death. She informs Vizimir of her inviting Philippa to the conclave as an honored guest. Going against Dijkstra, Vizimir says it is imperative for Philippa, Prince Radovid (Hugh Skinner), and Dijkstra to be in attendance.

Ciri proposes aborting their trip to Aretuza to search for Rience. He warns it is much bigger than Rience. Valdo Marx and his people sing to wake up the aeschna. Emerging from the water, a tentacle grabs a man and drops him to the ground. The passengers flee to safety while Geralt and Ciri take on the monster. Jumping from the ferry wheel, she lands on top of the monster as her sword pierces its head. The monster collapses on the floor. He expresses his pride in her.

Yennefer enters a portal to exit on the edge of a cliff. Regaining her balance, she turns to see Geralt who warns there is little time, they need to find Ciri. She says Ciri was supposed to be with him when he tries to attack her with a dagger. The altercation quickly comes to an end after he disappears. When she opens another portal, he emerges and approaches her. He disappears as another portal opens for her to return to her room. She informs Sabrina (Therica Wilson-Read) and Triss about the corrupted portal. Sabrina declares her claim “nonsense.” She claims to have been attacked near a black sea. Discouraging her from speaking with Tissaia, Triss warns that something sinister is occurring. Yennefer admits her power was more dangerous when she was feeling hopeless. She promises to never allow Ciri to become desperate.

Geralt tells Ciri that the castle housed women who were part of a terrible experiment. He explains how their bodies disintegrated. He says they planted her memories in the only survivor’s, Teryn, brain. She stresses the importance of preventing more women from being victimized. She suggests going to Aretuza to find the responsible party.

Gregor (David Matthews) and Fringilla Vigo (Mimi Ndiweni) party at a local pub. She overhears Coen (Yasen Atour) telling Codringher (Simon Callow) about missing boats.

Ciri and Yennefer apologize to each other for their actions. After a game of cards, Ciri falls asleep. Jaskier checks his cabin to find Prince Radovid (High Skinner) standing in the dark. Radovid claims Dijkstra and Philippa sent him to get information from him. Jaskier asks what about him. Radovid admits his meeting him is the only good to come out of this mess. He assures him that he is safe with him before admitting to being scared. He plays a tune when Jaskier kisses him.

Cahir offers Francesco (Mecia Simson) supplies in exchange for her “compliance.” Filavandrel (Tom Canton) asks where is Gallatin (Robbie Amell). Cahir claims Gallatin tried to overthrow Emhyr. Dara (Wilson Mbomio) calls him a “liar” in Gallatin’s defense. Cahir says Emhyr wants them to help find Ciri. Dara warns he is untrustworthy. Francesca agrees to accept Emhyr’s offer for the “White Flame.”

A messenger announces that Dijkstra orders reinforcements to join the King’s Navy of Redania at Aretuza at dawn. An arrow disintegrates the messenger’s body.

Triss informs Istredd of Yennefer being attacked in a portal. She claims to have detected stellacite on Yennefer. While casting a “locator spell,” they see something disturbing.

Yennefer suggests Stregobor is carrying out experiments on the novices. Geralt threatens to kill him. She warns against making the first move without evidence. She says if Stregobor is guilty, he betrayed the Brotherhood. She tries to convince him to let things play out at the conclave.

Geralt and Yennefer prepare to join the ball as the episode ends.

 

The Witcher Review

A disappointing episode, with little to nothing added to the story. Those involved have no clue about the importance of sticking as close to “The Witcher” novels as possible.

Repetitive, boring, irrelevant, and clueless. The series should have already ended. Even if there are 10 seasons, the ending will never be fulfilling. Too much filler and nonsense to truly enjoy.

The episode deserves a 5. Get more The Witcher recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by clicking the link. Our onsite advertising reaches the American, British, Australian, Canadian, and French markets, and more.