If there’s only one thing you take away MagicianThe third season premiere, now streaming on Netflix, makes it so: Geralt and Yennefer are one of the hottest couples on television right now.
Of course, no one would blame you for forgetting the fact that it’s been almost 18 months since last season. But now that we’ve long since reunited with those entangled lovers, you have to be willfully oblivious not to ‘send them off with every ounce of your being.
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Although Geralt and Yennefer are physically together as they continue to protect Ciri from those who wish her harm (everyone else), in Season 3 the two are very far apart emotionally. Geralt’s continued distrust of him also prevents him from speaking to Yennefer, leaving her to communicate through a series of letters, each ending with “Your friend, Yennefer”. Heartbreaking!
As the premiere progresses, the two’s icy antics gradually subside, first a long look at their latest hideout, followed by a clothing-optional walk down memory lane. Geralt even wishes Yennefer a happy birthday to some extent! (well, that’s just believes that it is his birthday. But we’re desperate enough to take this as a win for now.)
Unfortunately, the events of that time — which include a fateful encounter with the Siri-tracking Jackpuss, as well as a bloody battle with the Riens and elves in Sherawade — bring Geralt and Yennefer to a crossroads. He believes it is in Ciri’s best interests to bring her to Aretuza, where her magic can grow stronger under Tisaya’s guidance, while Geralt focuses on finding and destroying Riens.
“Just say it’s not goodbye for good,” Yennefer tells Geralt as they prepare to go their separate ways. “There are more nights to come. That you, in some way, would think of me.” At this point, anyone with at least one working eye and beating heart is hoping for a kiss, especially with the music playing out when he replies, “That’s my promise to you.” Sadly, we don’t get any kisses. Instead, we get another letter, this time from Geralt to Yennefer:
“Dear friend, you asked in the bulletin if I left after such a good night because I was scared. Maybe I was. Perhaps this is what has brought me to this moment. Now, for the first time, I understood real fear. Will never see you and Giri again. Much is uncertain on this continent. The threats we’ve seen foreshadow an even more dangerous future. But, Yen, please know that I will learn to trust you again. You, Giri and I, we belong together. Your friend, Geralt.
(Editorial Time: It is moments like these that make me even more worried about the situation to come Henry Cavill / Liam Hemsworth Recast between seasons 3 and 4. When Cavill leaves the show, he’ll be taking with him the Geralt/Yennefer chemistry I spent 450 breathless words writing about.)
What is your biggest achievement? MagicianReturn? And how do you feel about Geralt and Yennefer’s strained relationship? Grade the premiere below, then leave a comment with your full review.
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