Mark Bensinger

Read the books, played the game some, watched season 1 of Witcher. Season 1 has clearly been a fledgling season. Everyone “finding their feet.” Loving it, so many good things, but still feels under budget and the production/direction feels lacking. Having read the books I am trying hard to see how the story arch’s will weave their way out. I have noticed that many of the Netflix and Prime produced series have seemingly attempted to save money and screen time cost by eliminating concurrent storylines that add depth, interest, and girth to the overall story. Using GOT as an example, HBO spent the money to shoot 8-10 strands to weave the story together with very well thought out, WAY AHEAD OF TIME, so story arcs don’t feel forced. On the opposite end of the spectrum WATCH ANYTHING HALLMARK CHANNEL HAS EVER MADE. Single story line, hyper predictable, boring and low interest. Prime and Netflix spend less money on their programs by using less cast, less location, less story line, simpler writing, and less planning. So they are cheaper, and consequently not as good. If Netflix wants this to become an epic series they need to step up. Acting is solid, action is good for season 1, and swordplay / fight scenes are above expectations, but book to screen translation of ideas and events feel forced at times, and misunderstood by the director. Is it a MUST SEE? Because I am a huge fan I will say yes, but step it up. GOT set the bar for this genera in this decade recognizing what it costs to make an epic series. Accept the fact that this is going to be expensive and there is no other way to do it well otherwise. You’re not creating Masterpiece Theatre here, open your wallet.