How I Think Netflix’s 'The Witcher' Wrecked Its Best Twist — and Why Nothing Will Top It Now
If you’ve read the books, you probably lost half your reason to keep watching.
Let’s be fair — looking back, Season 2 of The Witcher was… not bad. Tighter than the first, less cringe than the third, and for once it felt like an actual adventure. But then the showrunners decided to burn their biggest card way too early.
The Twist They Spilled Too Soon
Final episode, Season 2: the Emperor of Nilfgaard steps into the light, takes off his helmet — and it’s Duny. Yes, the hedgehog guy from Season 1. The man presumed dead. And, oh yeah, Ciri’s father.
In Sapkowski’s books, this revelation comes at the very end of the last novel. For five books, Emhyr is just the ruthless emperor chasing Ciri… until you learn he’s her dad, once planning (and later abandoning) to marry her for a prophecy. It’s the kind of reveal that makes you rethink everything you’ve read.
What’s Gone
In the books, you learn the truth while realizing Ciri never does. They never have that reunion — and that’s what makes it so tragic. The show turns it into soap opera fodder: fathers, daughters, crowns, prophecies.
It Could’ve Been Different
They didn’t need to hide his face forever — just keep the connection secret. Hint, mislead, tease. But, Netflix went for the blunt reveal and cracked one of the saga’s strongest beams.
Maybe they’ll invent a new twist that hits just as hard. Or maybe we’re headed for a generic war to save the world. Either way, the best surprise is gone — and you only get to play it once.
