Heroes Amongst Chaos: The 5 MVPs Of 'The Witcher' Season 3

The full third season of The Witcher, based on the novels and video game series of the same name, is now streaming on Netflix. Already arriving under a slight shadow as the final season to feature Henry Cavill in the lead role of Geralt of Rivia, season three has received mixed reviews, particularly from fans of the lore-heavy novels, frowning upon the season's simplified storyline, and seemingly smaller world. Unlike The Witcher's first two seasons, the bulk of season three's plot takes place across only a few major locations.

However, the reduction in scale allows certain characters in the series a chance to really shine. Here are some of the most valuable players in The Witcher season three.

1. Triss Merigold

Despite being a fan favourite in all incarnations of The Witcher franchise, the TV series has not been all that kind to Triss Merigold. In season one, she suffers permanent scarring after suffering serious burns during the Battle of Sodden, while season two sees Triss face a struggle between her affection for Ciri, and the knowledge of how dangerous her Elder Blood could be should it fall into the wrong hands.

Season three has seen Triss take centre stage, as she investigates the disappearance of several Novice mages from Aretuza. She also performs a number of notable heroic acts during the season, such as rescuing Yennefer from Lydia during Dijkstra and Phillipa's coup, and finding and delivering the injured Geralt to safety after his battle with Vilgefortz.

After the grim discovery of the missing novices' bodies, Triss fights to ensure they receive a proper burial. This sets her up in a potentially important role moving forward, as a moral compass for the survivors of Aretuza.

2. Istredd

Unlike Triss, Istredd is not a terribly popular character, particularly among fans of the TV series. There are a few reasons for this, most notably his selfish attempt to keep Yennefer to himself by making her miss the original time for her magical makeover in season one, or aggravating Geralt in season two. He did, however, make himself useful as an expert on Monoliths.

In season three, Istredd steps up in a big way, first helping Triss investigate the missing Novices, and later setting aside his past issues with Geralt to help he and Yen retrieve the Book of Monoliths, with which they mistakenly believe Stregobor plans to use to banish the part-elvish Novices. During the Battle of Aretuza, Istredd makes a valiant attempt to find the Book of Monoliths, only to find himself banished to parts unknown by Vilgefortz. Despite previously not liking him that much, many fans are now hoping Istredd's fate is discovered so he can be rescued in season four.

3. Stregobor

Neither fans, or most of The Witcher's other characters, like Stregobor all that much. We are not supposed to like him. Geralt doesn't like him because of his engineering the events that led to the death of Renfri and Geralt's being dubbed Butcher of Blaviken, and Yennefer understandably dislikes him for his blatant racism towards her and anyone else with even a drop of elven blood. These qualities made it very easy for Vilgefortz to set him up as a decoy villain.

Despite Stregobor's many unpleasant qualities, he manages to be one of the greatest heroes of the Battle of Aretuza, using Fire magic to hold off the Elven army long enough for Yennefer, Triss, and the other surviving Mages to escape. Does this change the fact that Stregobor was not a great guy? No, but it was pretty darn cool.

4. Jaskier

Jaskier, the lovable bard, has been a fan favourite throughout The Witcher's entire run, and that continues into season three. Despite being caught up as a reluctant informant for Phillipa early in the season, and briefly toying with the idea that the Kingdom of Rodania may actually be the best place for Ciri, never once does he actually come close to giving up her location.

Also, despite still referring to himself as a coward, Jaskier shows great bravery and character growth a few times in season three. More than once, he runs towards danger instead of away, searching for Geralt, Yen, and Ciri, in the ruins of Aretuza, and risking death by approaching the Druid archers guarding Brokilon so he can be with the gravely injured Geralt. We can't wait to see what comes next for him in season four.

5. Geralt of Rivia

Many fans have expressed disappointment in season three as a lacklustre end to Henry Cavill's tenure as the titular Witcher, Geralt of Rivia, with some believing he deserved a more thrilling 'ending'. The problem with this line of thinking is that while Cavill's time on the show is ending, the show itself, and the character of Geralt of Rivia are set to go on. Cavill could not be given a grand 'goodbye' scene, because the character is not saying goodbye. Liam Hemsworth's Geralt has to slip in to his role in the story as seemlessly as possible next season.

Despite fans disappointment, Cavill's Geralt still got to do everything a Witcher is supposed to do during his final season. He fought monsters, successfully rescued Ciri from both the Wild Hunt and later Rience, both just in the nick of time. And, although he was defeated by Vilgefortz, his efforts still gave Ciri the time she needed to escape.

One thing is for sure.. Liam Hemsworth has some big Witcher-y boots to fill.