Ep. 122 — 401 'What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger' from Netflix's The Witcher
Elaine from the US and Marie from Germany join Alyssa for our discussion of Netflix’s The Witcher Episode 401 “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger". Very important bits include: Liam Hemsworth’s Geralt debut; American history; “focusing on your immediate circle”; whether the Rats are freedom, danger, or both; Yennefer’s grief; Vilgefortz’s reach; Geralt’s code; and Ciri’s symbolic baptism and rebirth as Falka. Plus, Joey Batey being “always a little confused in a way that serves his character.”
This episode is available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.
In this Episode
[0:00] Cold Open
[1:01] Introduction
[2:26] Guest Introductions
[12:52] Episode Recap
[14:41] Discussion
[57:01] Outro
[57:29] End Credits
Relevant Links
Transcript
Cold Open
Transcript to come.
[Breakfast in Beauclair theme music by Alex Berner]
Introduction
ALYSSA: Welcome to Breakfast in Beauclair, a global Witcher Podcast. My name is Alyssa from GoodMorhen, and I’ll be your host as you, I, and our international hanza accompany Geralt of Rivia and his destiny, Cirilla of Cintra, across the Continent.
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[Episode Details]
As for this episode, Elaine from the US and Marie from Germany call in for Netflix’s The Witcher Episode 401 “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger" Join us as we discuss Liam Hemsworth’s Geralt debut; American history; “focusing on your immediate circle”; whether the Rats are freedom, danger, or both; Yennefer’s grief; Vilgefortz’s reach; Geralt’s code; and Ciri’s symbolic baptism and rebirth as Falka. Plus, Joey Batey being “always a little confused in a way that serves his character.”
Without further ado, let’s get to our discussion of Netflix’s The Witcher Episode 401 “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger".
Discussion
[Breakfast in Beauclair stinger by Alex Berner]
Transcript to come.
ALYSSA (VOICEOVER):
In the future, a wandering storyteller named Stribog shares the legend of the Witcher and the Witcher girl with a group of children. One of them, Nimue, already knows Jaskier's Half a Century of Poetry by heart and believes she is part of Ciri's story.
In the present, Geralt travels through war-ravaged lands with Jaskier and Milva. They find dead havekars and, among them, Cahir, bound and gagged. Geralt leaves the Nilfgaardian to his fate. Elsewhere, Ciri falls in with the Rats under the name Falka. At a barn dance, she begins to understand the life and freedoms they're offering her.
Emperor Emhyr receives intelligence from Stefan Skellan about the Northern Kingdoms, including news of Radovid's grief over Jaskier. When a soldier arrives with word that Geralt intends to kill the Emperor, Teryn, the false Ciri, has him executed.
On the road, Geralt's company encounters Zoltan Chivay and his band of refugees. Zoltan offers Geralt a philosophy of survival: focus your good efforts on those closest to you.
Yennefer hunts Vilgefortz throughout the north. His acolytes incite a mob against the sorceresses. Yennefer captures one and tortures her for answers, glimpsing monoliths and a dark pool before Vilgefortz speaks through the novice himself, killing her. Yennefer proposes building an army of their own to challenge him.
After the dance, Kayleigh tries to proposition Ciri. Mistle intervenes, but seduces Ciri herself. In the morning, Ciri chooses the Rats and leaves her old life behind.
The episode closes at a pox-ravaged farmhouse where Geralt kills a band of marauders to protect a woman who runs from him in fear. Cahir reveals himself, killing the last man, then flees once more.
Outro & Credits
[Breakfast in Beauclair theme music by Alex Berner]
ALYSSA: Thanks for joining us at the breakfast table! For show notes, transcripts of each episode, and a complete list of our social platforms and listening services, head over to breakfastinbeauclair.com.
Breakfast in Beauclair is created by Alyssa from GoodMorhen. It’s hosted by Alyssa. The show is edited by Alyssa and Caleb Buys with music by Alex Berner.
Breakfast in Beauclair is produced by Alyssa in New York City with Jacob B., Charlotte from Vengerberg Glamarye, The Original Roach, Libby, John of Ryblia, Tom from Australia, Jill Cate, The Tabby Witch, Olle from Sweden, James Carson III, Miriam of Temeria, Softie, Lisa C., and Sydna.
Special thanks to Elaine and Marie for joining us for this episode and our international hanza for their support.
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Editor: