Breakfast in Beauclair

Elsa from France & the UK and Sophia from Australia join Alyssa for our discussion of Netflix's The Witcher Episode 404 "A Sermon of Survival" (Part 2). Very important bits include: whether or not the sorceress plot works, physical strength versus political power, what the show loses without the Lodge's infighting, "Daddy Uncool", and why beautiful male villains still suck.
[0:00] Cold Open
[1:24] Introduction
[2:48] Discussion
[46:46] Outro
[47:42] End Credits

Elsa from France & the UK and Sophia from Australia join Alyssa for our discussion of Netflix's The Witcher Episode 404 "A Sermon of Survival" (Part 1). Very important bits include: villain monologues, Freya Allen's fight sequences, Geralt as everyone else's political symbol, endearingly breasting boobily, "the Gwendolyn Christie of it all", joining a gang instead of having a goth phase, and Radovid's "Sad Little Gay King" Era (affectionate) v. "Bad King Shit" Era (derogatory).
[0:00] Cold Open
[2:34] Introduction
[4:00] Guest Introductions
[10:43] Episode Recap
[12:40] Discussion
[52:25] Outro
[52:40] End Credits

Michelle from the US and Patrick from the US join Alyssa for our discussion of Netflix's The Witcher Episode 403 "Trial by Ordeal". Very important bits include: The witch trial at the refugee camp, Lawrence Fishburne's gravitas as Regis, Beata's cruel fate, the Lodge's formation, teenagers with too much power, Emhyr's horrifying endgame, Leo Bonhart's brutal introduction, villains as heroes of their own stories, and how this episode prepares us for what comes next.
[0:00] Cold Open
[0:42] Introduction
[2:52] Guest Introductions
[9:54] Episode Recap
[11:58] Discussion
[1:07:58] Outro
[1:10:12] End Credits

Danny from the US joins Alyssa for our discussion of Netflix's The Witcher Episode 402 "Dream of a Wish Fulfilled". Very important bits include: Changes in Hollywood and tech; the wraith fight; special effects from particle simulations to contortionists; seeing signs and magic on screen; the Rats' heist sequences; Ciri and Geralt's needs; Emhyr's (gross) goals; Vilgefortz's illusions; Philippa's network; and Laurence Fishburne's debut as Regis.
[0:00] Cold Open
[1:05] Introduction
[2:45] Guest Introductions
[9:53] Episode Recap
[12:11] Discussion
[1:09:25] Outro
[1:10:50] End Credits

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."
[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