Ep. 90 — 305 "The Art of Illusion" from Netflix's The Witcher
Michelle from the US and Oleg from the US join Alyssa for our discussion of Netflix’s The Witcher Episode 305 “The Art of Illusion". Very important bits include: the efficacy of non-linear storytelling, the morality of neutrality, the character’s and audience’s big red herring, and our thoughts on the mid-season finale.
This episode is available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.
In this Episode
[0:00] Cold Open
[1:25] Introduction
[3:16] Guest Introductions
[11:12] Episode Recap
[14:29] Overall Thoughts
[21:03] Easter Eggs
[25:54] Non-Linear Storytelling
[29:47] Valdo Marx
[32:06] Geralt v. Istredd & “Things To Do”
[42:26] Geralt’s Neutrality
[51:57] Stregobor, the Red Herring, and Vilgefortz
[1:02:00] Mid-Season Finale
[1:06:03] Dream Thanedd Outfits
[1:11:14] Outro
[1:14:50] End Credits
Relevant Links
Transcript
Cold Open
ALYSSA (VOICEOVER): This discussion of Netflix’s The Witcher Season 3 was recorded in July 2023 prior to the Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strikes.
[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.
[Announcements]
I was on a recent episode of The Newest Olympian! Listen to Ep. 133 | The Lost Hero Ch. 15–16.
Peculiar Radio is officially an award-winning show! We took home the top prize of the 2024 Audio Critics’ Choice Award at the Atlanta Fringe Festival in addition to Best Sound and Musical Effects, Best Writing, and Best Mixing! You can binge Season 1 of Peculiar Radio right after this episode :)
[Patron Announcements]
This episode we welcome Lisa C. to the hanza, who joins our producer-level patrons on Patreon: Katie (The Redhead of Toussaint), 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, and Softie. If you’d to learn more about supporting Breakfast in Beauclair, visit patreon.com/breakfastinbeauclair.
[Episode Details]
As for this episode, Michelle from the US and Oleg from the US call in for Netflix’s The Witcher Episode 305 “The Art of Illusion". Join us as we discuss the efficacy of non-linear storytelling, the morality of neutrality, the character’s and audience’s big red herring, and our thoughts on the mid-season finale.
Michelle and I actually did get to meet for the first time in person in November 2023 while she was in the New York metropolitan area, with Kyle from the US,
Without further ado, let’s get to our discussion of Netflix’s The Witcher Episode 305 “The Art of Illusion".
Discussion
[Breakfast in Beauclair stinger by Alex Berner]
Transcript to come.
ALYSSA (VOICEOVER): In Episode 305 "The Art of Illusion", Yennefer and Geralt return to their shared room after the opening ball of the mage’s conclave. Throughout the episode, we move between the past, at the ball, and the present, in their room.
When Geralt and Yennefer arrive at the ball, Yennefer sets the scene for him. Sabrina tries to seduce Geralt using telepathy. As Yennefer approaches Tissaia and Vilegortz, Dijkstra interrupts Geralt and Philippa to speak with the witcher privately. He tries to build a case for turning Ciri over to Redania. Seemingly angered by Dijkstra, Geralt leaves. Vilgefortz and Geralt witness Istredd and Yennefer having a private moment and the sorcerer tries to undermine Geralt. Geralt asks Yennefer about Istreddd, but they’re interrupted by the Melange. Geralt and Yennefer dance with the other sorcerers and sorceresses, holding fleeting conversations that reveal their alliances and motives. As the Melange ends, Geralt and Istredd break out into a fist fight over Yennefer. When Geralt calls for a truce, the mage Artuad topples over. At the end of the ball, Tissaia toasts peace among the northern mages as well as Yennefer, for her efforts in coordinating the conclave.
Yennefer and Geralt continue to make love throughout the evening. We return to the start of the ball, from new perspectives:
Geralt and Yen discuss the realities of confronting Stregobor at the conclave. Sabrina confirms that Dijkstra is keeping an eye on the witcher. Philippa propositions Geralt, and also breaks the news of Codringher and Fenn’s deaths. Dijkstra warns Geralt of the upcoming war against Nilfgaard, but the witcher is distracted by Stregobor’s aggressive behavior across the room and leaves the conversation abruptly. During their private conversation, Istredd and Triss tell Yen about the Book of Monoliths. Geralt and Yennefer agree to make a distraction so she can steal the book. It’s revealed that Geralt and Istredd’s theatrical fight was the distraction for Stregobor. Yennefer sneaks into Stregobor’s office, but a magical alarm alerts him and he hurries to his office. In the cabinet, Yennefer finds lists of and artifacts from half-elven Aretuza novices. Stregobor catches Yennefer, but Geralt interrupts. Yennefer, Triss, and Geralt accuse Stregobor of kidnapping novices, experimenting on them, and attempting to kill Yennefer through the corrupted portal. Istredd finds the Book of Monoliths in the back of the cupboard. The Brotherhood elders plan to place Stregobor on trial after the conclave. Tissaia takes the book and the rest return to the ball. Yennefer picks up Tissaia’s forgotten bracelet.
After Tissaia’s toast, Geralt tells Yen “I love you“ for the first time. It’s the first time he’s ever said it out loud.
Back in their room, Yennefer shares that she can’t get Philippa out of her head… the sorceress had tried to convince Yennefer to join her side and leave the Brotherhood behind. Conversely, Vilegortz tried to coerce the witcher onto his side of the upcoming battle, but the witcher rejected him.
As morning breaks, Geralt and Yennefer start to put the pieces together… the scarlet ammomite from Tissaia and Lydia’s jewelry can be found in the mines of West Redania, where Geralt discovered the mutated novices. Lydia is in love with Vilgefortz. The corrupt portal took Yennefer to the site of the first landing, the subject of Vilgefortz’s favorite painting. They suddenly realize Vilgefortz, not Stregobor, is their real target.
Geralt leaves room as violent shouts are heard in Aretuza. Geralt is ambushed by Dijkstra, who puts a knife to the witcher’s throat claiming he should have chosen a side,
Transcript to come.
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 Sherry Guo with music by Alex Berner.
Breakfast in Beauclair is produced by Alyssa in New York City with Katie (The Redhead of Toussaint), 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, and Lisa C.
Special thanks to Bo and Elora for joining us for this episode and our international hanza for their support.
Transcriptionist: Charlie Lim
Editor: John Matthew Sarong, Krizia Marrie Casil