payn
Glory to Marik
I think comparing similar series across streamers is good for this power discussion. Each platform seems to have chosen a certain release schedule. Netflix dump at once, and Prime launch with a block, and then proceed to weekly release. Seems Prime is aiming for some happy medium between the dump and traditional weekly release.I was trying to work out why Witcher landed so much better than Wheel of Time cinematically. Both big budgets, talented actors etc. I don’t think it comes down to ironed clothing. That seems a trivial reason not to like something. Particularly hard when I so wanted to love the show.
The main reason I can think of is how The Witcher indulgently revels in every moment of the books. slowly exploring characters and themes adding details and expanding the world as it seems appropriate.
Whereas Wheel of Time feels like it’s rushing to get where it’s going. Trying to get through the books as quickly as possible. It’s not a surprise for me that my favorite episode in the series was largely about something not detailed in the books (the stilling of Logain).
I’m hoping that with Season 2 and that headlong run out of the way the series can slow down and try and enjoy things some more.
There is something I have noticed with Prime content over numerous series. A certain cycle, writing style, pace mechanism, etc.. I have come to call it the "Prime Template". How it works is you get three episodes to launch the season of the show. Often, this is the best content you are going to get all season. This block sets in motion the entire plot of the season like a traditional first act. Next you get these weekly releases that are what I can best describe as wheel spinning. The characters ask themselves the same questions over and over without any real resolution. Things happen, but they are so minor that you feel like you are inching towards the finish line instead of building up to a great finish. Worst part about this, the writing isn't worth waiting week to week, unlike prestige programs like those on HBO, Showtime, Starz, etc.. Finally, you are treated to a rapid fire resolution finale that has to wrap up an entire season of conflict and set up the next season of the series. It's just so much that if you blink you miss it in the 45-60 min they have left themselves for all this heavy lifting.
I have noticed this across many Prime offerings. The Expanse was pushed into this format, Wheel of Time, The Peripheral, and especially The Boys. It is even more apparent after I saw Reacher. This series was actually produced by another company and Prime merely got the streaming rights. It's one of few offerings that doesn't slide into the template. ROP probably does too, im not sure because like most folks I didn't finish it.
What does this have to do with Witcher vs WoT? Presentation is much better with The Witcher. It's simply written better episode to episode. It's not bogged down by any release template. Even if it was, it would view better episode to episode than WoT. Also, The Witcher hits a homerun in the action/comedy/fantasy recipe. This is the kind of thing Hercules and Xena were attempting in the 90s, but not bogged down by low budget. WoT takes itself too seriously, and there really is only room for one LotR. Even LotR only has room for the original story as the lack of interest in ROP seems to suggest. Too derivative, without any of its own charm. That's my take both on the content itself, and the how the streamers produce them.