I hear you. And we debated this intensely. Here's our rationale: to adapt the short stories that were important to world-building, and then to sequentially adapt Geralt and Ciri's multiple meetings in SoD meant that we wouldn't introduce Ciri until (at the earliest) season two.
Which makes sense, if you're a fan of the original books. That's how it's done, and it's beautiful! But for the purpose of television adaptation: if viewers are investing solely in Geralt for S1, and then get introduced to Yennefer, and several seasons later meet Ciri --
-- it's potentially confusing to say: forget monster-hunting. Take the last two-three years of what you've been watching, and tuck it away. Because that little girl you've only just met? SHE is the key to this whole universe, and will be the center of almost every story to come.
We lost some magical moments, which is why I'm SO excited that people are finding the books, to appreciate Sapkowski's stories in all their glorious detail. I also know that we've set the chess board in the best way for future stories to unfold, and to keep tv audiences engaged.
As writers, we understand that -- even when given rationale -- fans may not agree with the changes we made. And that's fine! We had to make hard choices, and we didn't get them right every time. But it's important to me that fans know those choices weren't made lightly. Ever. ❤️
