The first scene of the newest season of The Witcher, debuting on Netflix Oct. 30, goes back to the beginning. All the way back—to the very first scene of the very first episode: that memorable fight sequence between broad-shouldered,

There was no way Cavill's Geralt was about to return in season four as a new man, only bearing the same old injuries, without the series addressing it. The fandom wouldn't allow it. So how, in fact, does The Witcher's fourth season deal with this huge recasting? Well allow us to tell you.

The Witcher Season 4 ends with Geralt and his friends helping a bunch of Northern soldiers defeat Nilfgaardian troops. To honor his heroism, Queen Meve (Rebecca Hanssen) knights our guy Sir Geralt of Rivia. However, this gift soon becomes a curse as Meve adds that Geralt must serve her and only her for the rest of his life. Geralt says, “Fuck.”

Geralt of Rivia rises again in the season 4 premiere of The Witcher. Read our full spoiler recap and review to get the most out of your return to the Continent.

By the time the Season 4 finale “Baptism of Fire” arrives, that transformation is complete. Geralt realizes his childhood dream only to find it hollow. Ciri loses the last of her innocence. Yennefer stands among the ashes of Montecalvo, gathers what remains of a broken order, then walks into a storm to face the man who destroyed it.

The Witcher season 4 had a number of expectations attached to it after the recasting of its lead star, and the uneven ending to season 3 didn’t exactly leave fans with the best impression. Despite those hurdles,

Geralt and Ciri undergo immense trials that will change them forever in the bloodsoaked season 4 finale of The Witcher.