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Netflix's The Rats: A Franchise Meltdown
10 Dec
Summary
- The Witcher's new spin-off received a 19% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Production was trimmed from a full series to a movie mid-process.
- The story focuses on minor characters, making stakes predictable for viewers.
Netflix's new Witcher spin-off, The Rats: A Witcher Tale, has arrived quietly, reflecting a significant decline for the once-popular franchise. The series' latest installment struggles to capture audience interest, evidenced by a low Rotten Tomatoes audience score of 19%. This score places it near the franchise's lowest point, highlighting a concerning downward trajectory for The Witcher universe on the streaming platform.
The production of The Rats: A Witcher Tale itself faced challenges, reportedly being cut down from a full series into a movie mid-development. This decision suggests a wavering confidence from the studio. The narrative centers on a group of thieves and their heist, which also serves to introduce the brutal character Leo Bonhart. However, focusing on minor characters already seen in the main series diminishes the perceived stakes for the audience.
During its peak popularity, such a side project might have succeeded on fan enthusiasm alone. Yet, in its current state, with declining audience scores and diminished confidence, The Rats: A Witcher Tale serves as a stark reminder of the franchise's fading impact. The series' struggles point to broader issues within the once-mighty Witcher world.
