His Dark Material is a TV adaptation of Philip Pullman's trilogy. Most people have seen the 2007 film adaptation called The Golden Compass but now we are getting a reboot which we will hopefully get to see the ending of our character's journeys. Episode One first aired on BBC1 and HBO on Sunday.
We follow Lyra Belacqua, an orphan who goes on a journey. This story is set in an alternative universe which is similar to our own but there are vast differences, in particular every person has a daemon which represents their inner essences, these are seen in a range of different animals and insects that is connect to them. These daemons are also considered to be our souls but these characters get a physical embodiment whereas we don’t see our souls, assuming we have them. The overall plot to this series is that Lyra played by Dafne Keen, goes on a journey from Oxford to the frozen north, with the aim to rescue her friend Roger from child-snatchers. However, she becomes involved in a bigger mystery involving her explorer uncle Asriel (James McAvoy) and his discovery of particles known as Dust and the possibility of parallel worlds that the Magisterium try to keep hidden. This series covers the first book, Northern Lights. A second series has already been commissioned and that will cover, The Subtle Knife.
In this first episode we cover the abduction of the Gyptain child Billy, and we see his people, including his family, set off up the river to find him. The Master of Jordan collage attempts to poison Lord Ariel. Lyra discovers Dust but isn’t completely certain what is it, she is also abandoned again by her Uncle. In this episode, Lyra acquires the all-important alethiometer, which we all know is a valuable part of Lyra and her story. Mrs Coulter (Ruth Wilson) arrives into Lyra's life and Lyra accepts an invitation to become her assistant. At the end of this episode, Lyra and Coulter board an airship destined for London, where Coulter promises to find missing Roger.
A lot happens in this first episode however that means that as viewer we are constantly engaged in what is happening and intrigued about what is going to happen next. If you have watched, The Golden Compass, then this first episode doesn’t tell anything new but for a new audience it is a great introduction into this world. Jack Thorne was the one in charge in adapting Pullman's books for the small screen.
The acting is amazing in this first episode and the daemons are seamlessly integrated into this world. With that being said in wide shots with crowds of people the daemons seem lost yet in the books they are extremely prominent so we expect them to have a bigger effect when they are on our screen. Overall, the acting can't be faulted but at times Lyra becomes more annoying than rebellious and it feels as if we have already lost of the innocence of this character before we get a chance to see it. With that being said, Keen does a fantastic job and it feels as if her performances are going to get better as the series continues.
There have been concerns that these episodes might be too dark and unsuitable for children, however I think this show can be enjoyed by all. There will be dark elements yet the world we live in becoming a darker place and children will enjoy the idea of having a talking animal as company wherever you go in life. There is a lot to love in these episodes and the first epsidoe looks like this series is off to a promising start.
His Dark Materials Episode One is a great introduction into this parallel world and the imagination of Pullman’s work. The opening titles give off Game of Thrones vibes with how they are presented and the music that accompanies it. Quite a lot happens in this first episode, which can be seen as too much information to receive in the first episode if you aren’t used to the world. However, on a positive note by some much being introduced we are placed straight into the heart of the action and we learn about everything that we will be dealing with throughout the next seven episodes in particular and what we will discover overall in all the series that are planned so far. Episode One is shot and edited beautifully, everything seems perfect. The daemons could have a larger presence at times but they will most likely make more of an impact in the next few episodes as the journey properly begins.
