The first episode was great. The adventure continues tonight...
The Golden whaaa'?
After an extremely strong opening episode of His Dark Materials that introduced us to all the main players and portrayed Jordan College in all of its opulent and threatening beauty, the hands of time have stared to turn on the adventures of Lyra Belacqua.
That opening episode almost made us forget all about the horrific film adaptation, The Golden Compass.
As fans of Phillip Pullman's series will know, the scope of the books is incredibly ambitious and the eight-part adaptation has started very well.
James McAvoy's performance as Lyra's uncle, Lord Asriel, had the right balance of manic ambivalence, roguish adventure, and protective gaze.
Elsewhere, the concept and nervous-mystery surrounding Dust was deftly handled by the scholars at Jordan College and the daemons, while not too prevalent in some scenes, do look believable - an important point given their significance to the story.
The acting – especially Dafne Keen as Lyra, and Ruth Wilson as the seriously glam/unspeakably sinister Mrs Coulter – is right on point too.
All things considered, the alethiometer is pointing to a solid first season, an adaptation of the first book in the trilogy, Northern Lights, but the pace is about to pick up.
At present, Lyra and Mrs Coulter are headed to London to investigate the disappearance of Lyra's friend Roger. However, the Gyptians are also on their way to the capital as they aim to unravel the mysterious disappearances these children too.
Mrs Coulter made a strong impression on the adventurous Lyra in Jordan College, but it appears that the suppressive force of The Magisterium is about to make itself known.
The official synopsis states, "Lyra starts her new life in London, determined to find Roger with Mrs Coulter’s help. The Gyptians continue their search for the missing children and the elusive Gobblers."
All signs point to Svalbard. We can't wait.
His Dark Materials continues tonight on BBC1 at 20:00.
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