With the trailer for the third and final season of His Dark Materials having recently dropped, many fans are excited to see what is in store for Lyra and Will. According to Amir Wilson, who plays Will Parry, he admitted the upcoming season “is a lot darker, a lot sadder, and definitely more emotional” (via RadioTimes), with all the questions and mysteries in season 1 or 2 getting resolved.
While the writers are likely going to look to Phillip Pullman’s novels for inspiration to give the series the epic sendoff it deserves, fans are hoping that they can keep things unpredictable and fresh. After all, the writers have already made some drastic changes, with the users of Reddit have pointed out the ones they find to be the best.
The Ending Of The First Season
James McAvoy has been in many great movies, and he brings considerable power to the role of Lord Asriel, one of the series’ most compelling characters. In fact, his role in the ending, in which he severs a young boy from his spirit (called a dæmon in this world), is one of the most haunting.
As Chilis1 points out, “The way Asriel pushed down the blade was so powerful.” Indeed, his willingness to do so shows just how ruthless he can be in his pursuit of what he believes to be the right thing.
Mrs. Coulter Is More Interesting
Like James McAvoy, Ruth Wilson has been in many great roles. In this series, she plays Mrs. Coulter, who is one of the best villains in fantasy. Chilis1 aptly observes that “Mrs Coulter being far more interesting” is one of the best changes the show has made to the books.
The show gives the viewer a great deal more insight into her motivations and origins than the books do, with the result that she is at least a little bit more sympathetic than she might otherwise be.
An Expanded Role For Lord Boreal
The mark of all of the great fantasy series is the inclusion of more than one villainous source. In His Dark Materials, Lord Boreal is another sinister figure, someone who can cross through worlds on his own mission for the Magisterium.
LockedOutOfElfland argues that “Showing Lord Boreal traveling between the worlds and giving a clearer idea of his collection of Our-World artifacts” was a significant change to the series that worked. Indeed, in the books, he is an old man, but the series makes him much more dynamic and sinister.
The Addition Of The Scene Between Coulter And Scoresby
Although he is well-known for his musicals and for his songs, Lin-Manuel Miranda makes a memorable appearance in the series as Lee Scoresby, an adventurer from the US. According to this Redditor “Addition of the scene between Scoresby and Coulter, showing the torture, and how they have something in common,” is one of the better changes to the series.
It’s easy to see why, as it allows these two people, seemingly enemies, to recognize that more binds them together than either might like to admit.
The Fleshing Out Of The Magisterium
Fantasy as a genre is full of powerful and mysterious organizations and corporations, many of which wield extraordinary power. In this series, the most powerful group is the Magisterium, which seeks to dominate all people under their theocratic system.
This Redditor appreciates the “addition of Magisterium story, how they are dealing with all of that, how they are evil.” Indeed, some of the series’ most powerful scenes involve the members of the Magisterium as they try to destroy Lyra and Will before they fulfill their destinies.
The Addition Of Will’s Grandparents
Very often in the fantasy genre, there is the figure of ‘the chosen one,’ and His Dark Materials is no exception. In fact, both Lyra and Will fill this role, and thus it is especially valuable that the series gives the viewer more insight into their lives and their families.
This Redditor approves of the “addition of the portion with Will’s grandparents.” The inclusion of this storyline helps to add weight to his life in his old world, and it shows just how complicated his life really is.
Seeing Mary Malone’s Family
Mary Malone is another great character from the series, and she is also one of His Dark Materials’ most intelligent. There are several notable changes to her characterization in the series.
LockedOutOfElfland, for example, notes: “Seeing Mary Malone’s family (who I didn’t remember appearing at all in the books?) was a nice touch.” As was the case with Will, getting to know members of her family, even if just for a few moments, adds another layer of complexity to her already fascinating character.
Incorporating Elements Of The Book Of Dust
In addition to the original trilogy of books, Pullman has embarked on another series, a mix of sequel and prequel that helps to add texture to his world. LockedOutOfElfland remarks “Incorporating aspects from The Book of Dust,” was a good change. They go on to say “The TV series really neatly ties the two-book series together in its own way.”
The HBO series excels at being able to seamlessly blend the various elements of Pullman’s mythology into a compelling and coherent whole.
The Changed Dynamic Between Lyra And Will
The relationship between Will and Lyra is one of the most important in both the shows and in the books. However, the series does make some changes in their dynamic.
One Reddit user remarks: “My favorite change is Lyra and Will’s relationship, it seemed like an annoying little sister/cousin older brother/cousin relationship in the book. They got along better in the show.” Given that these two characters will continue to have their fates intertwined, this is a change that works best for their future development.
The More Connected Nature Of The Story
In the books, the actions taken by the various characters can at times feel disconnected, given that rarely does one character know what others are doing. Fortunately, one of the strengths of a television series is its ability to convey things in a more connected fashion than a book can.
FearlessThorn claims that the decision to have Lord Boreal pursue John Parry, in particular, helped the drama. “It keeps things interconnected which I like.”
