His Dark Materials season two was certainly a success with HBO and the BBC, and it’s recently been confirmed that season three will be starting production very soon. With the last of the novels set to be developed, it’s always useful to look back on what has already happened in Lyra’s story.
Her journey has been anything but straightforward, and season two culminated in a number of surprising and shocking moments. With some huge deaths, some major plot points, and some brilliant twists and turns, there was no telling where the show would go next—asides from reading the books, of course. Needless to say, His Dark Materials had plenty of viewers on the edge of their seats after the questions raised by season one!
Losing The Alethiometer
The Alethiometer is one of Lyra’s most prized possessions. The young adventurer has the amazing ability to be able to read this golden compass, while so many others struggle to grasp what it is really trying to say. It answers many of Lyra’s questions with the absolute truth.
Of course, this has become a key part of her character, so, when it was stolen from her it, was a pretty significant moment. With Carlo Boreal taking the Alethiometer from her, Lyra and Will eventually managed to steal it back. Of course, this led to another shocking moment for Carlo when he brought Mrs. Coulter into the mix, who ultimately poisoned him.
The Murder Of The Cardinal
One of the peculiar things about the fantasy world of His Dark Materials is that it is governed by an ancient Magisterium who use a corrupted version of religion to rule over all of civilization. At the head of the table is the Cardinal.
However, in order to gain what she really needs—that being her freedom—Mrs. Coulter murders the Cardinal. This is an act of treason and heresy, but it’s covered up when an ally is put in the role. Father MacPhail took on the position instead, proving to be a bloodthirsty leader.
Lord Asriel’s Return
Lord Asriel has been taken from page to screen by the fantastic James McAvoy. The character had not appeared at all in season two after going into another reality thanks to the huge crack he opened up in the sky. It seems he has been preparing for war.
Building himself an army, Lord Asriel makes a surprising return right at the end of season two to look for new allies. He is hellbent on breaking up the Magisterium and bringing about a new freedom for the world, and he’ll stop at nothing to achieve that.
Attack On The Witches
The new Cardinal demonstrated just how dangerous and perhaps mad he really is when he launched an attack on the homes of the witches. This, in turn, resulted in a devastating assault on the Magisterium’s armies thanks to a few powerful sorcerers.
The stakes are certainly starting to rise, and perhaps only the books can tell how this conflict will be resolved right now. The witches have lost so much though, forcing them to fight alongside Asriel when the time comes.
Scoresby’s Sacrifice
Categorically the most heartbreaking moment of the show’s second season was the courageous and heroic death of Lee Scoresby. Protecting Lyra until his very last breath, he knew he had a task to complete, and he did everything he could to secure the future of his reality.
He knows Lyra was the key to that hopeful future, and, while he may have died in a hopeless situation, his sacrifice will surely be one of the most significant moments in Lyra’s path to success. A beautiful performance managed to make this moment all the more cruel.
The Blade’s Choice
The Subtle Knife is one of the most extraordinary weapons in all of reality. It’s capable of cutting absolutely anything, and the blade is so sharp that it is able to create tears in the fabric of reality itself. This was a shocking discovery without naming a wielder.
But, when the blade chose Will Parry as the person who would be worthy enough to use such a knife, audiences were definitely shocked. Will always had a larger role to play, but, with this one decision, he became perhaps the key to saving reality from the chaos ahead.
A Voice From The Past
As season two was drawing to a close and the credits started to roll, a familiar voice suddenly came back to viewers, as if season one had accidentally started playing again. This was no accident. The seemingly ghostly spirit of Roger had returned.
The friendship between Lyra and Roger was one of the reasons to watch the show’s first season. His death was a significant and shocking moment in its own right, so it is even more curious that he may return to the world somehow—perhaps this is Asriel’s doing once more.
Lyra’s Capture
One of the greatest elements of this show is the performance given by Ruth Wilson as Mrs. Coulter. Maniacal, intelligent, cruel, and cunning, this is a character unlike any other on-screen. It’s difficult to find a show that will match His Dark Materials when it comes to a villain like this.
The end of season two sees Mrs. Coulter in full force. Her use of the terrifying ghouls that haunt an alternate reality means that she can do anything she wishes. She captures Lyra, putting her future in question as Will is dealing with his own tragedy elsewhere.
John Parry’s Death
John Parry was a military man and a good father before he found himself investigating the possibility of other worlds. He left everything he knew behind in search of answers to some of the biggest questions in the universe.
He became a shaman, a talented explorer, and even gained his own Daemon. His whole mission was ultimately leading to a reunion with his son Will, though. John would give his life for Will’s protection, knowing that the future was safe in his son’s hands, with the Subtle Knife.
Biblical Reveals
Season one of the show certainly brought in many religious elements, but season two weighed down heavy with biblical comparisons. With dust actually linking to angels in the universe and Lyra’s supposedly carrying with her an alternate name, Eve, it’s clear that the bible is a huge influence on His Dark Materials.
It’s unclear how this will tie together the events of the show, but there are certainly some interesting themes being explored here, as the series tries to answer whether there really is a higher power. How will these angels come to impact Lyra and ultimately play into Asriel’s mission, though?
