His Dark Materials: Season 1 – Review

Philip Pullman’s genius

If you read Philip Pullman’s incredible and controversial trilogy, you will know what the HBO series is about.

If you have not, let me fill you in. In Pullman’s world, humans are accompanied by their outer-body souls (called Dæmons). Two main characters – Lyra and Will – travel through different words, uncovering sinister plots and dangerous secrets. You should expect a captivating fantasy world filled with witches, armored polar bears, science, theology, and philosophy.

Pullman’s books are not quite as anti-religious as some have suggested. For me, they are more about his treatment of organized religion. Pullman is opposed to the excessive institutionalization, known in the series as the Magisterium.

His Dark Materials (Season 1) Story Summary

Let me tell you upfront: the series is far better than the now-infamous “The Golden Compass” (2007) directed by Chris Weitz, and starring Dakota Blue Richard (Lyra), Nicole Kidman (Mrs. Coulter), and Daniel Craig (Lord Asriel).

HBO did an excellent job of creating an astonishing adventure. The series does not feel as rushed as the movie – in Season 1, you will enjoy eight 50–60-minute episodes.

The atmosphere created in the series is much closer to Pullman’s books – it is dark and foreboding. The setting and costumes have a contemporary look, but also maintain a “steampunk” feel that you can imagine while reading the books.

In addition, the plot of Season 1 stays faithful to the first book. HBO did not try to rewrite the plot in adapting the series to television, meaning that fans of the books will be able to follow along very easily. This kind of decision is refreshing, as too often screenwriters will try to add their own plot twists.

The actors’ work is refreshingly good – Ruth Wilson is my kind of Mrs. Coulter, ruthless and cruel, while Dafne Keen (Lyra) is bold, brave, and rebellious.

Overall thoughts on HBO’s His Dark Materials: Season 1

I would highly recommend this worth-watching series. I am looking forward to watching Season 2 next, which came out in November 2020.

Release Date: November 3, 2019

TV Parental Guidelines: TV-14

Genre: Drama

Streaming Platform: HBO Max