In recent years, readers of speculative fiction have experienced an abundance of book-to-media adaptations of popular book(s) series such as The Expanse, The Wheel of Time, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, The Sandman, and Paper Girls. While the lasting of these shows range from “completed” to “renewed” to “canceled,” it cannot be denied that each show has maintained A LOT of the source material—the books—so the fans of the books can enjoy these shows in tandem with the other viewers. Yet, as many of us know now, neither “faithful” adaptations nor “altered” ones equate to a “good” TV show. So far, fans of His Dark Materials—both the books and the mini-series—have watched an excellent adaptation as seen in seasons one and two. And season three of the show delivered an epic and an amazing conclusion to this series.
It should be mentioned that due to the pandemic, there was a gap in between filming seasons two and three. Hence, the child actors look older because they were older when production of this series resumed. Season three of His Dark Materials follows The Amber Spyglass, the third and final book in the trilogy by Philip Pullman, and it begins sometime after the events at the end of season two.
Lyra Silvertongue and Will Parry are separated from each other; the latter searches for the former across the worlds. Lord Asriel sets up camp and gathers allies for his army to fight The Authority. Mrs. Coulter races against The Magisterium because of a prophecy. Dr. Mary Malone continues her quest to fulfill the role assigned to her.
A lot happens in season three; and, given the length of The Amber Spyglass, it was safe to speculate that each of the eight episodes would be crammed with the climax and the conclusion of the character arcs. Not only was the content of the third book adapted and altered when it was necessary, but also the presentation of all of the characters arcs and plots had the right amount of screen time, so viewers didn’t get lost in the narrative while watching the falling action and the denouncement of the series.
Season three saw the return of the cast from the first two seasons, with a few new cast members playing pivotal characters. Also, James McAvoy is back as Lord Asriel—whose role in season two was limited due to both his lack of appearance in The Subtle Knife and the pandemic causing his episode to get canceled—and his performance alongside Ruth Wilson as Mrs. Coulter demonstrates some of the best acting in this season. Yet, viewers cannot forget Dafne Keen, Amir Wilson, and Simone Kirby’s performances as Lyra Silvertongue, Will Parry, and Dr. Mary Malone respectively, as they portray these protagonists as they are presented directly from the book. In addition, a few actors returned to play characters who make “pivotal” appearances in this series. Once again, the cast performed their characters as they needed to base on the books.
The pacing in this season is quick because the climax, which is Lord Asriel’s war, is the battle viewers have been waiting to happen. However, readers will recall Lyra is supposed to fulfill a prophecy; which, coincidentally, could provide Lord Asriel with an advantage in the war. The storylines of both Lord Asriel, and Lyra and Will do capture the audience’s attention. Yet, it is Mrs. Coulter’s narrative who reminds everyone that another threat still exists, and that threat will do anything to stop both Lord Asriel and Lyra from fulfilling their destinies. All of these storylines keep the pacing from slowing down.
Season three is the culmination of all of the storylines and the plots. Lord Asriel’s research and efforts have led to his Republic of Heaven. Mrs. Coulter continues to defy The Magisterium for her own reasons—some of them are understandable. Lyra and Will have a new mission to help their loved ones, which will lead them to a world where the living do not enter, or leave. Dr. Mary Malone continues with the task given to her by the Angels. However, her quest leads her to a dying world. A world where Dust is its essence. The Magisterium continues to fight adversaries so they can maintain power and control over everyone else. The Witches continue to play their part in everything that is to come. Keep an eye out for allies both new and old as all of what you have forgotten about from the first two seasons sneak up on our characters as the final battle draws the ending closer to us.
Viewers will appreciate the dedication of the studio, the cast, and the crew for completing season three during Covid restrictions. Fans and readers will be grateful for not only season three getting completed, but also presenting an excellent adaptation of the third book in the trilogy. On a serious note, fans of the books are relieved this media adaptation was well done with the ending sticking its landing (which is based on the book).
Overall, season three of His Dark Materials delivers as the final season of the entire series. It maintains the pacing, the character dynamics, and the plot as in the first two seasons. The pandemic did not affect the work of the cast and the crew as they delivered a mighty ending, which matches the ending in the books. Fantasy fans can add His Dark Materials to their list of “Must See Fantasy Shows!” They will not be disappointed!
Julia Kitvaria Sarene
Jennie Ivins